Governor Patrick Visits East Middle School in Braintree to Discuss Administration's Efforts to Close Achievement Gaps

Press Release

Governor Deval Patrick today visited East Middle School in Braintree to congratulate students and staff for being selected as a Commendation School. During his visit, Governor Patrick recognized the school's success in improving student achievement and discussed the Administration's commitment to closing achievement gaps.

"The students and teachers at East Middle School worked hard to achieve their Commendation School status and they deserve our praise," said Governor Patrick. "East Middle School is providing a world class education for its students by applying best practices in innovative teaching and learning."

East Middle School is one of 127 Commendation Schools statewide recognized for their efforts and results in improving student achievement this year. The schools were all selected by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for progress in closing proficiency rates and helping all students achieve at higher levels.

Students at East Middle School demonstrated increased levels of students reaching proficient and higher status on the state's Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exams in Grade 8 in English Language Arts, Math and Science.

East Middle School educates students in grades six through eight and employs a learning model based on the principal's belief that effective effort will produce extraordinary development. It is the school's goal that all students achieve at high levels, and school faculty is constantly examining its methods with the intent of bringing all students to proficiency, regardless of where they come from or what their obstacles to learning may be. Additionally, East Middle School highly encourages parental involvement in each child's education, recognizing that out-of-school factors contribute greatly to a student's success.

Massachusetts leads the nation in student achievement and education reform efforts. Recognizing that there is more to be accomplished ahead, Governor Patrick has named closing the achievement gap as a top priority for his second term. Since the Achievement Gap Act was signed by Governor Patrick in 2010, the Administration has been working on several fronts to implement the tools and flexibilities outlined in that plan to ensure that all students are prepared for success in school and beyond.

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