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Marshalltown reports small gains on statewide tests; consultant links absenteeism to lower GPA
Summary
District presenters reviewed ISASP and FAST results showing modest gains in elementary literacy and big gains in science; Central Rivers AEA consultant Joe Kramer reported that absenteeism has a growing negative correlation with academic measures and a moderate correlation with GPA for older students.
Dr. Smith, a district presenter, told the Marshalltown Community School District board on Aug. 4 that the district showed modest year‑over‑year gains on required Iowa statewide assessments and on the FAST screening tool, and that science scores at several grades rose sharply. Joe Kramer, an assessment consultant from Central Rivers AEA, said later in the work session that absenteeism correlates negatively with student outcomes and that the correlation strengthens as students get older.
The presentation covered ISASP (Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress) results and FAST screening data. Dr. Smith said the district is “54% proficient” overall on summative state tests this year, a 1‑point increase from the prior year, and highlighted increases in third‑ and fourth‑grade literacy and double‑digit gains in eighth‑ and tenth‑grade science after new curriculum materials were introduced. “It is a privilege to sit before you and share our district data from the 2425 school…
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