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Sandy River Middle School tells board chronic absenteeism and low math proficiency are key priorities
Summary
Sandy River Middle School staff told the McDowell County Board of Education that chronic absenteeism (reported at around 42%) is linked to declines in ELA and math proficiency and outlined attendance rewards, targeted supports and math‑instruction interventions.
A Sandy River Middle School representative presented enrollment, attendance and academic measures to the board and said chronic absenteeism remains a primary barrier to student progress.
The presenter said the school currently enrolls 237 students and reported a chronic absenteeism measure the presentation tied to 42 percent of students; staff noted that 28 percent of that 42 percent had excused absences. "We worked really hard this year getting our chronic absenteeism down," the presenter said, and described certificates, monthly rewards and a tiered support system led by the school's CIS facilitator.
On academics, the presenter reported reading and ELA work with mixed results: earlier gains in ELA but a drop this year in one metric (from prior years’ levels to about 43%) and I‑Ready diagnostics showing weaknesses in vocabulary and comprehension. The school described targeted reading strategies, a corrective‑reading consultant, inclusion classes and classroom demonstrations to build comprehension.
Math performance also drew attention: staff reported a 3‑point decline in one year and said math proficiency and progression are highly affected by absenteeism. The school has brought in Carnegie math consultants, a math coach (referred to as "Ty") and virtual reality lessons; it has also adopted I‑Ready math materials to better align classroom instruction and diagnostic tools.
The presenter closed by describing discipline improvements, PBIS (now called Tiger BRAVE) revisions and student success plans that include alternative placements and supports for students with repeated suspensions. Board members asked clarifying questions but took no separate action on the presentation at this meeting.
