Staff report shows mixed academic outcomes; state law renames 'World's Best Workforce'

District curriculum and assessment leaders presented the annual report on the World's Best Workforce (reported for the 2023–24 year) and described how the state's legislative changes affect reporting in the current school year.

"This is a public hearing for the 2023–24 school year," Matt Putcher said, explaining the district's obligation to report on progress toward the former World's Best Workforce goals. Dr. Cheryl Ulick, director of research, evaluation and assessment, laid out the data: kindergarten screening completion rates were very high (about 99.3% and 99.4% across two reporting years); third‑grade proficiency on state assessments was approximately 37% in 2024; proficiency for students of color increased from 26.9% to about 29.6%, narrowing the gap modestly.

Ulick also discussed college and career course participation: the district reported about 5,208 college‑or CTE‑bearing course enrollments in 2023 and about 5,303 in 2024, with roughly 1,800 students taking at least one such course. Graduation rates showed some variability: a 4‑year graduation rate dropped slightly (84.5% to 81.3% in the period discussed), though multi‑year graduation metrics (5‑, 6‑, 7‑year rates) show additional students completing school later.

Presenters noted a statewide change: the term "World's Best Workforce" has been replaced by "Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness" by legislation that took effect July 1, 2024; the district said it will convene stakeholders to set locally defined goals under the new framework.

Board members asked about assessment changes, the rationale for locally defined targets for early‑childhood screening, and plans to analyze program effectiveness. Staff said they will undertake program analyses this school year to measure impact and return on investment for interventions used across elementary and secondary sites.