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NSPF: Carson City shows math gains, attendance improvements at elementary level; middle-school subgroups flagged
Summary
District presenters told trustees that math proficiency improved across most elementary and middle schools in 2024–25, while ELA results were mixed and chronic absenteeism improved at elementary but remains a problem at secondary levels. Carson High lost four NSPF points because ACT participation fell below the state's 95% threshold.
Carson City School District staff presented the 2024–25 Nevada School Performance Framework (NSPF) results on Oct. 28, highlighting gains in math proficiency, mixed English language arts (ELA) results and continuing challenges with secondary chronic absenteeism.
Brinkhurst and Dr. Medina told the board that elementary schools made notable math gains: four of six elementary campuses saw math proficiency increase by 6 to 10 percentage points, and the combined median growth percentile moved from 44 to 55. Middle schools and the high school also showed improved math outcomes, and district staff noted successful first-year implementation of new curricula at some grade levels.
ELA results were more mixed. At the elementary level only two of six schools showed proficiency gains; middle-school median growth percentile fell (48 to 41) even while Eagle Valley showed gains in ELA proficiency. Presenters said the district has refocused on reading instruction and is implementing a new CKLA curriculum and professional development aligned with the science of reading.
Attendance and "values" indicators were also discussed as measures of student persistence and responsibility. Staff reported two consecutive years of declining chronic absenteeism at the elementary level and pointed to MTSS (multi-tiered systems of support) work as a contributor. Middle schools and the high school continue to have higher chronic absenteeism rates, and staff said some long-term absentee students require multi-year interventions to reduce their missed days below the 10% chronic threshold.
A point of board concern: Brinkhurst said Carson High was penalized four NSPF points for failing to reach a 95% ACT participation rate in required subgroups; that penalty made the difference between a three-star and four-star rating for the high school. Presenters explained the state rule and said exemptions are narrowly defined; board members pushed back on the fairness of an outcome decided by a small number of students and discussed ongoing state-level technical advisory work to propose changes to participation rules.
Presenters also highlighted college-and-career indicators: Carson High scored 22.5 out of 25 possible points on the college-and-career-readiness indicator and earned 29 of 30 points on graduation-rate measures, with the district noting increases in advanced/college- and career-ready diplomas and completion rates for AP/dual-credit/CTE when students participate.
The NSPF presentation was informational. Trustees asked for continued focus on English learners and students with disabilities in middle schools and for continued support of MTSS and employability-skill efforts.
