During the Elwood UFSD Board of Education meeting on November 21, 2024, parents raised concerns about the academic rigor of the curriculum, particularly in relation to the iReady assessment results. One parent, representing a group of concerned families, highlighted that their children, despite consistently performing above grade level in math and reading, received mixed results on the iReady assessments. This discrepancy has led to worries about whether the curriculum is adequately preparing students for future academic challenges.

The parent expressed frustration over the perceived inconsistency between teachers' assessments and the iReady results, noting that while some areas showed students performing above grade level, others indicated they were below expectations. This has sparked discussions among parents about the need for a more rigorous curriculum that aligns with state and national standards.

In response, school officials clarified that the iReady assessments are designed to evaluate students against the standards for the entire academic year, which can be misleading at the beginning of the school year when students have not yet been introduced to all the material. They emphasized the importance of focusing on the percentile rankings provided in the reports, which offer a more accurate reflection of student performance.

The board acknowledged the concerns raised by parents and indicated that they are actively seeking feedback on the assessment reports to ensure clarity and understanding among families. This dialogue underscores the ongoing commitment of the Elwood UFSD to address parental concerns and enhance educational outcomes for all students. As the district moves forward, it will continue to evaluate its curriculum and assessment methods to better support student learning and achievement.