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Millard reports ACT performance and discusses testing changes; EL program growth noted
Summary
The district reported a class-of-2025 ACT composite average of 21.1 — above the state and national averages — and discussed upcoming ACT scoring/administration changes. Administrators also described EL program growth to about 1,000 students, 82 languages, and supports for families and adult ESL.
District staff presented two instructional assessments reports: the graduating-class ACT report and the English Learner (EL) program year-end report.
The ACT report showed a composite score of 21.1 for the class of 2025 and noted Millard students outperformed state (19.2) and national averages. The presenter said, "Composite score is, the average of English, math, reading, and science. You'll see strong performance, exactly the same average, composite score, 21.1." Trustees pressed administrators about ACT changes: the addition (for state reporting) of a science component and the possibility of multi-day testing. One board member asked whether adding the science portion could disadvantage students when compared nationally, saying, "I would love to have that split off if that's the better academic thing for our kids to compete."
Why it matters: State-level changes to ACT administration and scoring could affect local reporting and comparative rankings. Board members requested monitoring of outcomes over the next two to four years to assess impacts of curriculum sequencing and testing changes on score trends.
The EL report described almost 1,000 EL students districtwide, 82 languages represented and 28.5 EL teachers across 22 sites. Presenters described increases in proficiency (ELPA) and targeted professional learning for staff, plus family-facing supports such as adult ESL classes in partnership with Metro Community College (about 60 adult learners) and a family-literacy program funded by a National Centers for Families Learning grant. Administration explained how EL and special-education identification are managed through dual processes and described supports for families who waive services.
Next steps: District staff will continue monitoring ACT impacts from state changes, report back on subsequent years' trends and continue to evaluate EL-site staffing, program supports and resources for newcomer families.
