Allamakee school leaders report ISASP scores above state averages, aim to boost 'advanced proficient' results

Kelli Olson, the district's Curriculum Director, and Carissa Otto, Special Education Director, presented results from the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) and told the school board that overall proficiency in the Allamakee Community School District is consistently above the state average and has shown year-over-year improvement. Olson and Otto said the district would prioritize strategies to raise the number of students scoring in the "advanced proficient" category.

The presentation compared multiple years of ISASP data with state averages and highlighted areas of strength. Olson commended teachers and students for their work during the assessments and noted instructional leaders and coaches played a role in the analysis and follow-up planning. Otto thanked special-education and transportation staff for coordinating new students and roster changes at the start of the school year.

Superintendent Jay Mathis told the board the certified annual report has been filed with the state and said more details will be provided in next month's financial health report. School principals and directors used the opportunity to note related programs and events—such as a new elementary reading challenge called Read to Achieve and upcoming homecoming activities—that support student engagement.

The board did not take formal action on the ISASP presentation at the meeting; the presentation was informational and board members signaled interest in following up on targeted strategies to move more students into the advanced-proficient band.