CUNA schools celebrate gains in math proficiency amid pandemic challenges

The Kuna School District Board of Trustees held a regular meeting on March 4, 2025, where they discussed significant advancements in student performance, particularly in mathematics, despite ongoing challenges in reading scores. The meeting highlighted the district's resilience and commitment to improving educational outcomes in the wake of the pandemic.

One of the key topics was the district's performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores, which revealed that Idaho ranks impressively in fourth and eighth-grade math and reading. The district's math scores have shown a notable increase, with a reported growth of 0.52 grade levels in the last two years, positioning Kuna among the top districts in the state. This achievement was celebrated as a testament to the effective educational strategies being implemented, particularly in math instruction.

However, the discussion also acknowledged the decline in reading proficiency, where the district experienced a slight decrease of about a third of a grade level over the same period. While the reading scores have stabilized, the board emphasized the need for continued focus on improving literacy outcomes. Plans for a new reading curriculum adoption were mentioned as a potential step forward in addressing these challenges.

The meeting also touched on the importance of transparent communication regarding the district's performance. Board members expressed concern that media narratives often overlook the positive aspects of Kuna's educational achievements, particularly in light of the frugal spending on education in Idaho. They underscored the need to share the full story of student progress and the effective use of resources.

In addition to discussing academic performance, the board reviewed ongoing assessment strategies, including the implementation of the Short Interim Comprehensive Assessment (CICA) to better track student growth. The need for a more robust assessment tool for secondary students was identified as a priority for future improvements.

Overall, the meeting underscored the Kuna School District's commitment to enhancing educational outcomes for all students, celebrating successes in math while acknowledging the work still needed in reading. The board's proactive approach aims to ensure that every student receives the support necessary to thrive academically.