Sage Magnet and Tamarisk principals report test-score gains, attendance improvements and new student supports

At the March 12 board meeting two elementary principals presented accountability and progress reports highlighting measurable student gains and strategies used to support those gains.

Sage Magnet Academy's principal described SBAC improvements in 2024-25, noting a 3.32 percentage-point increase in ELA, a 13.2-point increase in math, and an 18.3-point gain for English learners. Principal Miller attributed the improvements to a schoolwide focus on "teacher clarity," targeted interventions including the co-pilot tier-3 program, tutoring, family math nights and engagement strategies to boost attendance. Miller said the school moved out of CSI status, reported multiple student awards and emphasized sustained initiatives such as a uniform closet to minimize attendance barriers and a mandatory 3.0 GPA standard for scholar-athletes.

Tamarisk Elementary's principal, Ms. Gonzales, presented three-year CAST and LPMA data showing growth across grade levels and described a collective-responsibility instructional model that guarantees two tier-2 intervention blocks four days a week, daily ELD for English learners and coaching for teachers. Tamarisk reported a 4 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism and a roughly 90 percent average attendance rate last year; the principal highlighted outreach strategies including early check-ins for new students and incentives that include parent gift cards.

Both principals recognized staff and community partners: Sage thanked Child Nutrition and the co-pilot program for campus supports; Tamarisk acknowledged the Palmdale Women's Club and Spectrum for donations and event support. Trustees applauded the student performances and asked clarifying questions; the presentations were accepted by the board for review and follow-up.