The Evanston Community Consolidated School District 65 held a significant meeting on May 19, 2025, to discuss the progress and future goals of their school work plan, which has been in development for two years. The meeting highlighted three primary goals aimed at improving student attendance, implementing restorative practices, and enhancing academic performance through MAP growth assessments.

The first goal addressed was improving student attendance, particularly among Black or African American students. The district reported a notable increase in average daily attendance, with an overall improvement of 0.56% for all students and 1.12% for the targeted demographic. This growth exceeds the district average of 0.27%. The team emphasized the importance of understanding the reasons behind attendance figures, sharing a specific case where a student received a bicycle through a community partnership to help them commute to school. Regular updates on attendance data are shared with students during monthly town halls to maintain transparency.

Next, the discussion shifted to restorative practices, which are essential for creating a safe and civil learning environment. The district utilized data from the Panorama survey to assess student perceptions of safety and support. Remarkably, the goal set for June 2025 was achieved ahead of schedule in the fall of 2024, indicating effective implementation of strategies aimed at enhancing student well-being.

The final goal focused on improving MAP growth, specifically targeting students in the bottom quartile of performance. While progress has been made in moving some students out of this category, the district acknowledged that further efforts are needed to refine strategies and interventions for continued improvement.

Throughout the meeting, the importance of community partnerships was emphasized, with the district expressing a commitment to strengthening existing relationships and exploring new collaborations to support student success. The school work plan reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing the diverse needs of students, ensuring that all have the opportunity to thrive academically and socially. The district plans to continue monitoring progress and adjusting strategies as necessary in the upcoming cycles.