Board committee hears mixed results on literacy and math; district plans curriculum work for middle grades
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Summary
The Curriculum and Student Success committee reviewed state and local data showing gains in language arts and ongoing challenges in math, and staff previewed a renewed focus on middle‑school math curriculum and ninth‑grade success strategies.
The Portland Board of Public Educations Curriculum and Student Success committee reviewed a district data packet showing improvements in language arts alongside persistent challenges in mathematics and discussed next steps to support students.
"We saw some very positive moves in language arts across the board," Board member Opperman told the full board during committee reports, while adding that "mathematics is a little bit more problematic" and that the district needs to design and plan a middle-school mathematics curriculum.
District staff presented state data and described plans to layer interim internal measures to give a fuller picture of student progress. Staff named several presenters who answered committee questions: Haley Didrikson, Jessica Robinson and Lisonbee Dame. Pamela Thompson, director of secondary academic success and outcomes, refreshed the committee on the districts "portrait of a graduate," a framework intended to connect strategic-plan goals to student competencies.
Committee members said the data discussion helped them interpret strengths and limitations of the measures. The committee expects future meetings to focus on high school success programs, particularly ninth-grade transition and supports.
Board member Opperman said staff responses to committee questions were "clear, succinct" and that the packet contained substantial material for the committees work this year. The committee will continue reviewing interim assessments and work to align curriculum planning with the district strategic plan.