Columbus Intermediate reports 4‑star state rating and measurable MTSS gains

Columbus Intermediate earned a four‑star rating on the Ohio state report card and reported measurable gains on winter I‑Ready diagnostics, Principal Jermaine Huff told the Bedford City School board during the district work session on Jan. 16.

The rating reflected five‑star scores in the progress and gap‑closing categories, Huff said, and school leaders described a multi‑tiered system of supports (MTSS) that they said helped reduce the share of students in the most intensive intervention tier. "Our one‑plan goals align with the district one‑plan goals — we are in lockstep with what we need to do as far as achievement," Huff said.

Why it matters: The state report card rating and the described movement on diagnostic measures are the school’s primary evidence of short‑term academic progress. School leaders said the changes reflect instructional scheduling, targeted interventions and family engagement that district trustees can track as they consider districtwide curriculum and supports.

Details and evidence - Columbus reported a four‑star overall rating on the state report card and five stars for progress and gap closing, the presentation said. - On I‑Ready diagnostics, the school reported reductions in the share of students in Tier 3 (most intensive supports): English/language arts Tier 3 fell from about 52% in the fall diagnostic to about 38% in the winter diagnostic; math Tier 3 fell from about 57% to about 36%. - Instructional structure cited: 90‑minute blocks for ELA and math; science and social studies in 45‑minute blocks; use of MTSS tiers and "Win Time" (What I Need) intervention sessions; a writing program for ELA under development. - Attendance and engagement: Columbus said it had the highest attendance in the district last year and was featured on Fox 8; the building also ran family engagement events (a mobile planetarium, a one‑book/one‑school movie night) supported by a competitive grant. - Community partnerships listed: Cleveland Browns "Stay in the Game" partnership (monthly attendance incentives), Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District, a local pine tree farm and Cleveland Metroparks programming.

Board reaction and follow‑up Board members asked about districtwide literacy work and how building‑level efforts tie to district supports. Huff said his team is coordinating with the Office of Academic Achievement and has formed a literacy committee; trustees asked for more data at future meetings as district curriculum decisions proceed.

Ending Columbus leaders left trustees with contact points for follow‑up and a request that successful family‑engagement models be shared across other intermediate schools in the district.