District staff presented beginning-of-year assessment results and told the governing board that the data show mixed proficiency across grade levels, with math continuing as an area of focus.

The assessment presentation covered FastBridge universal screeners (reading and math), an AASA-aligned practice test for grades 3–8, a beginning-of-year science screener for grades 5, 8 and 11, and newly developed high-school grade-level checks. The presenter emphasized that the data shown reflect the very start of the school year and represent baseline information collected in August.

Why it matters: The results inform instruction, intervention planning and the ongoing curriculum adoption for K-5 ELA. Staff said some grades show higher incoming proficiency than last year, while others show declines; matched-cohort data generally show stronger proficiency for students who stayed with the district.

Key details: The presenter said FastBridge measures foundational early-literacy and early-numeracy skills and that the AASA practice test includes content students may not yet have been taught at the time of the screener. “So it is possible that they have not yet covered some of the content on that assessment,” the presenter said, noting the practice test provides a predictive baseline for end-of-year performance.

Staff also told the board that the district’s current ELA curriculum is no longer approved for use by the state, a factor underscoring the need for adoption of updated materials. Math proficiency was described as an ongoing focus area; staff said some schools have strengthened intervention time and professional development to address standards and instruction.

Next steps: Staff said the district will continue to analyze longitudinal trends, refine interventions, pursue the ELA adoption process and share follow-up data with the board.