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Marana Unified approves Flashlight 360 pilot to measure English‑learner progress
Summary
Board approved an MOU with Flashlight 360 to pilot a digital assessment and benchmark tool for English learners, funded with Title III for the remainder of the year; staff outlined selection process, cost and data‑sharing arrangements.
The Marana Unified School District governing board voted to approve a memorandum of understanding with Flashlight 360, a digital platform the district will pilot to better measure English‑learner (EL) student progress and readiness for the state AzELLA assessment.
District staff described the selection process and scope: EL teachers, principals and district EL leadership reviewed proposals from three vendors and recommended Flashlight 360 as the most affordable and best fit for current needs. The pilot covers speaking and writing components, integrates with the district's Clever single‑sign‑on, and includes one benchmark and provider analysis to inform teacher planning. Legal counsel reviewed the MOU; staff said the pilot will be funded with Title III grant dollars for the remainder of the current year at a cost of roughly $5,000.
Why it matters: Staff said the district lacks a benchmark tool specifically targeting productive language (speaking and writing) for EL students. The pilot is intended to provide targeted assessment data so EL teachers can plan instruction and measure readiness for the AzELLA assessment.
What staff told the board: Mr. Bain (presenting staff) said the district gathered teacher and principal feedback and met with prospective vendors before selecting Flashlight 360. Dean Styx, identified as the district EL facilitator during discussion, participated in vetting. Staff confirmed the vendor was not the product of a formal public bid process but that quotes were obtained from three companies. Integration will use Clever for student logins, and data will be shared with district staff for instructional use.
Funding and procurement: The MOU was described as Title III funded for the remainder of the year; staff acknowledged the district will reassess continuation based on next year’s Title III allocation. The initial cost for the remainder of the year was reported as about $5,000. Legal counsel had reviewed the agreement and the data‑sharing arrangements.
Questions from board members focused on selection, cost, data privacy and how the vendor's analysis would be used. Staff said Flashlight 360 agreed to run one benchmark and to work with district staff so teachers could learn how to use the results.
Outcome: The governing board approved the MOU by voice vote (Aye). The board directed staff to proceed with integration and to run the initial benchmark so teachers can begin using results for instructional planning.
