Macquarie School District adopts 95% Group as new reading intervention resource

The Odessa R-VII School District Board of Education convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives aimed at enhancing educational quality and community engagement. A significant highlight of the meeting was the introduction of a new district-wide survey designed to gather feedback from staff, students, and parents. This survey, developed by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), will replace the previous in-house version and aims to provide a broader perspective on the district's performance and initiatives.

The new survey will be distributed to students in grades three through twelve and parents, fulfilling the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) requirements. The administration emphasized the importance of this feedback, noting that it will not only help identify strengths and areas for improvement but also allow for comparisons with other districts across the state. This comprehensive approach is expected to yield valuable insights that can guide future decisions and enhance educational outcomes.

In addition to the survey discussion, the board reviewed the progress of the Title I reading intervention program. Teachers and instructional coaches have been collaborating to identify effective resources that align with the latest reading instruction methodologies. After evaluating several options, the "95% Group" program emerged as the preferred choice due to its comprehensive online resources and hands-on manipulatives that cater to various learning styles. The board is set to approve the implementation of this program, which promises to support students' reading development more effectively.

These initiatives reflect the district's commitment to fostering a collaborative educational environment and ensuring that all stakeholders have a voice in shaping the future of education in Odessa. As the district moves forward with these plans, the focus remains on enhancing student learning experiences and meeting the diverse needs of the community.