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RSU 25 presents 2023–24 assessment results, flags 27% chronic absenteeism districtwide
Summary
Director of Curriculum presented district and state assessment data showing mixed achievement: reading above state averages in some grades, math weaknesses in middle grades and a district chronic absenteeism rate of 27.2%; the board discussed targeted curriculum changes and attendance interventions.
The district’s Director of Curriculum walked the board through 2023–24 assessment results and district takeaways, using the NWEA as a universal screener and the state summative as the accountability measure.
The presentation noted that the district had a 95% participation rate in required testing last year and an average daily attendance (ADA) of about 91.4%. The superintendent and director highlighted a district chronic absenteeism average of 27.2% (students missing 10% or more of scheduled days) and said the district had lowered that rate by roughly three percentage points from the previous year. Board discussion focused on the middle grades, where math performance and fall→spring growth measures were notably weaker: a sixth‑grade cohort met growth targets at a much lower rate in the fall→spring window than in spring→spring comparisons.
The director described steps the district is taking: implementing a revised K–12 math curriculum (board approved last spring) that reorders units to better match tested expectations, targeted tier‑one classroom interventions, expanded Title supports and reading recovery programs, and use of state school‑improvement funds for professional development around attendance at the middle school level. The board asked for follow‑up detail on specific grade cohorts and indicators the district will track to measure the impact of these interventions.
The presentation contained technical discussion about the limitations of fall→spring growth when high‑performing students hit test ceilings; the director recommended using spring→spring comparisons where possible to better capture growth for certain cohorts.
Board members were offered opportunities to review the underlying data individually; no policy changes were voted at this meeting.
