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District presents Fundamental 2 student‑proficiency tracking and cohort data; board asks for clearer, focused reporting

Mercer Island School District Board of Directors · January 30, 2026
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Summary

Teaching and learning staff outlined a five‑year goal of 95% proficiency in ELA and math, presented cohort trends (noting middle‑school dips) and disaggregated data showing gaps for low‑income, ELL and special‑education students; board asked staff to refine which grade‑level metrics to monitor.

District teaching and learning staff presented Fundamental 2 monitoring material and proposed refinements to metrics and reporting cadence.

The presentation set a five‑year aim that 95% of students demonstrate proficiency in ELA and math and argued for cohort tracking (following the same students across grades) rather than year‑to‑year cross‑sectional comparisons. Staff provided sample I‑Ready diagnostic snapshots showing kindergarten (fall) at 98% at/above level and variable percentages in other early grades; the presenter highlighted a recurring dip when students transition into middle school (sixth grade), followed by subsequent growth.

District staff noted subgroup disparities: low‑income students, students receiving English‑language services, and some students receiving special education services lag their peers in specific indicators. Presenters emphasized data caveats (for example, students in the U.S. fewer than 12 months may be excluded from ELA assessments) and the need for clearer, actionable “now initiatives” tied to school improvement plans and the district improvement plan.

Board members asked for cohort sizes, context for metrics used in community‑facing material (e.g., average SAT context, AP scholars) and recommended more concise public reporting (a fall diagnostic snapshot, winter midpoint and end‑of‑year summative). Staff said they would provide a slide deck to board docs and work with the board on priorities to make reporting more actionable.