Webster Groves APR 88.7; administrators flag student-group growth as area for work
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Summary
Superintendent staff presented the district’s DESE Annual Performance Report (APR) with an overall score of 88.7. Administrators said achievement remains high but growth—particularly for student groups—lagged and will be a focus in January work sessions and through internal tools like iReady and EduCLIMBER.
Superintendent staff presented the Webster Groves School District’s annual performance report from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), showing an overall APR of 88.7.
Dr. Adams told the board the district scored 83.9 in the performance component and 100% in continuous improvement indicators, resulting in the 88.7 overall APR. He emphasized the district’s relatively high achievement and graduation indicators while calling attention to section B—the growth indicator and student-group growth—as the area that pulled the score down this year. He cited several contributing factors, including changes in DESE point allocations, shifting assessment participation at some buildings (opt-outs that moved buildings below student-group thresholds) and the mechanics of predicted-growth formulas.
Board members asked for clarity on year-to-year swings. Dr. Adams explained that APR point totals grew from 180 to 200 points over recent years, and that differences among district structures, assessment components and student-group thresholds (30 students minimum to trigger subgroup reporting) create annual volatility. He said the district will continue to rely on internal benchmarks (iReady) and EduCLIMBER to track growth and planned a January work session to unpack MAP/EOC and iReady growth patterns.
Administrators and principals presenting building-level improvement plans (Bristol and Edgar Road) described local strategies tied to the APR work: LETRS professional development, CLTs (collaborative learning teams), progress monitoring, buddy classrooms, and increases in student voice and belonging via Panorama surveys. Dr. Adams said the learning department will bring recommendations to the January work session focused on student-group growth and closing gaps identified in the APR.