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Teaching and learning office outlines testing window, opt-in survey change and literacy curriculum review
Summary
Assistant superintendent Dr. Hawkins described ISASP testing schedules, the state change that makes the Conditions for Learning survey opt-in (Senate File 496), the district's literacy curriculum review and pilots, and outreach on career-technical education and work-based learning.
Dr. Hawkins, director in the district’s teaching and learning office, briefed the board on several instructional items including the ISASP testing window, a state law change that makes the Conditions for Learning survey an opt-in measure, a district elementary literacy curriculum review and pilot plan, and recent meetings on career-technical education and work-based learning.
Dr. Hawkins said the ISASP testing window for students opens April 8 and runs through April 18. Staff have completed training and buildings have submitted testing accommodations; the district is still developing a site-accountability monitoring plan for test security walkthroughs.
On the Conditions for Learning survey, Dr. Hawkins said the state has reclassified the instrument as a reporting measure rather than an accountability measure under Senate File 496, and that change requires active parent permission rather than an opt-out process. “It’s no longer a required test, which means it’s no longer a required test, which then means that we must seek active, parent permission,” Dr. Hawkins said. The district planned to send letters to families and to use an opt-in process consistent with state law.
Dr. Hawkins described a district-led elementary literacy curriculum review with teachers, interventionists and partners from Heartland AEA and the Iowa Reading Research Center. Staff screened candidate materials and plan to narrow to two products to pilot next school year; a final recommendation for a materials purchase is expected in about a year.
Staff also reported on a Feb. 11 meeting with career-technical education teachers and local community partners including Iowa State University, DMACC and the Ames mayor to explore expanding work-based learning, industry-recognized credentials, apprenticeships and internships.
Ending: Dr. Hawkins asked the board to expect further action items next year: a curriculum recommendation after pilots, follow-up plans for survey participation and a continued push to align career-technical offerings with local employer partners.
