Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Performance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Southeast Polk presents 2024-25 summative data: literacy, math, attendance gains and next steps
Summary
District staff presented summative academic and climate results for 2024-25, reporting gains in early literacy and math, improvements in chronic absenteeism (down to 15 percent districtwide), and new initiatives for college/career readiness and science instruction; state certification of results is pending.
District staff presented the Southeast Polk Community School District—s summative data for the 2024-25 school year, covering early literacy, math and science achievement, college and career readiness measures, and climate metrics such as chronic absenteeism.
A presenter prefaced the summary by noting the results had not yet been certified by the state but were "probably 98% accurate." The report displayed trend and cohort measures across grade bands and compared district results to statewide averages where appropriate.
Early literacy: Presenters shared FAST assessment results showing growth in kindergarten and first grade, mixed results in second grade and steady gains in third. Staff said teams will review second-grade scope and sequence to ensure adequate time for growth and will continue family literacy efforts.
Academic core: State ISAS and local benchmark data showed gains in several grades and subject areas. Staff noted strong foundational performance in elementary math (I-Ready) and science gains at grades 8 and 10 after introducing benchmark cycles. The district highlighted that 15 third-graders scored in the top 2% statewide on a third-grade math measure and will be eligible to apply for the National Math Stars program; staff said those students included pupils both inside and outside advanced-pathway classrooms.
College and career readiness: The district reported increases in ICAP/college-and-career plan completion after adding content to senior seminar and said it has expanded pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship opportunities with the skilled trade center. Staff flagged FAFSA completion and ACT participation as continuing work areas and described plans to bring ICAP into advisory in a more systematic way.
Nutrition and programs: Staff described incremental changes to school meal options and an expansion of second-choice breakfast offerings. They also reported summer program registration (noted as 5,628) and summer staffing additions to support meal service.
Climate and attendance: The district reported chronic absenteeism decreased to 15 percent districtwide (below the recent target of 20 percent). Staff emphasized a districtwide effort involving families, schools and community partners; they noted particular double-digit improvement for Hispanic English learners, students eligible for free/reduced lunch, students experiencing homelessness, and students with IEPs.
Actions and next steps: Staff proposed several follow-up steps including a literacy audit to assess time spent on phonics vs. connected text, expanded phenomenon-based science materials via a recent grant, continuing to host ACT testing and targeted outreach to increase FAFSA completion, and tiered interventions to further reduce chronic absenteeism.
Ending: Trustees thanked the teaching and learning team and asked follow-up questions; staff said final state certification of results is expected in four to six weeks and committed to returning with refined action plans.
