La Joya ISD reviews goal progress measures for third grade literacy and mathematics improvements

The La Joya Independent School District (ISD) Board Meeting held on August 2, 2025, focused on the evaluation and adjustment of goal progress measures (GPMs) for the district's educational objectives. The meeting commenced with Superintendent Dr. Sorensen introducing Dr. Little, who presented the proposed GPMs based on the previous year's data, marking a significant shift from a baseline year to a more data-driven approach.

Dr. Little emphasized that the district would maintain its four primary goals: third-grade reading, third-grade math, eighth-grade reading, and college/career/military readiness. The focus of the workshop was to refine the GPMs, ensuring they accurately reflect the district's progress toward these goals. The team proposed specific targets for each grade level, utilizing the first year of MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) data to set realistic and achievable benchmarks.

The first goal discussed was third-grade reading, where Dr. Little outlined the targets for first and second-grade students. For instance, the goal for first graders scoring at or above the 50th percentile in reading was set to increase from 36% to 45% by June 2029. The presentation included a detailed breakdown of how each campus would have unique targets based on their starting points and needs for growth.

The discussion then transitioned to third-grade math, where the district exceeded its previous target, achieving 83% proficiency and aiming for 88% in the coming year. The board members engaged in discussions about the implications of these targets, particularly for lower-performing schools, which would receive additional support and resources to facilitate improvement.

As the meeting progressed, the focus shifted to middle school performance, particularly in eighth-grade reading and math. Dr. Little noted that the district faced challenges in these areas, with seventh-grade scores being particularly low. The board acknowledged the need for a robust instructional framework to support teachers and students, emphasizing the importance of engaging teaching methods that cater to the developmental needs of middle school students.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency and accountability, with plans to provide regular updates on progress and support systems for struggling campuses. The board expressed a unified goal of enhancing educational outcomes for all students in the district, particularly those in need of additional assistance. The next steps include implementing the proposed GPMs and monitoring their effectiveness throughout the school year.