Elementary teachers evaluate success of NextPath intervention tools at annual meeting

The Waunakee Community School District's Curriculum Committee meeting on June 2, 2025, highlighted significant advancements in student assessment and intervention strategies. A key focus was the successful implementation of the new platform, NextPath, which streamlined the creation of Personalized Reading Plans (PRPs) by integrating data directly from AIMSweb and Pearson. This innovation allowed educators to efficiently access student test scores and tailor interventions based on individual needs.

During the meeting, it was reported that students who met the 25th percentile threshold in January and April underwent diagnostic assessments to identify specific areas for improvement. This data-driven approach enabled educators to make informed decisions about whether a child required a PRP, fostering better communication with families regarding their child's progress.

The committee noted that while some students exited the intervention program, others were added, reflecting the dynamic nature of student needs. Third-grade performance was particularly scrutinized, revealing a learning curve for teachers as they adapted to new benchmarking tools and standards. The committee emphasized the importance of not only accuracy in reading but also fluency, as many students demonstrated knowledge of letters but struggled with speed.

A variety of interventions were piloted this year, with NextPath proving instrumental in assessing their effectiveness. The goal remains clear: to ensure that students achieve proficiency or advanced status on third-grade reading assessments. The committee plans to continue evaluating the success of these interventions and their impact on student outcomes.

Looking ahead, the district aims to leverage the insights gained from this year's data to refine instructional strategies and enhance reading proficiency across all elementary schools. The collaborative efforts of educators and the use of advanced tools like NextPath are expected to drive significant improvements in student literacy outcomes in the coming years.