Board reviews district academic goals: targets set for proficiency and subgroup gains

Hudson School District directors presented the district’s academic goals for the 2025–26 school year, setting targets of 67 percent proficiency in English language arts and 73 percent proficiency in mathematics for students in grades 3 through 11. During the presentation, directors explained that state proficiency cut scores mean proficiency does not equate to basic competency for every student. A director said proficiency on state assessments corresponds roughly to the 60th percentile and that students who can read or perform at grade level may still fall short of the state’s proficiency threshold. The directors added that the district’s stated goal is to be in the top 5 percent of school districts, citing longer‑term targets of 70 percent and 75 percent for particular measures. The board also discussed subgroup baselines and gap‑closing goals. Staff said the district must track three subgroups the state highlights: students with disabilities, students of color, and economically disadvantaged students (those eligible for free or reduced‑price lunch). A board member asked why the baseline for students of color was 44 percent; staff answered that the baseline reflects those students’ performance on the most recent statewide assessments and that district goals aim to increase those baseline rates by about three percentage points. Administrators noted which statewide assessments are used at each grade band: the Forward Exam for grades 3–8; a pre‑ACT measure in grades 9–10; and the ACT in grade 11. Directors said meeting the stated proficiency targets would place the district within a high percentile statewide (the presentation stated current targets would place the district in roughly the top 7 percent of districts). No formal board vote was taken; the item was presented for review and clarification. Board members asked follow‑up questions about the meaning of proficiency, subgroup measurement and long‑term targets.