Board discusses assessment tools, ISAT differences and district concerns about state testing platforms
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Trustees and staff reviewed how assessment is used across grade levels, differences in ISAT reliance, and raised questions about the state’s adoption of commercial platforms (Istation/Amira) and data privacy and parental‑choice implications; staff said they are preparing pilots and training but did not adopt new policy at the meeting.
District leaders described differences in how buildings use assessment data: elementary schools rely on multiple formative systems and use ISAT as a year‑end indicator, middle schools rely more directly on ISAT results, and high school assessment needs different connections. Staff said the district has created grade‑span committees (a “5 to 9” committee) to improve alignment between elementary and high‑school assessment practices.
Board and staff also discussed the state’s move to integrate third‑party products into assessment and literacy platforms. Staff identified Istation and Amira (a platform acquired by the larger company that includes Istation) as tools being discussed or piloted; administrators said some districts are piloting reading platforms and that contract terms mentioned a multi‑year relationship for some products. Staff emphasized they had not reviewed every contract clause and were relying on state‑level procurement and legal review for compliance with student‑data laws.
Several board members and staff raised concerns about parental rights and data privacy in a politically charged environment; staff said they expect ongoing state and federal requirements will shape which assessment platforms are used and that the district would work with state partners to ensure legal compliance. No formal action was taken; staff said pilots, professional development and further review of contracts and data handling would continue.
Staff reported other assessment‑related items underway: plans to pilot new assessment tools in departments (for example, math), training for staff, and formation of internal committees to align curriculum and assessment across grades. The district did not adopt or contract for a new statewide platform at this meeting.