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Principals outline literacy, attendance and graduation goals as district aligns instruction
Summary
Middle- and high‑school leaders updated the board on district goals: a 70% reading proficiency aim, 2% FastBridge growth targets, embedded science‑of‑reading practices, a new sixth‑grade literacy course, and a push to achieve a 90% attendance target to support learning and graduation goals.
District principals presented teaching‑and‑learning updates to the Monticello School Board focused on literacy, tiered supports, attendance and graduation rates.
At the middle school, assistant principal Rachel Sandquist said the building is aligning to the district goal to reach 70% reading proficiency by spring, with a 2% incremental target on FastBridge assessments year over year. Sandquist described classroom expectations tied to the science of reading and cross‑content observables in reading, writing, speaking and listening. She said the middle school is piloting a new sixth‑grade combined reading and language arts course to standardize literacy instruction.
The presentation also covered tiered interventions: Joy Hausman, the district reading specialist, analyzes FastBridge data to form 20‑minute targeted Tier‑2 groups rather than longer pull‑out sessions, with the intent of minimizing missed core instruction and accelerating progress.
High‑school leaders described schedule and structural changes intended to support graduation and credit recovery. Presenters said the district’s combined graduation rate was about 91% last year and the schools have set a 94% goal; the high school has moved to a six‑period, trimester‑style day with increased, weekly professional development so staff can collaborate on instructional practice and student supports. Administrators noted expanded ALP credit‑recovery options and a freshman seminar class to support transition and career planning.
Board members asked how the middle school communicates tiered supports to families; administrators said parent meetings and conferences have been used and further communications will be pushed through newsletters and other district channels. The board thanked principals for the updates and asked administration to return with progress reporting in the spring.
