Parkrose presents assessment snapshot; Russell shows gains in math

District staff on Oct. 16 presented a preview of assessment data and the district’s Student Investment Account (SIA) plan for the 2023–24 cycle, highlighting pockets of growth and areas that require additional work.

Mister Goodlow told the board that state report cards were delayed but that the district’s snapshot showed a notable increase at Russell Elementary, where fourth-grade math achievement rose to 27.32 percent. “One key highlight I wanted to point out … was our 4th grade. Our 4th graders had a spike in their achievement rate. It went all the way up to 27.32%,” he said, and credited targeted professional development and curricular support for the improvement.

The presentation explained the district uses both annual Smarter Balanced results and more frequent I-Ready diagnostics; I-Ready data help teachers tailor instruction during the year, while Smarter Balanced results arrive after students have moved to the next grade. Mister Goodlow also said about 40 percent of 11th graders passed the high-school science test, noting science is assessed only in grades 5, 8 and 11.

Staff reviewed Division 22 compliance (OARs) and new requirements coming in 2024–25, including menstrual dignity policies, health-service plans, and social-emotional learning frameworks. The SIA annual report outlined goals to raise 3rd-grade reading proficiency and increase on-track rates for 9th graders; staff said next steps include community engagement and a fuller board data deep dive next month.

Board members asked for more detailed reports on growth measures and school-level interventions; staff committed to returning with a deeper analysis and comparative growth data at the next meeting.

The board did not take formal action on the data items at this meeting.