District pilot program seeks approval for Flashlight Learning assessments for English learners

The Marshalltown Community School District (CSD) presented a comprehensive overview of its Lau Plan during a meeting on February 3, 2025, focusing on the educational needs of English language learners (ELLs). The Lau Plan, which originated from a landmark lawsuit aimed at ensuring language support for non-English speaking students, has been reintroduced to enhance language instruction within the district.

Key discussions highlighted the district's commitment to improving English proficiency among its ELL population through the implementation of two new programs: Flashlight Learning and Elevation. These programs are designed to provide more frequent assessments and targeted support for students, moving away from the current model that relies on a single annual assessment.

The district's Language Instruction Educational Program (LEAP) includes three primary goals aimed at tracking the progress of English learners. While elementary and intermediate schools exceeded state targets for language development, secondary schools faced challenges, prompting discussions on strategies to address these gaps.

The proposed pilot program for Flashlight Learning, costing $12,500, aims to assess students in grades K-8 multiple times a year, providing valuable data on their speaking and writing skills. This initiative is expected to complement existing assessments and offer a more dynamic approach to monitoring student progress.

Additionally, the Elevation platform will serve as a data management system, allowing educators to visualize student performance over time and tailor instruction to meet individual needs. The district plans to integrate this platform with current systems to enhance data accessibility and usability for teachers.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's proactive approach to supporting English learners, emphasizing the importance of continuous assessment and targeted interventions to foster language development. The approval of the pilot program and the Elevation platform will be sought in future meetings, with the aim of enhancing educational outcomes for all students.