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Superintendent outlines academic priorities: literacy, STAR growth focus, teacher support and career pathways
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Miller presented district academic data and initiatives, emphasizing growth (STAR measures), a K–12 vocabulary initiative, phonics training for K–5, teacher development, internship opportunities and alternative pathways (Missouri LEHI) to support student attainment.
The district superintendent presented a broad update on academics, emphasizing student growth as the central measure of progress and outlining several district initiatives to raise literacy and support teachers.
Superintendent Dr. Miller told the board that the district is prioritizing growth over raw proficiency and described STAR assessment results and the district’s approach to using STAR as a timely, growth‑focused tool to guide instruction. He said STAR “shows if the kid is growing or not” and that “growth is the most important thing.” He reported that, at the elementary level, roughly 65.2% of students tested were making typical or better growth on STAR (fall‑to‑fall comparisons) and that fourth grade showed the highest growth (75.6%). Dr. Miller noted that second grade routinely shows lower results on the STAR assessment because those students have previously taken a different early literacy assessment.
To address gaps, the district is focusing on vocabulary instruction across grades as a K–12 initiative, expanded phonics and phonemic awareness training for K–5 teachers, and the ASPIRE training pathway for secondary literacy instruction. Dr. Miller said the district is emphasizing giving teachers permission to adapt lessons to student needs and publicly recognizing risk‑taking by staff who innovate in the classroom.
The superintendent also discussed staffing and teacher experience: the district has a substantial share of first‑ and second‑year teachers or teachers in new grade/subject assignments. He reported building‑level figures: Cornerstone ~42% of staff in that category, Elkhorn 28%, Lewis 16%, middle school 55%, and high school 19% (figures presented by building). Dr. Miller and board members said the district will continue to increase coaching, provide classroom management PD, and train assistant principals to be instructional leaders to support retention.
Career and alternative pathways were highlighted: an internship program led by Tony Harmon now has 14 students placed in local employers (examples included fitness, real estate and public safety shadowing). The Missouri LEHI program (work‑based curriculum credits) is active and staff reported a student who improved attendance and engagement through that program.
Board members and administrators discussed how STAR relates to MAP and EOC testing: Dr. Miller said STAR is useful because it is timely and growth‑focused while MAP/EOC results play a larger role in state reporting and accountability.
Dr. Miller said he will present MAP/EOC comparative data next month and continue reporting on literacy progress and teacher supports.
