Oneida reports higher preACT scores, expanded EPSO gains and shares student survey results

School leaders told the board that the district’s freshman cohort posted notable gains on the preACT and that many students are accessing early postsecondary opportunities.

At the Nov. 1 meeting staff reported that 39% of this year’s freshmen scored 18 or higher on the preACT, up from 24% the previous year — a 15‑percentage‑point increase. Staff also said that 51% of freshmen had at least one early postsecondary opportunity (EPSO) via ASVAB benchmarks that typically occur later in high school. The presentation credited stronger foundational instruction at the elementary and middle levels and improved testing administration practices.

A student representative then presented results from a 17‑question student survey that collected responses on event attendance, phone use, school temperatures, pep rally activities and elective interests. Highlights included students saying lower ticket prices (34%) and increased awareness (28%) would encourage attendance at events; 40% said phones should be allowed during breaks but not in class; and 52% of respondents favored less homework or better workload balance to improve learning and retention.

District staff said Career and Technical Education (CTE) helped fund the preACT administration. Staff named multiple school employees (Gretchen, Sherry, Jason and others) for supporting testing administration and praised efforts to create a more reliable testing environment.

The board received the reports; no formal action was required beyond acceptance of the accountability report earlier in the meeting.