District seeks expanded ninth-grade support and new high-school math interventions; adopts NWEA MAP assessment contract pending funding

The committee reviewed several instructional partnerships aimed at improving student outcomes in the high schools. Mister Brown presented an agreement to join the RISE Network and to add OnTrack mentoring to increase ninth-grade credit accrual at Wilbur Cross and Hill House. "This is to join a network of schools that are focused on freshman success and particularly take advantage of a new program, which is called an on track mentoring program," Brown said.

Miss Joyner presented a new contract with Edmentum to provide tier-2 mathematics intervention and assessments in grades 9-12; she said Edmentum was previously provided by the state at no cost but that the vendor now charges districts directly.

For districtwide assessment, representatives of NWEA and district staff described the MAP assessment (given three times a year in grades 3-10) as a growth and diagnostic tool. Doctor Swindler said the district plans to implement MAP this fall and that payment is contingent on receipt of alliance funds; he confirmed the alliance funds are district-allocated state grants and that assessments are scheduled for September.

Why it matters: committee members said strengthening ninth-grade supports is central to the district—s five-year plan and that math intervention and consistent assessment can help target instruction. Doctor Yarbrough asked about the timing and funding for MAP; district staff confirmed the state-provided alliance funds are the intended source for the contract.

Follow-up: officials said they will report back to the committee about the RISE Network expansion and any planned data tools from that vendor, and will implement MAP pending receipt of alliance funds.

Ending: the committee forwarded agenda items to the full board for approval as part of a larger package of agreements.