The KTX State Board of Directors meeting held on November 21, 2024, focused on critical discussions regarding student performance and intervention strategies within KIPP Texas Public Schools. The meeting highlighted the need for targeted improvements in schools and among teachers, particularly in light of recent diagnostic data indicating areas of concern.

During the meeting, board members discussed the importance of collaborating with external partners, such as TNTP, which has been observing classrooms across KIPP Texas. Their insights are expected to provide valuable data on curriculum effectiveness and teaching practices. The board emphasized the significance of this external perspective, noting that it aligns with internal data trends.

A key point of discussion was the upcoming interim assessment data, which is anticipated in December. Board members expressed eagerness to analyze this data to identify gaps in student learning and to evaluate the effectiveness of current intervention strategies. The board reported a high level of engagement with professional development, with 85% of teachers participating in high-quality training, and noted that 94% of students were actively using targeted learning resources, particularly in math.

The meeting also addressed broader national trends in education, revealing that a significant percentage of eighth graders across the country are not proficient in core subjects. While KIPP Texas students are performing better than the national average—58% compared to 67% in reading and math—the board acknowledged that there is still much work to be done to improve student outcomes.

In conclusion, the board's discussions underscored the ongoing challenges in education, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. They committed to using the forthcoming assessment data to refine their strategies and improve educational outcomes for all students, with plans to share updates at the next board meeting in February.