District reports rising elementary reading scores, new literacy plan and iLearn pilot

The Huntington County Community School Corporation reported gains on several fronts in elementary literacy and described new instructional practices across K–12.

Mr. Peters (introduced at the meeting as a district presenter) said the districtiRead3 average for the 202324 year was 84.4%, above the state average of 82.5%, and reiterated the district goal of 95% proficiency by 2027. He noted that the district piloted second-grade iRead3 testing last year and will roll that testing out to all second-graders this spring to provide earlier diagnostic information.

Marissa Tinkle, the elementary professional development coordinator, described a multi-tiered approach aimed at precision intervention. She said the district expanded districtwide tier-1 instruction to include Heggerty and Orton-Gillingham, rewrote comprehension units to align with new standards, and changed screening/diagnostic workflows so teams can respond more precisely to students' needs. Tinkle said the district is implementing a 30-minute daily WIN ("What I Need") intervention block: "WIN stands for what I need. That's 30 minutes a day in which all students participate in some sort of activity at their level," she said.

District staff also reported math curriculum alignment and expanded use of IXL for standards-aligned, adaptive practice tied to the Reveal curriculum. Presenters emphasized common formative assessments, backward-mapped curriculum planning and professional learning communities between middle- and high-school teachers to support continuity across grades.

Board members asked about testing cadence and whether assessments begin in early grades; presenters said math formative assessments start in kindergarten and that retesting windows allow students additional opportunities before grade transitions. The board did not take formal action but asked staff to continue sharing assessment dashboards and progress reports.