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Kuna Joint District reports mixed preliminary ISAT, IRI results; math shows districtwide gains
Summary
District assessment lead Kevin Gifford told the board the district has about 85% of scores returned and that math proficiency rose about 3% districtwide; he cautioned year‑to‑year comparisons are limited because the IRI/Amira reading assessment uses oral input and is not directly comparable to past tests.
Kevin Gifford presented preliminary student assessment data to the Kuna Joint District board, saying the district had about 85% of scores returned and that full, grade‑by‑grade results will be published next month. "We have about 85% of our scores in so far," he said, and warned that results could shift as the remaining tests are processed.
Gifford said the district’s K–3 reading assessment this year used a new IRI test tied to the Amira platform and relies heavily on oral input, making direct comparisons with last year’s computer‑based test unreliable. "This test is very much dependent on oral input from the students, whereas before everything was just clicking on the computer," he said, and added that the two tests are "not a true compare." He said detailed school‑ and grade‑level breakdowns will be provided at the next meeting.
Despite the caveat, Gifford highlighted areas of progress. He reported an overall 3% increase in math proficiency compared with last year and said eighth‑grade ELA proficiency rose to about 55% (up 5 points) and 11th grade to about 60% (up 3 points). He also noted Keanu Middle School’s eighth‑grade science score improved from 28% to 46% (an 18‑point gain).
Gifford and trustees discussed patterns by cohort and grade transitions, with particular attention on drops between certain grade pairs (fourth to fifth in math; fifth to sixth in ELA). He said the district recently adopted a new elementary ELA curriculum and expanded middle‑school reading instruction to a full year to address persistent gaps. Gifford closed by promising more granular reports by grade and by school at the next meeting.
The presentation was informational; no board action was taken on assessment results.
