Urbandale reports early gains in literacy and lower chronic absenteeism; algebra proficiency still short of district goal
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Summary
District leaders reported improvements in early reading and math screening and a drop in chronic absenteeism from 17.9% to 12.7% for the first quarter, while algebra I proficiency was reported at 68% — below the district goal of 80%.
Denise Wood, director of district leadership and improvement, and instructional staff presented the district’s strategic plan update and fall data to the board, citing several positive trends and areas for continued focus. Wood said early reading and math screening results remain strong, with multiple grade levels above 70% proficiency.
Presenters highlighted a notable second‑grade CBMR gain from 57% to 69% and said math performance rose in multiple grades, with algebra I proficiency (proficient or partially meeting) at 68% in quarter 1 — still short of the district’s 80% proficiency target. Staff emphasized attention to tier 1 instruction and targeted supports where needed.
On attendance and behavior metrics, staff reported chronic absenteeism improved from 17.9% last school year to 12.7% in the first quarter. The board discussed middle‑school differences in SEL screening results and staff explained district responses including counselor check‑ins, short 2‑minute meetings with students and tier‑2 interventions.
Wood noted the strategic plan is reviewed three times a year (fall, March, and June) and said some strategic actions have already been pulled forward for targeted updates, including classified staff evaluation improvements and building‑level supports. The board asked staff to provide follow‑up data on middle‑school screening trends and a timeline for revisiting strategic goals.
The presentation was informational; no vote was required on the data itself.