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Gadsden ISD highlights AP capstone wins and interim reading/math gains
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Summary
District presenters told the school board that AP pass rates and AP Capstone recognitions rose, and interim assessment data for K–8 showed measurable gains in on-grade reading and math; staff cautioned that some state summative results remain embargoed.
Superintendent Dempsey and district instructional staff told the Gadsden Independent School District board on Thursday that Advanced Placement participation and performance have improved alongside gains on interim K–8 assessments.
Ms. Suggs introduced the AP Professional Learning Community and presenters from Santa Teresa High School said the district has seen rising AP scores in the past five years. One presenter cited a recent year in which “52 percent” of students earned scores that may generate college credit; AP Spanish Language and AP Seminar were singled out for strong results. District staff also said three students had completed AP Seminar and AP Research requirements and received AP Capstone recognition or AP Scholar distinctions.
Anna Velia Parra, an instructional specialist, presented early-literacy results from Istation for kindergarten through second grade and highlighted percent increases at levels 4 and 5 (students meeting benchmark). For grades 3–8, an elementary literacy specialist summarized IMASA interim assessment progress, noting examples such as third-grade on-target rates rising from about 13% at the start of the year to roughly 35% by year end. Roberto Salas presented iReady math diagnostics showing declines in students two or more grade levels behind and increases in on-grade-level students at multiple campuses.
Parra and others cautioned the board that some statewide summative data remain embargoed by state authorities and will be released later; the district plans to present summative data and more campus-level analysis once it is available. One student who completed AP Research described the work as "grueling" and said, "I did it and I did it successfully," underscoring the workload and skills the courses require.
Board members praised the instructional teams and asked for future reports that dig deeper into campus-level interventions and how the district will sustain enrollment and supports given changes in graduation requirements. Dempsey said the district will present the state summative results when un-embargoed and will continue to use PLCs and targeted interventions to support Tier 1 instruction across campuses.
The presentation and discussion were given during the academic services and instructional specialists segment of the meeting. The board did not take action on any academic items at the session; staff said follow-up reports and the full summative dataset will be scheduled when available.
