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Spearfish board hears curriculum report showing modest gains; district readies math curriculum review
Summary
Lana Maine presented the district report card showing rising proficiency in ELA, math and science, an ACT average above national figures and attention to chronic absenteeism; the district will begin a needs assessment for a new math curriculum with implementation planned for 2027–28.
Lana Maine, introduced as the presenter of the curriculum report, told the Spearfish School District 40-2 board on Monday that district proficiency has improved in recent years across English language arts, math and science and that Spearfish High School’s ACT average (22.5 last year) sits above the national average. "Our students do very well on the ACT," Maine said, noting a large share of juniors take the exam.
Maine highlighted a recent four-point jump in ELA proficiency and said the district’s on-time graduation and high school completion rates remain well above state averages. She explained the Department of Education’s chronic-absenteeism measure — students missing 10% or more of school days — and told trustees the district is tracking the metric closely as part of its strategic plan. "Missing 10% or more of school is considered to be chronically absent," Maine said in response to a trustee’s question.
Maine also reviewed changes to the state high-school assessment: the ACT will become the statewide high-school assessment beginning next year, with an optional writing component that South Dakota will use for writing assessment. The presentation covered professional development plans, including a paraprofessional PD calendar and a February breakout session for staff, and described a three-year literacy initiative funded by the Department of Education in partnership with Black Hills State University to provide classroom support and professional development.
On curriculum procurement, Maine said the district will begin a needs assessment for math this year, noting the district delayed a scheduled adoption because of COVID; the committee will pilot materials next year with a goal of making a selection in early 2027 and implementing in the 2027–28 school year. "We're really looking at what's working well for us, strengths and weaknesses, a really in-depth look at our math data," she said.
The board asked clarifying questions about attendance metrics and assessment changes; Maine answered and said the district intends to continue monitoring attendance and to roll out the literacy and professional-development work in classrooms this spring. The board did not take any formal action on curriculum during the meeting.
