The Oshkosh Area Board of Education meeting on November 13, 2024, focused on key initiatives aimed at improving student literacy and academic readiness. The discussions highlighted the district's commitment to enhancing educational outcomes through targeted support and data-driven strategies.

One of the primary topics was the identification of students needing additional literacy support based on iReady data from the current school year. Students were organized into small groups tailored to their specific needs, such as fluency and phonemic awareness. To facilitate participation, transportation was provided through CityCab, and an orientation for parents was held to inform them about the program. The district plans to expand this initiative with an additional summer lift program to reach more students.

The meeting also addressed the importance of educator feedback and evaluation. The district has implemented rapid observation cycles where principals observe classrooms and provide constructive feedback to teachers. This approach aims to enhance teaching quality and student learning experiences. The board emphasized that literacy is a key priority across all subjects, not just reading classes, and acknowledged the need for high-quality instructional materials in both elementary and middle schools.

Another significant discussion point was the district's performance on the ACT, which measures post-secondary readiness. The composite ACT score for the district increased to 18.9, reflecting growth in both math and English Language Arts (ELA). However, the board noted persistent achievement gaps among economically disadvantaged students and those with disabilities, indicating that while progress has been made, there is still considerable work to be done to ensure equity in educational outcomes.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue focusing on targeted support for students, particularly in small group instruction, to address the specific needs of diverse learners. The board expressed appreciation for the ongoing efforts and support from the community as they strive to improve educational standards and student success in the Oshkosh Area School District.