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Brooklyn Board reviews winter student performance, cites challenges with new reading curriculum
Summary
Superintendent Raynor presented winter performance data showing overall growth but lower fourth‑grade reading results; board members pressed for supports and cautioned against narrowing instruction to testing. The board plans follow-up with administrators and teachers.
Superintendent Raynor reviewed the district’s winter student performance data at the Brooklyn Board of Education’s Feb. 25 meeting, saying overall growth trends are positive but fourth‑grade reading results were lower than other grades.
Raynor said the winter assessments measure students against the skills expected at the end of their grade level and noted a net enrollment increase of two students, bringing district enrollment to 1,231. She told the board administrators are monitoring algebra readiness, small‑group interventions and curriculum implementation as part of ongoing supports.
Board member Ailla Wasstrom‑Evans pressed the administration on causes for the dip in fourth‑grade results and whether staffing reductions or increased class sizes could be a factor; she also cautioned that an overemphasis on testing can limit teachers’ freedom to deliver engaging instruction. Raynor said the district believes the lower fourth‑grade results likely reflect challenges related to implementing a new reading curriculum and its pacing and that the administration is working with teachers to address those implementation issues.
Dr. Melissa Perkins‑Banas, the board’s vice‑chair, said that a prescribed curriculum does not necessarily mean teachers are “teaching to the test” and emphasized the need for effective instruction to support student growth.
The board heard that the administration will continue to monitor performance, work with building administrators on interventions, and report back on progress and any staffing or program changes. No formal personnel or budget actions related to the curriculum were taken at the meeting.
