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Third-grade DIBELS results inch down; district launches review of psychology companion guide
Summary
Officials reported a 3 percentage-point decrease in the number of third graders scoring “well below benchmark” on DIBELS from midyear to end-of-year and described targeted follow-up for students who may qualify for good-cause exemptions; staff also outlined a committee process to review a psychology companion guide.
Dr. Langlois, presenting the Curriculum and Instruction (CNI) update on May 8, told the St. Tammany Parish School Board that the first administration of end-of-year DIBELS testing for third graders showed a 3-percentage-point decrease in students scoring "well below benchmark" from midyear to end-of-year. Compared with last year—nd-of-year results, the district reported a 4 percent decrease in students scoring in that category.
Dr. Langlois said schools are now identifying which students qualify for "good cause" exemptions (for example, students with an IEP or 504 plan that contains a reading goal, students previously retained, or students diagnosed with dyslexia) so those students would not need to retest during the second administration. For students who do not qualify for an exemption and remain well below benchmark, schools are providing targeted supports before the district dministers the second end-of-year DIBELS administration in late May.
Langlois emphasized that growth expectations change as the year progresses: raising a student out of the well-below category requires accelerated growth because benchmark targets increase. Board members asked about interventions and whether additional supports beyond high-dosage tutoring are being considered; Langlois said the district reviews data weekly, adjusts tutoring as needed, and shares best practices across schools.
Dr. Langlois also outlined work on a psychology companion guide: an education guidance council of teachers began reviewing content on May 22; a community dialogue forum of nominated community members will meet June 18; a final draft is expected July 1 and the committee plans to bring the document to the July 10 committee as a whole meeting for board review.
Board members asked for examples of good-cause exemptions and were reminded that summer school and additional testing opportunities exist for students to demonstrate progress.
