Spring 2026 MCAS Results: Progress and Priorities

John J. Cabral Superintendent of Schools Christopher Baratta Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Kevin Almeida Director of Finance	TAUNTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS 215 Harris Street, Taunton, Massachusetts 02780 Tel (508) 821-1201 Fax (508) 821-1177	Stephanie Hoye Director of Student Services & Transportation Amy Moynihan Director of Special Education Shannon Turner Director of Human Resources
Academic excellence for every student, in every classroom, in every school

Dear Caregivers,

Massachusetts recently released the spring 2026 MCAS results and reports on school progress. Taunton’s results show meaningful improvements at several schools, along with areas needing greater attention. We want to explain what these results mean and where improvement is needed.

MCAS measures students’ learning in English language arts, mathematics, and science. We review these results alongside classroom work, teacher observations, and other assessments to understand students’ strengths and where additional help is needed.

Understanding the results

We look at both average scores, which summarize performance across the tested group, and the percentage of students meeting expectations, which shows how many reached the required score. “Meeting expectations” means meeting the state’s expectations for learning at that grade level.

Across grades 3–8, 29% of Taunton students met or exceeded expectations in English language arts, compared with 30% last year. In mathematics, 23% met or exceeded expectations, unchanged from last year.

Across these grades, average mathematics scores improved modestly, but the improvement was not enough to increase the percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations. Students in the state’s lowest-performing group also exceeded their mathematics improvement goal.

Statewide, 40% of students in grades 3–8 met or exceeded expectations in English language arts, and 41% did so in mathematics. Taunton’s percentages remain below those levels, with many other urban and Gateway community districts facing similar gaps. These results show a need for improvement across Massachusetts. In Taunton, helping more students meet grade-level expectations remains a district priority.

In Grade 10 English language arts, both the average score and the percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations declined. In Grade 10 mathematics, average scores improved, although the percentage meeting or exceeding expectations decreased. Science results also showed areas needing improvement.

MCAS is no longer a statewide graduation requirement, but the state continues to use Grade 10 results to evaluate schools. This change in the test’s role is important context as we review high school results.

Recognizing progress

Harold H. Galligan Elementary School, James L. Mulcahey Elementary School, and East Taunton Elementary School made substantial progress toward their state improvement goals. These goals consider academic results, student progress, attendance, and progress in learning English.

Galligan and Mulcahey improved in English language arts and mathematics, while East Taunton improved in mathematics. Galligan also earned the state’s School of Recognition designation, which honors schools for progress toward improvement goals, particularly in English language arts and mathematics.

We also congratulate the 15 Taunton students who earned a perfect score on at least one spring 2026 MCAS test.

We are reviewing where instruction and support need strengthening. Current supports include one-to-one reading tutoring through Ignite Reading and small-group reading and mathematics instruction. Learn more about our broader work on the District Goals and Priorities page on our website.

Individual results and next steps

In the coming days, caregivers of students who took spring 2026 MCAS will receive two separate secure-document messages in ParentSquare: one with their student’s score report and another with a registration code and instructions for the MCAS Family Portal. Principals will share school-specific results and priorities in the coming weeks.

Please share questions and observations about your student’s learning with your student’s teacher or school counselor. Your perspective helps us understand your student’s strengths and needs.

Respectfully,

John J. Cabral
Superintendent of Schools