McFarland Middle School tells Othello board its instruction is aligned but seeks system changes to outperform expectations

McFarland Middle School presenters told the Othello School District board the school’s 2024–25 impact index was negative three, placing the school ninth among 21 comparable schools and inside the top of the district’s middle group rather than among the lowest performers. "We had a number, an impact index of negative 3," the presenter said, and noted the lowest traditional middle-school rating in the comparison was negative 14.

The presentation framed the school’s strategy as "strong roots, bold moves," emphasizing teacher skill and a push to align systems so students encounter consistent instruction across classes and grade transitions. Presenters described a two-year effort to align writing across ELA, social studies and science, rely on common organizers and rubrics, and increase writing practice: "Our students so far this year have completed six essays over those three contents," a presenter said.

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) and an associated WICOR framework were described as central to the alignment work. Student speakers underscored the program’s effect: seventh-grader Zach Nakamura said, "AVID has helped me a lot with my future decisions by going to field trips to colleges… it might be one of my decisions" to pursue college options. Another AVID student, Luis, told the board the program had improved his communication skills through structured study groups.

Staff also outlined student-supports data. Presenters said a four-year trend of major referrals showed a rise in fall months followed by "a huge decline into January," and that 80–90% of students did not receive referrals in November–December. Presenters attributed the decline to restorative practices and improved incident recording and said they will continue preventive work to avoid spring spikes.

Board members asked about mathematics data not emphasized in the presentation. The presenter clarified the impact index is a composite of math and ELA and said the district is administering a midyear STAR "dipstick"; the team promised to share STAR results for growth when available.

Why it matters: The presentation packages performance data, student testimony and program evidence (AVID and WICOR-based instruction) as reasons to support continued investment. Board members noted the levy helps fund AVID and suggested using the program’s attendance and college-acceptance evidence in outreach ahead of the levy vote.

Next steps: Staff said they will distribute midyear STAR results and a targeted math presentation to the board in coming weeks.