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District presents FastBridge results; leaders outline literacy, math and MTSS priorities for 2025‑26
Summary
Superintendent Vanessa Anderson and instructional staff reviewed FastBridge screening and growth data, flagged a drop in third‑grade literacy low‑risk rates (57% to 49%), discussed discipline trends, and outlined plans for science‑of‑reading training, expanded interventions and use of regional Brightworks specialists.
Saint Francis Area Schools leaders reviewed spring FastBridge screening results and district improvement strategies June 23, identifying third‑grade literacy as a primary area for targeted work and describing plans to strengthen standards alignment, interventions and professional learning.
Superintendent Vanessa Anderson summarized district goals and directed instructional staff to deepen standards work and interventions. The district’s FastBridge growth tables show elementary grades tracking expected or aggressive growth in many places, but the presentation highlighted a drop in the share of third graders meeting the “low risk” literacy benchmark — from 57 percent in the prior year to 49 percent in the most recent screening.
Why this matters: third‑grade reading proficiency is widely used as an early predictor of later academic success. District leaders said the FastBridge snapshot does not alone prove instructional failure but identifies a trend that requires focused intervention.
Key takeaways from the board presentation
- Literacy: The district will continue phonics and foundational reading work in K–5 and expand comprehension and vocabulary focus (science of reading) for grades already trained in phonics. District staff plan additional principal‑level review and to align curriculum materials explicitly to Minnesota standards to ensure coverage. - Math: High school and elementary teachers worked this year on assessment timing and rigor. The district will scale intensive coaching (already piloted in 2nd and 4th grades) to additional grade teams to improve standard alignment and assessment practice. - Multi‑Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and interventions: Secondary teams will strengthen MTSS implementation; leaders plan better identification and targeted supports for students who miss benchmarks. The district also plans coaching and expanded use of regional specialists (Brightworks) to deliver free, targeted support. - Safe learning environments: The district reported discipline incidents trending down across datasets but is still validating two closely related discipline datasets before publicizing one consolidated measure. District leaders said they will review Genesis (the district’s alternative learning program) practices with an eye toward expansion and better alignment with program intent.
Equity and subgroup focus
Staff said they are beginning deeper disaggregation of FastBridge by subgroup, including students with disabilities and English learners, and will use Sam Holland (data coordinator) and special‑education staff to sharpen strategies for closing gaps.
Next steps and monitoring
Instructional leaders said school improvement plans will incorporate the district‑level strategies presented in June. Superintendent Anderson and staff said they will return to the board with more detailed school improvement plans after principals finalize plans for the coming year.
Ending
Board members thanked staff for compiling the data. Several directors emphasized the centrality of instructional outcomes and asked staff to prioritize actionable coaching and assessment alignment work over the summer so that interventions can start early in the school year.
