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Newport‑Mesa reports modest Smarter Balanced gains; district highlights teacher collaboration
Summary
Assistant superintendent and district researchers presented Smarter Balanced results showing a 2.24% increase in ELA and math districtwide, with special education students posting larger gains; board members asked how teacher collaboration and interim assessments will sustain progress.
Newport‑Mesa Unified School District leaders on Monday presented Smarter Balanced assessment results that they said show measurable districtwide improvement, and described steps they are taking to make gains durable.
Assistant Superintendent Shields told the board the district is taking a multi‑pronged approach focused on collective teacher efficacy, teacher clarity and purposeful learning teams so teachers can analyze data and align instruction. "We have 4 zones in the district," Shields said, urging the board to consider differences in demographics while pursuing consistent practices.
Dr. Blasey, who delivered the data highlights, said the district grew 2.24% in English language arts and mathematics overall and increased 2.59% in science. She noted particularly strong gains among students with disabilities: "Special education students increased by 5.12 in ELA and 3.19 in mathematics," she said.
Board members pressed staff on how the district ensures classroom practice reflects the research. Student board member Kenley Lopez asked what actions ensure teachers actually adopt recommended techniques; Dr. Torres and other instructional leaders described director roles and regular professional development, noting math and ELA directors work directly with teachers to facilitate the practices discussed.
Administrators described pilots of interim common assessments (ICAs) and a focus on helping tenth graders take test‑like questions so they are better prepared for the eleventh‑grade SBAC. The district also cited curriculum adoptions—illustrative math K–12 and renewed science materials—as factors that district leaders expect will continue to support growth.
The board welcomed the results but also signaled urgency to reach pre‑pandemic goals across all schools. "We want all of our schools to have achievement at pre‑pandemic levels," a trustee said during discussion. Superintendent Smith said the district will continue to report progress and invite school teams to collaborate through structured learning teams.
The district framed the gains as evidence that investments in teacher collaboration and curriculum alignment are beginning to pay off, while also acknowledging more work is needed to close remaining gaps.
