Emporia board hears update on math action plan; staff outline resource gaps, fidelity target and training costs

Dr. Kargil, a district staff member, presented an update on the district's math action plan at the Aug. 27 Emporia Board of Education meeting, outlining plans to fill resource gaps, provide targeted professional development and track classroom use of selected materials.

The update covers three immediate priorities: identifying evidence-based resources for courses that currently lack them (notably pre-algebra and some combined classes), creating a schedule of instructional coaching and professional development, and using a walkthrough tool to track how teachers use adopted resources. "We're going to spend some time researching those courses and then see if we can find some resources that they can use in class that are evidence based," Dr. Kargil said.

Board members pressed for details on implementation and accountability. The plan sets an instructional-fidelity target of roughly 80% — staff said that, across 10 lessons, a teacher should use the selected resource about 8 times, while acknowledging there will be justified deviations. The district expects to begin collecting walk-through data in September and to add updates to the plan as part of scheduled academic presentations (for example, when state assessment results or FastBridge data are discussed). "I fear spiraling," Board member Lillian said, urging the district to ensure supports arrive quickly for students who are already behind.

Specific initiatives described by staff: - Resource review: Staff identified weaker coverage in pre-algebra and transition-to-algebra-2 classes and will research evidence-based materials on the state's approved list before recommending purchases. - Professional development: Options under consideration include a six-session program for the whole math department, beginning with a coach-led needs identification session. Staff estimated a roughly $5,000 annual cost for the PD package and noted a one-day coach observation option priced at about $4,200. - Walkthrough and observation schedule: Principals will be scheduled to perform two math walkthroughs per week; the presenter intends to attempt classroom visits for each math teacher about twice a month. The walkthrough tool will be incorporated into the district’s Observe for Success system in September. - Student/family access: Staff emphasized intentional communication about how students and families access online resources (for example, linking materials in Google Classroom). The district also noted external supports, such as library-provided online tutoring, which require a library card. - Staffing and onboarding: Staff reported three new math instructors this year and recommended that the PD sequence become an annual part of onboarding for new teachers.

Board members recommended feedback loops with families and students to guard against observed-classroom behavior that might not reflect typical instruction, and they asked staff to ensure supports for students without active parent advocates. Several board members said they wanted regular progress reporting rather than waiting for a final plan adoption, stressing that updates should be frequent as data arrive.

Next steps: staff will research and recommend specific resources for the identified course gaps, finalize PD scheduling with Mr. Fisher and the math department, begin walkthrough data collection in September, and return updates to the board as part of scheduled academic presentations.