School District Implements Behavior Intervention Support Team to Address Student Needs

The Siloam Springs School District's Board of Education meeting on August 14, 2025, highlighted significant advancements in gifted education and advanced placement (AP) testing, showcasing the district's commitment to academic excellence.

In a detailed update, the district reported that 304 students, approximately 7% of the student population, are currently identified as gifted. This number is expected to stabilize as the school year progresses. The gifted program offers STEAM education to all K-4 students, reaching around 1,500 learners, while specialized resources are available for grades 3-6. A new gifted teacher, Cecia Espinal, has joined the team, bringing fresh energy to the program.

The district is also enhancing its gifted education framework by developing transition procedures between grade levels and buildings, as well as reviewing and improving the curriculum for gifted teachers. These initiatives aim to provide more robust opportunities for high-ability students, particularly in light of new programming options introduced by the recently enacted access law.

Turning to AP testing, the district celebrated a remarkable achievement: 74% of students enrolled in AP programs scored a qualifying score of 3 or higher on their exams, which is crucial for earning college credit in Arkansas. This marks a significant improvement from the pandemic-affected year of 2021, reflecting the hard work of both students and teachers. Out of 20 administered exams, 17 scored above the state average, with several exceeding global benchmarks.

Additionally, the meeting introduced a new behavior intervention model called BIST (Behavior Intervention Support Team), aimed at addressing challenging student behaviors. This proactive approach emphasizes a balance of grace and accountability, equipping students with essential skills for success both in school and life.

Overall, the Siloam Springs School District is poised for a year of growth and improvement, with a clear focus on enhancing educational opportunities and supporting student needs.