Fremont City Schools see mixed OST results; some grades post double‑digit gains

Assistant Superintendent Abby presented the district’s Ohio State Test (OST) results and highlighted several areas of growth and continuing challenges.

"We saw a 9% jump from last year," Abby said when describing the district’s fourth‑grade math performance, which rose from 69% to 78% competency. She reported a 9 percentage‑point gain in eighth‑grade ELA, with scores rising from about 50% to 66%. Abby told the board third‑grade ELA results—administered on paper—were still pending and expected on June 15.

Abby framed the gains as one part of a broader picture. She said daily assessments and improved attendance contributed to growth, and pointed to a new K–5 ELA curriculum and targeted professional development as ongoing investments. She cautioned that OST scores are "one measurement" among several the district uses to assess student progress.

Board members pressed for context. The assistant superintendent noted that gifted students are sometimes tested at higher grade levels (for example, some fifth‑grade gifted students take a seventh‑grade test), which can affect percentage comparisons across grades. She also said that attendance improvements likely supported some of the gains.

Board members asked about low‑performing subgroups and how test participation and cohort composition affect reported percentages. Abby said the district is tracking longitudinal cohorts—starting with this year’s kindergarten class under the new curriculum—to monitor multi‑year progress.

The board did not take any formal action on the test results; the presentation was accepted for review. Members said they will revisit the data when the remaining third‑grade ELA scores are posted and look for follow‑up reports tying results to specific interventions and professional development plans.