Massachusetts Schools

    Massachusetts schools are ranked third in the nation in terms of student achievement, personal attention from teachers, and positive outcomes from implemented changes. In 2006, class sizes averaged 13.6 students per teacher, and the state spent over $10,000 per student. The entire budget for Massachusetts schools in the 2006 fiscal year was over $3.7 billion.

Massachusetts students ranked first in the nation in Math SAT scores in 2006. However, the state’s 14 year trend of rising SAT scores was broken when the overall state score dropped a total of 10 points. Massachusetts students scored very well on the new writing portion of the SATs and their average is still well above the national average.

Some Massachusetts students—particularly those in Suffolk County—are also blessed with extra days off during the school year. The state of Massachusetts celebrates Patriots’ Day in April, and Suffolk County residents also celebrate Evacuation Day in March, and Bunker Hill Day in June.

In terms of the national No Child Left Behind act of 2001, Massachusetts is doing well. In the 2006 MCAS standardized tests, 75% of students scored at or above their grade level. Massachusetts has yet to publish its annual “Adequate Yearly Progress” report, a public report card for the state, districts, and schools, so the public can see how schools are doing. The 2006 AYP is scheduled to be released in Late September, 2006. The public is able to view the AYP report at the state’s Department of Education website at http://www.doe.mass.edu.