PXU reports midyear gains on NWEA interim measures; district outlines ACT preparation
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Summary
Phoenix Union administrators told the governing board that midyear NWEA/RIT interim measures show growth in reading and math across grade levels, with some interim targets exceeded; the district described ACT‑focused boot camps and practice options to build student stamina for timed testing.
Phoenix Union High School District officials told the governing board that midyear progress monitoring shows positive interim gains on the district’s reading and math goals and outlined supports to prepare juniors for the March ACT.
District staff explained that NWEA (RIT scores) is being used as an interim predictor for students’ future ACT performance. Tony Camp, the district’s Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, said several interim targets were exceeded in winter testing: for example, ninth‑grade math interim goals were surpassed and juniors showed strong performance in some measures. “You can see that we exceeded this goal,” Camp said when reviewing the results.
How the district is preparing students: Administrators described ACT boot camps and after‑school or weekend practice sessions to build students’ stamina for timed testing, plus classroom practices aligned to ACT standards. Officials noted that longer practice sessions typically occur on Saturdays to avoid removing instructional time. The district also offers practice materials and provides counselors and teachers opportunities to encourage participation.
Board questions and clarifications: Board members asked how many students attend boot camps, how incentives are used to increase participation, and whether the district can expand timed practice for all students. Administrators said attendance is tracked, that partners sometimes provide incentives (including food and giveaways), and that staff will explore expanding practice opportunities.
Quotes: “Our interim measures with NWEA, it’s like those traditional season games,” Tony Camp said, explaining that the NWEA results are part of a cycle leading to the ACT “championship game.” Superintendent Andrade highlighted school‑level successes such as Wilson College Prep reaching 100 percent FAFSA completion and multiple schools meeting state FAFSA targets.
Next steps: The district will continue analyzing interim data, run boot camps and targeted interventions, and report on progress as ACT testing occurs in March.