Massachusetts identifies 35 underperforming schools

BOSTON (FOX25, myfoxboston) - Massachusetts is giving 35 underperforming schools an ultimatum: Start making dramatic improvements or face a future takeover by the state. Pink slips will be handed out to teachers and some school principals are set to be let go, as well.

About 17,000 students attend the schools, which are mostly in Boston and Springfield. The schools have been evaluated on a set of criteria including low math and English scores and the number of students failing to graduate.

Their low rating means the schools are eligible for federal grants to help boost test scores and improve graduation rates.

If they're unable to improve their performance in three years, they will face state receivership.

The other low-performing schools are in Fall River, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, New Bedford and Worcester.