District reports reading and math gains in K–3 FastBridge data, awaits state test release

The Pecatonica Area School District presented final results from its 2025–26 Achievement Gap Reduction (AGR) program, reporting measurable growth in early grades based on FastBridge assessments. Speaker 7 summarized spring-to-fall improvements, saying, "From fall to spring, the percentage of students performing at or above the 40th percentile increased in reading for kindergarten, 1st grade, and 3rd grade, with particularly strong results in kindergarten moving from 69 percent to 88." The board heard that third‑grade math showed especially strong spring growth, with 85% of students demonstrating growth at or above the 50th percentile.

District staff said AGR uses instructional coaching, data analysis and targeted interventions funded in part by ATR allocation and that the board will review progress after the first semester and again in summer updates. Speaker 7 noted the district submits its AGR application every five years and framed the report as the first-year review of the current plan. Board members asked for clarification about persistent gaps, especially in first‑grade math and second‑grade reading, and staff said those areas would remain focal points for targeted supports. The board also noted that DPI will publish last year’s state testing data in mid‑August, which staff said will offer a broader statewide benchmark for the district’s internal measures.