2007-2008
MHS has been a partner for four years and was awarded a JFYNet Academic Support Grant for the 2007-2008 school year. For more information on the current implementation, please contact Joan Reissman at jreissman@jfynet.org

2006-2007
MHS has an enrollment of 1,677, grades 9-12. The school has a diverse student body with students representing over 80 countries. The school population is African American, 21.6%, Asian 21.8%, Hispanic 16.2%, Native American .7%, White 37.4%, Pacific Islander .1% and Multi-race 2.1%. 97.5% of the teaching staff is identified as highly qualified (above the state average). Malden High School’s 2006 MCAS scores were below the state average in advanced (30 v. 40) and proficient (26 v. 27), and above in needs improvement (28 v.21) and warning/failing (15 v. 12) categories. However, JFYNet students performed with significantly better results in the advanced category, as shown in an independent study done by DASPP on the spring 2006 MCAS test administration.

Graph compiled by the Data Analysis and Strategic Planning Project at Boston College, 2007, http://www.daspp.org

JFYNet doubled the number of teachers that we worked with this year from 3 to 6, and increased the number of students by fifty percent. As a result of our success in spring 2006, this is the third year that Malden has used the JFYNet Academic Support Model. Our student population was a mix of honors classes, remediation, inclusion, limited English proficient, and the general college track students. Different classes have varied goals, and implementation is tailored to class needs. The geometry teachers, the Algebra 1 teachers, and the Algebra 2 classes used both customized text alignments and MCAS Express, while the remedial students worked exclusively with the JFYNet MCAS Express Program.

During the early part of the school year some students were jumping around in the content areas and not mastering modules. Working with the JFYNet Site Coordinator, the reports helped us isolate this problem for the teachers, so they could assess individual performance and help students focus. All teachers incorporated module mastery into their grading systems. With PLATO used as part of the grade, the students became highly motivated. In addition to their math classes, students also used PLATO during their lunch hour, study hall and after school.

A highly effective technique used by the Malden teachers was to do mini-lessons before entering the computer lab so students could finish the module within the class period. With the cooperation of the teachers and the administration, students were able to use Plato at least one time per class cycle. The students also demonstrate fellowship and cooperation, and they help each other during lab time. JFY and Malden both benefited from strong administrative and teacher support. Everybody really believes in the program, especially after receiving the DASPP report on the 2006 test. Success and support at MHS earned the school a JFYNet Achievement Award in May 2007.

Web site link: Malden High School