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Weare schools report gains on Panorama survey as leaders plan targeted actions
Summary
District officials said Panorama social-emotional survey scores rose across most categories this year, and administrators linked those gains to climate-and-instruction investments while outlining next steps for data-driven improvements and a forthcoming attestation to state general assurances.
District officials told the Weare School District School Board on May 20 that Panorama survey results show districtwide increases in student and staff ratings for school climate and belonging, and that early SAS math results show measurable gains in proficiency that administrators said reflect multi-year investments in curriculum and professional development.
District leaders said the Panorama results will guide immediate, school-level follow-up. "Right now, we're at almost 34," Joanna, a staff member reporting on SAS math proficiency, said when describing this year's math progress compared with past years. The board heard that those increases accompany higher Panorama percentiles for school climate and belonging across grades and buildings.
Panorama, a nationally normed social-emotional learning and school climate survey used by the district, returned lower family response rates this year (65 respondents at one site) but maintained strong student participation at several schools. Jess, a staff member who led the discussion of assessments and public reporting, said the district cannot release actual state test items because "we sign test security documents that say we can't release the test items." Administrators described sharing publicly available sample items and the state practice site instead.
Board members were shown how leadership is using the Panorama data to set priorities. The district has piloted a common review method (the Atlas protocol) so principals apply the same process when discussing results with staff; leadership will collate each school's findings and use them to shape summer and fall priorities. Staff described plans to expand restorative practices, increase tiered behavioral supports and continue training in LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) and OGAP math strategies.
Administrators also told the board they will sign the Department of Education's modified general assurances regarding federal funds while attaching a short cover letter explaining limits created by ambiguous executive-order language. The board indicated it was comfortable with district leadership (Christina and Sarah) signing the modified assurances with an explanatory letter rather than delaying certification.
District leaders said the Panorama vendor provides an online "playbook" of classroom and staff activities aligned to the survey topics, and staff plan to use those resources to translate results into classroom practice. They also noted that the survey design includes a neutral middle response and that moving neutral responses to the positive side is a realistic near-term objective.
Board discussion highlighted the need to present Panorama and SAS results with context so the public understands both proficiency percentages and year-to-year growth. Administrators said they will continue public-facing explanations and make more effort to increase family response rates, including possible on-site survey opportunities at heavily attended events.
The presentation closed with next steps: principals will run the Atlas protocol at building staff meetings, leadership will collate findings over the summer, and the district will use the combined Panorama and assessment data to shape fall professional development and student supports.
