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District shows mixed midyear gains; board asks for more detailed breakdowns
Summary
District staff reported midyear assessment gains across several grades and subgroups but board members pressed for exact population counts and subgroup disaggregation after several small-cohort dips and uneven ELL and math results were highlighted.
Doctor Martin, the district’s lead presenter on assessment data, told the board that beginning‑to‑middle‑of‑year results show growth on iStation (K–2), IMASA (grades 3–8) and STAR (grades 9–12).
"Most grade bands and many subgroups showed increases," Doctor Martin said, adding that some slides show declines in small cohorts and that some data still require validation. He said English‑language‑learner gains in a small cohort represented three students moving levels and that the team will ‘‘dig deeper’’ to understand the causes.
The board pressed for context. Doctor Guy urged staff to include the raw numbers for each percentage so board members can evaluate how small cohorts affect percentage swings. "It would be good to have the actual numbers so that we know what population or size of the population this represents," Doctor Guy said.
Superintendent Weidner and Doctor Martin said they will provide disaggregated counts and clarify which assessments and subpopulations are included on each slide. Doctor Martin described plans for instructional coaches and PLCs to examine student‑level data and to use spiral reviews to reinforce early standards.
Board members also flagged math proficiency as an area of concern. One board member observed that districtwide proficiency percentages still mean a majority of students remain below proficiency thresholds and asked how classroom performance and grades align with assessment results.
Doctor Martin and the superintendent said the district will return with more detailed breakdowns, including counts for each subgroup, explanations for unusual dips, and plans for targeted interventions. The board did not take formal action on the data report; members requested additional reports and follow‑up at upcoming meetings.
