DESE Report Shows Progress In New Bedford Schools

The latest accountability numbers, compiled by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education show some improvement in New Bedford Schools.  The numbers come from the latest round of PARCC testing.

Two new schools, Casimir Pulaski and William Taylor schools have joined the Jirah Swift school as level one schools in the Whaling City. Superintendent Dr. Pia Durkin tells WBSM News, a total of 16 schools showed improvement.

"We're pleased to see those gains, even if its one percentile, we definitely want more, but its about going in the right direction. It's a validation of the hard work from our teachers and principals," said Durkin

New Bedford High School and Parker Elementary are both turnaround schools and their status did not change. But Durkin says something needs to be done at Hayden McFadden, which remains a level four school for the fourth year in a row.

"Hay-Mac is at a place which requires a reset. I've had extensive discussions about Hay-Mac over the past couple of weeks. We simply cannot keep doing what we're doing."

Durkin says she plans an announcement soon to address low educational attainment at the Hayden-McFadden School.