Urbandale School District celebrates five-year high in ELA math and science proficiency

The Urbandale Community School District (CSD) held a meeting on May 5, 2025, where key updates on student performance and district initiatives were discussed. The meeting highlighted significant improvements in student proficiency across various subjects, as well as ongoing projects aimed at enhancing educational experiences.

The meeting commenced with a report on academic performance. The district's English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency rose to 73.9%, an increase from 68.3% in 2022. Math proficiency also saw an uptick, reaching 70.9%, up from 66.3% the previous year. Notably, science scores for fifth, eighth, and tenth graders improved significantly, climbing from 58.3% to 70.3%, marking the highest scores in five years. These advancements were met with enthusiasm from the board, emphasizing the hard work of teachers and curriculum staff.

In addition to academic achievements, the district's District Career and Academic Plan (DCAP) received a commendable score of 31 out of 36, a substantial improvement from the previous year's score of 12. The board also noted progress in family-school relationships and staff surveys, with some goals met and improvements acknowledged.

The meeting included reminders for upcoming events, such as the "Read Around Urbandale" scheduled for the following day, which encourages literacy through community engagement. Kindergarten registration was also highlighted, with 2,200 returning students registered and 146 new students signed up, emphasizing the importance of timely registration for staffing purposes.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the UCSD History Project, presented by Dean Hatch and Katie Knowles. This project aims to document the history of the Urbandale school district, which has undergone substantial growth since its establishment. The presentation outlined the district's evolution from a small community school in 1916 to its current status, reflecting on the rapid population growth and the expansion of educational facilities over the decades.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for community feedback on the history project, underscoring the district's commitment to transparency and community involvement. Overall, the meeting showcased the district's dedication to improving educational outcomes and engaging with families and the community. Further updates and detailed reports are expected in June.