District presentations show rising proficiency and persistent gaps; board asks for focused root-cause work
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Summary
District instructional leaders reported gains in some proficiency measures and big growth in industry credentials, while warning of math weaknesses and a high chronic absenteeism rate.
Maury County Schools' instructional leaders presented a district academic data update showing some gains in proficiency and college- and career-ready credentials, while identifying persistent subgroup gaps and attendance challenges.
Michelle Gilbert, director of teaching, learning and assessment, told the board the district saw rising proficiency rates in several tested subjects and a 7.9 percentage-point increase in the district’s Ready Graduate rate for the class of 2024. She highlighted a 43.7% year-over-year increase in industry credentials earned by graduates (from 1,428 to 2,052), and praised Career and Technical Education staff for expanding credential opportunities.
At the same time, staff flagged math as the district’s chief growth concern: overall growth metrics were weakest in numeracy, with repeated shortfalls in fourth- and fifth-grade math and eighth grade and Algebra II on state assessments. Gilbert said the district has used standards-analysis reports to commission tailored, district-only professional development from its curriculum vendor and planned rollout of math-specific teacher supports beginning in July and continuing into the school year.
District staff also emphasized chronic absenteeism as an academic driver. The district’s chronic absenteeism rate was reported at 17.8% for the most recent year, down from the prior year but still high; economically disadvantaged students and students with disabilities had higher absence rates. Gilbert noted research linking early attendance problems to later difficulties: missing 10% of school (about 18 days in a year) is associated with lower academic outcomes, and absences in September are predictive of attendance across the year.
The board asked for additional detail on root-cause analysis and for staff to present the district improvement plan and targeted strategies at a future meeting. Instruction staff said they will provide the TISA (state accountability) report at the October work session, and that the district is using both data and targeted professional learning to address the issues raised.
No board action was required; board members thanked staff and requested follow-up documentation and any additional requests for instruction resources during the next budget cycle.