Corona‑Norco Unified previews California Dashboard predictions, highlights ELA and CCI gains; math remains below standard

Corona‑Norco Unified School District officials on Tuesday gave trustees a preview of predicted California Dashboard colors and released 2024 assessment results, saying the district appears to have gained ground in English language arts and the college‑and‑career indicator while math remains below grade level despite recent gains.

"If this is correct, we look very green on the dashboard," said Dr. Schwelt, who leads the district's research, evaluation and student‑data division during a study‑session presentation. She emphasized the numbers shown were district estimates and that the state will publish the official dashboard on Nov. 13.

The presentation separated two data sources: state dashboard predictions (not yet public) and released California Assessment results. Using distance‑from‑standard metrics, staff walked trustees through how the state's 5×5 status‑and‑change grid converts scores into colored ratings. The district's predicted metrics included an English language arts status of +14.6 (a +6.1 gain in DFS), math status of −24.4 with a +6.3 gain, and science points of 59.8 with a +5.2 gain; staff said science is likely to be blue under new measures.

On the released California assessment results, staff reported percent‑proficient rates of 58% in ELA (up 2.5 points year over year), 43% in math (up 2.5 points) and 39% in science (up 3.5 points). The district's reported rates were higher than the state averages presented by staff for the same subjects.

Dr. Schwelt also called attention to subgroup performance. She said 78% of district sites saw increases in ELA and 72% saw increases in math, but some student groups lag: long‑term English learners (LTELs) and certain foster and homeless student groups showed limited growth or declines. "We need to refocus on our ELs and our LTELs," Dr. Goins said, noting the district will present a more targeted English‑learner plan and data at the next board meeting.

Staff provided context on other dashboard indicators: a reported graduation rate of 95.9% (a slight 0.4‑point drop) that remains in the blue category; a college‑and‑career indicator near 56.1% (a gain of 7.6 points); suspension rate of 2.6% (decline of 1.6 points); and chronic absenteeism at about 12.4% (a small decline leaving it in orange). Presenters cautioned that small subgroup sizes can make early estimates unstable and that the district will await the official state release before broader public communications.

Trustees asked for additional context, including raw student counts behind subgroup percentages and a dedicated follow‑up presentation on English learners. Staff committed to return with those details and recommended targeted MTSS (Multi‑Tiered System of Supports) and strategic interventions rather than blanket approaches.

The study session concluded with staff and trustees agreeing to await the official dashboard release and to continue district‑level subgroup interventions and follow‑up reporting.