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Superintendent proposes district goals: iReady growth, 2‑point graduation lift and absenteeism reduction
Summary
Superintendent O’Shea presented draft district goals including iReady growth targets, a proposed 2 percentage‑point increase in Cohoes High School graduation rate (currently cited as 81%) for 2024‑25, a 2‑point reduction in chronic absenteeism per building, and expanded STEAM and family engagement actions.
Superintendent O’Shea presented draft districtwide goals to the board, saying the district will focus on one year’s growth on I Ready, students meeting individual stretch goals and a proposed increase in Cohoes High School’s graduation rate by 2 percentage points for the 2024‑25 school year. “It’s currently, 81 percent,” O’Shea said when announcing the suggested graduation goal.
O’Shea also proposed a district target to reduce chronic absenteeism by two percentage points in each building and described plans to set measurable baselines in coordination with Capital Region BOCES. Board members raised concerns about relying on a single assessment metric and requested that other measures — including state assessment components — be included when baselines are shared. O’Shea said some state assessment data remain embargoed and cannot be presented publicly until released.
On STEAM and 'future ready' skills, O’Shea recommended increasing grade‑level STEAM experiences, suggesting at least two additional experiences per grade level during the 2024‑25 year while acknowledging challenges with measurability and potential staffing and budget implications at the secondary level. Board members suggested forming a STEAM subgroup/task force to define grade‑level expectations and concrete, measurable activities.
O’Shea also highlighted family engagement goals — proposing one to two additional family opportunities per building to help parents support learning at home and in school — and said the district communication specialist will participate monthly in administrative council meetings to coordinate outreach.
