Lincoln Middle School outlines plan to reduce absenteeism and boost test performance

Quashanda Nicholson, principal of Lincoln Middle School, told the East St. Louis School District 189 Board on Dec. 16 that the school received a 2025 designation of "intensive" and laid out goals and strategies aimed at returning the school to higher designations.

"This year in 2025, we did receive a designation of intensive," Nicholson said, then outlined three areas of focus for school improvement: climate and culture/attendance; effective instructional practices and strategies; and targeted interventions. Nicholson said the school set a chronic absenteeism goal to reduce the rate from 51.5% last year to at least 45% this year.

Academic targets included increasing the percentage of students scoring in the top three NWEA quintiles in math from 24% to 36%, and in reading from 36% to 48% by the end of the school year. Nicholson said current interim assessment results show 49% of students meeting growth targets in math, 49% in reading and 55% in science. She reported average daily attendance at 92% and a current chronic absenteeism rate of 32% (noting earlier historical figures).

To reach these goals, Nicholson described steps including adopting PBIS (positive behavior interventions and supports), a new behavior platform (Kickboard), three SEL focus rooms per grade level, a PBIS coach, extended instructional minutes (from 55 minutes previously to 75 minutes per block), intervention specialists for math and reading, and quarterly attendance meetings with district directors.

Nicholson closed by asking if the board had questions; the transcript records appreciation and no immediate action required by the board.