School Implements Structured Literacy to Boost Student Reading and Math Performance

The Mifflin County School District (MCSD) is setting ambitious academic goals as it addresses the needs of its students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. During the recent school board meeting, officials highlighted a pressing challenge: 60% of this group is currently not meeting statewide academic benchmarks.

To tackle this issue, the district is implementing a structured literacy approach, moving away from balanced literacy methods. This shift aims to enhance reading skills among elementary students, with a measurable goal of having 70% of kindergarten and first-grade students performing at or above benchmark levels by June 2026. The district is optimistic about the gradual improvements expected as students progress through the system.

In addition to literacy, the MCSD is focusing on mathematics, with a goal of achieving 50% proficiency in spring math assessments for grades K-3 by the same deadline. These targets are based on careful analysis of past performance data, ensuring they are both realistic and achievable.

The meeting also touched on the integration of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) with the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), emphasizing the importance of a supportive school environment for academic success. As students feel safe and respected, their willingness to engage in learning is expected to improve.

Furthermore, the district is piloting the i-Ready Math program, which has already shown promising results. One teacher's class using this program outperformed peers by significant margins across various math categories, indicating the potential benefits of adopting new instructional methods.

As MCSD moves forward with these initiatives, the focus remains on fostering an environment where all students can thrive academically, with a clear commitment to measurable progress and continuous improvement.