Thunderbolt Middle School focuses on special needs students to boost academic performance

The Board of Governor's Meeting for the Lake Havasu Unified District took place on August 14, 2025, focusing on various educational strategies and performance metrics across schools in the district. The meeting highlighted the district's commitment to improving student outcomes, particularly for those with special needs and those performing below grade level.

The meeting commenced with discussions on differentiated instruction, emphasizing the need for tailored teaching methods to engage students at varying academic levels. Board members expressed the importance of investing in professional development opportunities for teachers, including conferences and training sessions, to enhance instructional strategies.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the performance of Thunderbolt Middle School. Principal Miss Barney reported improvements in three out of four tested areas in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, with science scores exceeding state averages. However, she acknowledged the need for further progress, particularly for students with special needs, aiming to elevate them from partially proficient to proficient status.

The school outlined specific action steps, including a focus on tier 1 instruction aligned with Arizona state standards and the implementation of learning labs for students needing additional support. The introduction of tier 2 instruction was also noted, which targets interventions for all students, fostering a collaborative environment among teachers and staff.

Lake Adams High School Principal Mr. Becker presented data showing consistent score improvements over the years, attributing success to stable teaching staff and effective curriculum implementation. He emphasized the importance of classroom instruction and the need for ongoing assessment to prepare students for standardized tests, particularly the ACT.

The meeting concluded with discussions on future goals, including enhancing the curriculum and addressing class sizes, which have increased due to rising enrollment. Board members were encouraged to consider investments in additional staff and resources to support the growing student population.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's proactive approach to educational challenges, with a clear focus on improving student performance and ensuring that all learners receive the support they need to succeed. The board plans to follow up on the discussed initiatives and continue monitoring progress in the upcoming school year.