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Keystone results show pockets of improvement; district targets early math foundations
Summary
Kennett staff reported increases in Keystone proficiency across several subjects (literature, Algebra I at KHS, biology) but flagged declines at middle-school Algebra I and continuing work needed on algebra readiness. District will emphasize real‑numbers foundations starting in kindergarten and expand coaching and tiered supports.
Rebecca Vitry, Kennett’s supervisor of secondary curriculum, presented Keystone assessment results to the committee, highlighting gains in literature, Algebra I and biology while warning of specific gaps at the middle-school level. "There has been an increase from 50% to 57% proficient and advanced in the area of literature," Vitry said, and noted Algebra I proficiency at Kennett High School rose from 17% to 26%.
Vitry and other staff identified the district focus area as "real numbers and expressions," beginning instructionally in kindergarten to support later Algebra I success. The presentation tied recent gains to curriculum adjustments, a math adoption, and coaching partnerships with the Intermediate Unit; staff also described splitting Algebra I into two parts this year to better scaffold students.
Staff acknowledged mixed results by building and subgroup. Vitry pointed to a decline in Algebra I proficiency at Kennett Middle School (from 91% to 85%) and said work remains on tier‑1 instruction and earlier intervention. The district also reported subgroup improvements for Hispanic and economically disadvantaged students in some subjects and noted biology will be treated as a baseline year under new standards.
Board members asked whether the district needed additional support from the board. Presenters said the work centers on accelerating access to algebra concepts at middle grades, continuing instructional coaching and expanding co-teaching in key courses; no budget request or formal vote was presented.
Staff said they will continue school-level data meetings, implement targeted standards-focused work next week, and monitor cohort and subgroup trends as Keystone and PBAS/PVAS results are finalized.
