Estill County principals report early-year diagnostics and ATC showcases new certifications and Robot Gladiator League team

School leaders and Estill County Area Technology Center (ATC) staff used the Sept. 18 board meeting to report early-year assessment data, reading-plan work under state law, changes to the Success Academy and preschool screening, and several ATC program milestones, including new industry certifications and a planned Robot Gladiator League team.

A middle-school principal reported that early diagnostic testing (i-Ready) is still in progress for math in seventh and eighth grade and that the diagnostics are intended to show where students should be by the end of the school year. "This very first-of-the-year diagnostic tests them on where they should be at the end of this school year," the principal said, explaining that lower percentages at the start of the year do not equal final proficiency.

Superintendent Brock and principals also discussed Senate Bill 240, which requires districts to develop reading plans and, under certain criteria, retain first graders who do not meet benchmarks. The superintendent said district staff and principals attended training and would publish the district's criteria and provide it with report cards once finalized.

Preschool staff reported ongoing screening opportunities and said the…