District reports progress in literacy and math assessments following pandemic challenges

The Wichita School District's Board of Education meeting on May 19, 2025, spotlighted significant progress in student assessment scores, particularly in reading and literacy. Board members celebrated a notable decrease in the percentage of students classified at Level 1 in reading, dropping from 51.5% to 49.6% compared to the previous year. This achievement aligns with the district's goal to reduce Level 1 students by 1% to 5% annually.

The meeting highlighted the district's ongoing efforts to address learning loss exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus on literacy, including targeted training programs like LETRS, has yielded positive results, with third-grade reading proficiency increasing by 2.4 percentage points and seventh-grade proficiency rising by 2.7 percentage points. These improvements reflect the district's commitment to enhancing educational outcomes for its students.

However, the math scores presented a mixed picture. While there was a reduction in Level 1 students, the overall proficiency levels did not show the same upward trend as reading. The eighth-grade math proficiency saw a slight gain of 0.9%, indicating a need for continued focus on numeracy alongside literacy initiatives.

The board acknowledged the challenges faced by students who were part of the pandemic cohort, particularly those transitioning from fifth to sixth grade. The district plans to closely monitor these students to ensure they do not fall further behind as they progress through middle school.

In summary, the Wichita School District is making strides in improving student assessment scores, particularly in reading, while recognizing the need for ongoing support in math. The board's commitment to addressing learning loss and enhancing educational strategies is evident as they look forward to the upcoming state assessments.