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DeWitt reports spring benchmark gains; early-reading interventions and LETRS training highlighted
Summary
District leaders said spring benchmark results show gains in reading and math across K-8 and cited strong DIBELS early-reader improvements in K-5; the curriculum director stressed continued focus on LETRS training and summer reading to sustain progress.
The board heard spring benchmark results showing the district's K-8 students scoring above national norms in many grades and steady progress toward the district's goal of 80% of students at or above average.
"Our goal's been...80% of our students at average or better," the district's curriculum leader said, describing multi-year progress. He reported roughly 65% of K-8 students were in the two highest NWEA quintiles in reading and about 72% in math this spring, figures he said reflect several years of curriculum alignment and intervention work.
The district also discussed early-reading screener data (DIBELS), which showed substantial spring gains in kindergarten through fifth grade after targeted interventions. The presenter said buildings used results to identify gaps and direct early reading-intervention staff where the need is greatest.
Board members raised the familiar issue of summer learning loss. The presenter said the district gives families summer-reading guidance and that schools use library partnerships and intervention packets to limit slide.
Finally the presentation highlighted LETRS (the structured literacy professional development for early-reading instruction). Staff said roughly 40% to half of K-5 classroom teachers have completed LETRS training and several more complete cohorts each quarter; the district said the state provides the training but noted the time commitment and logistics involved in broad implementation.
No board action was taken on assessment items; staff said the materials will be posted online for detailed per-building results.
