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Board drops iReady from proposed diagnostic purchase after debate over cost and fidelity
Summary
After a prolonged discussion about cost, instructional fidelity and overlap with other assessments, the board approved a substitute motion 8–1 to remove iReady from the district diagnostic package and to proceed with MCAS and NWEA, reducing the estimated package cost.
The Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Schools board on June 25 voted 8–1 to remove iReady from a proposed district diagnostic purchase and instead authorize use of MCAS and NWEA, a move district leaders said would substantially reduce the projected cost of the package.
Board debate centered on two core points: whether the iReady diagnostic provides predictive validity and prescriptive lessons that justify its cost, and whether the district has achieved sufficient fidelity of use to get instructional value. One board member argued the district was spending "$733,000 for something that's not being used with fidelity," while others said iReady’s diagnostic can predict end‑of‑grade outcomes and provides adaptive information beyond on‑grade check‑ins.
Board member Crowley relayed teacher feedback about alignment: "I'm hearing from elementary school teachers who say that the math assessment, the I‑Ready math assessment does not align with North Carolina curriculum and lower grades — their words are, it's awful." Supporters of keeping iReady in the package said the district would only purchase the diagnostic component (not the full instructional platform) in the current proposal and that the diagnostic offers adaptive information teachers cannot get from on‑grade check‑ins.
After the substitute motion passed, staff said they would update procurement documents and recalculate the purchase budget to reflect the change. District leaders said they would still use on‑grade North Carolina check‑ins and that the board’s decision would not prevent schools from purchasing additional tools individually.
The vote signals the board’s appetite for tighter fiscal scrutiny of district‑wide buys when classroom usage and return‑on‑investment are in question. Staff will return with revised procurement paperwork and budget adjustments.
