Teaching and learning in the Newton Public Schools is assessed using national, state and local instruments.  Since 1998, student progress has been measured, in part, using the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS).

In addition to MCAS, Newton Public Schools assesses students more frequently using a variety of other assessments chosen for particular purposes. At the elementary, middle school and high school levels, Newton Public Schools currently uses Renaissance STAR assessments for benchmarking in the area of English Language Arts and Math in grades K-9 . These assessments are done during key points of the school year and reports are sent home to parents of their student's progress. 

Newton Public Schools utilizes this data as part of our multi tiered system of support structure.