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Burlington board weighs curriculum alignment as state cut scores change; local gains noted on benchmarks
Summary
District leaders told the board Oct. 22 that statewide changes in cut scores contributed to lower test results, while locally 94% of 7th–12th graders increased benchmark scores; the board discussed continuing curriculum alignment to close learning gaps.
Board members discussed FY26 test scores and curriculum alignment during the Oct. 22 meeting following statewide changes to cut scores. Superintendent Gerrett Spears told the board that some of the statewide declines are tied to a change in cut scores attributed to State Superintendent Fields, and that Burlington has also been addressing learning gaps from inconsistent curriculum use in prior years.
Spears said district benchmark testing showed positive local movement: "94% of 7th-12th graders were able to increase their test scores," he reported, while noting that a portion of students 'have realized these benchmark tests have no consequences, and therefore have lost their desire to try.' He argued that districtwide curriculum alignment over the last two years is aimed at closing foundational gaps and that improvement takes time.
