In a recent board meeting held by Epic One On One Charter in Oklahoma, significant discussions centered around the academic progress of students during the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year. The meeting highlighted the effectiveness of intervention programs aimed at improving literacy and math skills among students who are struggling.

During the semester, which ran from August to December, the charter school employed 52 interventionists, focusing on students who scored below the 25th percentile on benchmark assessments conducted through the Renaissance program. A total of 1,921 students participated in reading interventions, while 1,910 engaged in math sessions, each receiving targeted support through 30-minute sessions held twice a week.

Data presented by Dr. Kevin Johnson, a data analyst, indicated that students typically show a growth of 15 to 25 points in benchmark scores without additional support. However, the intervention programs yielded impressive results, particularly among younger students. Kindergarteners demonstrated over triple the expected growth in reading, achieving a full grade level increase, while first graders showed nearly double the anticipated improvement.

The positive outcomes extended to elementary grades, where students in second through fifth grades also surpassed expected growth benchmarks in both reading and math. For instance, second graders achieved better than expected growth, while fifth graders nearly doubled their anticipated progress.

Middle school students similarly benefited from the interventions, with sixth, seventh, and eighth graders all exceeding the expected growth in both reading and math. The data revealed that sixth and seventh graders achieved a growth of 29 points, while eighth graders recorded a 21-point increase.

The meeting underscored the charter's commitment to addressing educational disparities and enhancing student performance through targeted interventions. As the school looks ahead, the continued focus on these programs is expected to play a crucial role in supporting students' academic journeys and closing achievement gaps. The board's discussions reflect a proactive approach to education, emphasizing the importance of tailored support for students in need.