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Gilmore Fine Arts reports test-score gains and targets more support for students with disabilities
Summary
Gilmore Fine Arts principals told the Racine Unified board that while some grade cohorts made gains, overall proficiency on the Wisconsin Forward Exam remains below district goals; the school will focus on daily tier‑1 instruction, structured math discourse and supports for students with active IEPs.
School leaders from Gilmore Fine Arts presented student-achievement results and improvement plans to the Racine Unified School District board on Monday, reporting mixed results on the Wisconsin Forward Exam and outlining strategies to boost proficiency.
"Our first goal for the 2024–25 school year was for 50 percent of third graders to score proficient or advanced in ELA on the Forward Exam," said Zach Jacobsmeyer, directing principal at Gilmore Fine Arts. He reported that 35 percent of the third-grade cohort reached proficient or advanced on the ELA portion in 2024–25 and that the school’s goal for 2025–26 is 40 percent for that cohort in fourth grade. For math, the school reported 35 percent of eighth graders scored proficient or advanced in 2024–25 and set a 40 percent target for the coming year.
Gilmore administrators described strategies they will use to reach those goals, including data-driven professional learning communities (PLCs), monthly assessments, Multi-Level System of Supports (MLSS) meetings, Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles and implementing the district’s Forward Exam units to improve test-taking skills. Jessica Jones, assistant principal, said the school will focus particular attention on students with active Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): "Ensuring that all of our students have access to rigorous Tier 1 instruction and our Forward preparation opportunities is a priority," Jones said.
Board members asked about instruction time and curriculum delivery; administrators confirmed core ELA and math instruction occur daily and described classroom strategies to increase math discourse, where students explain and discuss math thinking with peers. A board member praised teacher Ryan Piper as an effective math instructor and administrators said they will continue to expand common assessments and consistent pacing across classrooms. The presentation ended with an invitation for parents and community members to attend student performances and events at Gilmore Fine Arts.
