The 2017 MCAS scores released Wednesday boosted Wareham High School’s state assigned status from Level 3 to Level 2, showing a marked improvement in students’ academic performance.

Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Shaver-Hood said the progress was an indication of district wide efforts over the last couple years, including a change in the mathematics curriculum and an increased focus on literacy.

“We’re thrilled,” said Shaver-Hood. “We have some outstanding educators that are being allowed to address the needs of all our students.”

In 2015, poor scores on the standardized test dropped the school from a Level 1 to a Level 3, which placed Wareham in the lowest performing 20 percent of public schools.

By earning Level 2 status, the school is still not quite meeting its proficiency goals; however, it is much closer to scoring a 75 in performance and progress amongst all students, and a 75 amongst high-needs students. Once the school reaches that benchmark it will regain its Level 1 status.

“While we haven’t met that standard yet we’re encouraged by the progress and know we are going to achieve our goals,” said Shaver-Hood. “We believe we’re on the right track.”

Spring 2017 MCAS scores show that all students scored a 69 and high-needs students scored a 71 in performance and progress.

Shaver-Hood explained that the scores indicate students’ progress “year to year and test to test” and is used to measure strides the district is or isn’t making regarding academics.

Of all the district’s schools, Wareham High where students still took the traditional MCAS test. Students in grades three through eight all took a revamped MCAS, called the Next Generation test, which has more rigorous standards.

Because this is the first year the Next Generation test was issued, other district schools were not assigned a level rating.

She credited faculty and staff as well for the overall improvement at the high school

“I have to give thanks to the students, teachers and administrators,” she said. “This is the result of everyone working together and we appreciate their efforts.”

To see the complete list of test results, click this link.