Linn‑Mar board: assessment data show post‑pandemic gains; survey opt‑in raises concern

Linn‑Mar Community School District administrators presented a data packet Oct. 7 showing student assessment gains since the pandemic and flagged policy changes that could affect future measurement.

District presenters Nathan and Melissa walked the board through six data categories in a 200‑plus page packet, highlighting that the district’s FAST screener results rose from fall to spring in every K‑6 building and that 12 of 21 grades and test subjects were higher than pre‑pandemic rates. “Meeting and exceeding benchmarks grew from fall to spring,” Melissa said during the presentation.

Why it matters: the packet offers longitudinal and cohort views the board said are useful for aligning school improvement plans. Melissa pointed to cohort charts showing multi‑year growth — for example, a cohort that reached 76% proficiency in third grade and 86% by eighth grade — and emphasized that those visuals help the district track student progress over time.

Key findings and context: - FAST (K‑6): Every elementary building increased the percentage of students meeting or exceeding literacy and math benchmarks from fall to spring, the presenters said. Melissa told the board the district sees continued in‑year growth across grade levels. - ISASP and historical data: The district’s ISASP scores generally outpaced the Grant Wood AEA and state averages in many grades and subjects, though some subgroup results are redacted where state rules protect small‑n privacy. The presenters noted the packet includes single‑year comparisons and five‑year trends. - Cohort tracking: The packet includes cohort analyses intended to show how the same students fare year to year; presenters said the visualizations can help administrators and principals align building improvement plans to observed trends. - Conditions for Learning survey: Melissa warned the board the state is moving the Conditions for Learning survey to an optional, parent opt‑in model for the next few years. “The Conditions for Learning survey is now becoming an optional test in the spring, and it’ll be a parent opt‑in,” she said, noting that opt‑in status could reduce the measure’s usefulness for district planning. - AP/ACT and postsecondary metrics: The district reported an ACT average near its five‑year mean (about 23.7) and a record ~700 students taking AP courses; the percentage earning scores of 3 or higher was above the statewide average. National Student Clearinghouse data showed postsecondary enrollment among recent graduates declined from roughly 75% in 2016 to about 60% in 2023, though persistence into year two remained high (~91%). - Graduation rates: Presenters told the board the district continues to outpace state and national averages, but noted 2024 state graduation figures were delayed because of calculation errors at the state level; the district still reviews 4‑ and 5‑year windows, particularly for students receiving special‑education services.

Board response and concerns: Directors asked for additional breakdowns (for example, concurrent‑enrollment and apprenticeship tracking) and flagged the Challenge of reduced survey participation if the Conditions for Learning measure becomes opt‑in. One board member urged clearer communication to families so parents understand how survey data are used and why participation matters.

What’s next: Administrators said the data will help building CSIP plans, the DEI committee will review relevant items, and staff will continue to explore alternate sources of information should the Conditions for Learning survey’s status change. Melissa and Nathan said they will incorporate Kirkwood concurrent‑enrollment reports when available and consider adding exit‑survey crosswalks to better capture post‑graduation plans.

The board took no formal vote on the data presentation; the packet will inform future planning and committee work.