Sto-Rox principals report strong midyear MAP gains and higher participation

District leaders told the Sto-Rox School District board that preliminary midyear MAP assessment results show notable growth for many students and a large improvement in participation compared with last year.

Doctor Sofo said the district’s recently completed math assessments — intended to measure growth and achievement — returned encouraging preliminary data and he suggested a board briefing or presentation in February to review finalized results. “This is good news,” he said, adding that the district is focusing on instruction and growth.

At the primary center, a school leader described testing logistics for early grades, noting the use of iPads, pull-out testing groups and incentives such as classroom parties to boost participation. A district staff member, Mike, told the board that organizers dramatically improved testing participation compared with last year, saying the district’s participation climbed to about 90% this year from under 40% in the prior year; he attributed the change to better organizing and student incentives.

Doctor Sofo and principals cited preliminary figures that roughly 41% to the low-50s of students are showing growth on interim measures, with some individual students gaining up to 76 points. Leaders emphasized the data are still being finalized but recommended a more detailed presentation for the board to examine results and next instructional steps.

The transcript records the recommendation for a February briefing; no formal board vote was recorded on that scheduling in the public portion.