District reports mixed winter screening results; preACT, STAR and AIMSwebPlus data reviewed

District assessment staff reviewed winter screening data and the district’s approach to screening, intervention and upcoming state testing windows.

Tina Van Roo, student data and assessment coordinator, explained the district uses multiple screeners: preACT for grades 9–10, STAR for K–8 literacy and math, and AIMSwebPlus for K/4K–3 early literacy per Act 20. She reported fall preACT rates (freshmen and sophomores) of 67% meeting English benchmark, 47% in reading, 40% in math and 35% in science. Van Roo said the preACT is part of the ACT suite and that trend data across three years shows incremental movement in reading and mixed results in math and science.

On STAR (K–8), Van Roo reported winter proficiency rates of about 71% early literacy (K–1), 65% reading (grades 2–8), and 68% math (K–8), with the district noting fall-to-winter growth in most grades. For AIMSwebPlus (used for Act 20 compliance), she said updated norms mean this year is a new baseline; the winter snapshot identified roughly 20% of K–3 students districtwide as at-risk (K:22%, Grade 1:16%, Grade 2:22%, Grade 3:18%). Students deemed at-risk will receive personalized reading plans and, if needed, additional intervention beyond classroom instruction.

Van Roo outlined upcoming assessment windows (ACT for juniors on March 17; Wisconsin Forward Exam in March for grades 3–8 and 10; preACT secure in April), described the 'enhanced ACT' changes that will alter composite score calculations moving forward, and said state results are typically released publicly in October. Trustees asked about cohort differences, curriculum alignment and supports for students identified as at-risk; Van Roo described literacy specialists, interventionists and weekly monitoring of PRPs.

No formal action was taken; the board thanked staff for the comprehensive report.