Sun Prairie School District reports significant improvements in student belonging and achievement metrics

The Sun Prairie Area School District is celebrating significant improvements in secondary education outcomes, as highlighted in the Superintendent's report during the recent school board meeting. The district reported a 59% participation rate in community school-sponsored activities, marking a positive baseline for future engagement efforts.

Key metrics indicate a growing sense of belonging among students, with nearly all schools showing gains in this area, except for Patrick Marsh Academy, which is under review due to fluctuating assessment participation. Notably, students with disabilities and multilingual learners at Prairie View require targeted attention to enhance their sense of belonging.

Extracurricular involvement is also on the rise, particularly among Hispanic students and those with disabilities at Sun Prairie East. This trend reflects a broader commitment to inclusivity and engagement across diverse student demographics.

The district's community schools program, which aims to provide additional support and activities outside regular school hours, has seen varied participation rates. While Central Heights shows strong engagement across demographic groups, overall participation remains low, prompting discussions on how to better engage students in these offerings.

In terms of academic performance, the district's report cards have improved, with all secondary ratings showing positive trends. Middle school math and reading assessments have consistently advanced over the past two years, and eighth-grade English Language Arts (ELA) and math scores are steadily rising. The district's ACT results are also commendable, ranking among the top in comparison to other states.

Furthermore, the implementation of restorative practices is gaining traction, contributing to a decrease in exclusionary discipline measures. Importantly, there were no areas identified as needing progress in student achievement metrics, underscoring the district's commitment to continuous improvement.

As the Sun Prairie Area School District moves forward, the focus will remain on enhancing student engagement, fostering a sense of belonging, and maintaining academic excellence across all schools.