Last modified: Wednesday, September 26, 2007 1:11 AM EDT Grades up for city's schools BY RICK FOSTER SUN CHRONICLE STAFF ATTLEBORO - Four of five city schools that failed to meet state improvement goals last year scored major improvements on this spring's MCAS tests, and could be removed from a federal "watch list" if they continue the turnaround next year. Studley, Willett and Thacher elementary schools and Wamsutta Middle School, which failed to meet annual yearly improvement goals the past two years, met prescribed targets on tests administered this spring. However, Coelho Middle School, which failed to meet goals for math subgroups three years in a row, could become a candidate for "corrective action" under the state's education reform if math scores do not improve next year. And, Attleboro High School, which continued to meet all achievement targets, fell short of a new state requirement specifying a minimum standard for the percentage of students who graduate within four years. Hill-Roberts Elementary, which failed to meet annual progress goals for the first time, would only be placed on the watch list if it fails to achieve benchmarks again next year. Hyman Fine Elementary and Brennan Middle School were judged to have met yearly progress goals, as was the school system ovrall. The results, based on an average of students' scores on the MCAS, were announced at Tuesday's school committee meeting. "We have made significant progress, but we are not yet there," said Superintendent Pia Durkin, who added that school principals will meet with their teaching staffs today to go over the scores. Durkin, who earlier this month unveiled her "whatever it takes" prescription for improving student performance, said educators are determined to "look in the mirror" to ensure their methods are helping every child to learn each day. This year's annual yearly progress measurements showed improvements in almost all areas and grade levels, especially in grades 3-5 and 9-12 math and grades 9-12 English language arts. All elementary schools showed improvements in both English and math, except for Hill Roberts, which suffered a decline. Student subgroups, such as special needs and low income students, made major strides in several schools, with climbing math and English scores in all but two schools. The high school fell short on a measure of its graduation rate used for the first time this year. The minimum standard is that 55 percent of all students graduate within four years. Although the high school's 71 percent overall graduation rate far exceeds the minimum, schools must also meet that minimum percentage in each student subgroup, including special needs. According to school department figures, only 42 percent of special education students and half of those in the low income grouping graduate within four years. Coelho, although it currently is only on the watch list, could be designated for "corrective action" if it does not improve performance on math tests within certain student subgroups next year. Corrective action could mean tighter state supervision and other consequences. Durkin told the school committee Tuesday night that deeper study of the test results, specifying best practices for teaching and staying focused on "rigorous learning" will be required to continue the turnaround in yearly progress and to reverse isolated declines.