Pleasant Hill SD 1 to explore pilot of Renaissance Star assessments after staff presentation

At a Nov. 18, 2025 work session, Pleasant Hill SD 1 district staff presented comparative information on several student-assessment systems and recommended staff-led exploration of a Renaissance Star pilot rather than immediate full adoption. The presentation compared MAP Growth (NWEA), Renaissance Star, MindPrint and IXL and outlined next steps for staff engagement and teacher feedback.

The superintendent led the presentation, saying assessment tools are intended to support data-driven decisionmaking at classroom and district levels, track student growth and inform instruction. District staff described MAP Growth as an adaptive, longer assessment administered two to three times per year that produces growth estimates and predictive insights for state testing. Renaissance Star was characterized as a shorter, more frequent, skill-focused assessment (about 15–30 minutes) intended for real-time progress monitoring and instructional planning. MindPrint was described as a cognitive-profile diagnostic (annual, roughly one hour) for individualized learning profiles rather than longitudinal growth metrics. IXL was described as a continuous, classroom-based practice tool focused on skill development rather than district-level growth tracking.

Staff also described the district’s strategic-scorecard work and a potential partnership with Studer Education to align district, site and teacher goals. The presenter said Studer or similar consultants would support development of scorecards, leadership coaching and periodic "rounding" conversations to translate strategic pillars into measurable actions. District staff noted they have approximately $24,000 in carryover Title II professional-development funds that could help support early strategic-planning work or professional learning tied to any pilot.

Board members at the session expressed general support for beginning exploratory steps and emphasized minimizing assessment burden on students and staff. Members asked that teachers be involved early: staff proposed sending a small group of teachers to a nearby district using Renaissance Star (Junction City) for observation, running a limited pilot at selected grade levels, and returning to the board with teacher feedback and pilot data before any broader adoption. Staff outlined a tentative timeline of January–early spring for initial teacher engagement and pilot activities, with follow-up to the board after pilots.

No formal vote or adoption occurred during the work session. The board scheduled its next regular meeting for Dec. 2 at the community center, where staff expect to report further on implementation planning and teacher feedback.