Uplift board hears primary-grade reading gains, flags uneven math performance

Jonathan N., deputy chief of primary school, delivered the primary-division academic update, emphasizing reading gains and targeted supports for math. "Last year's third grade readers are showing significant gain as fourth graders," Jonathan said, pointing to cohort growth and early indicators of future success. He described curricular and coaching changes, small-group math interventions and schedule adjustments to increase math practice time.

Jonathan also highlighted a notable jump in science: "In our end of the semester assessment, we're at 43% in fifth grade," he said, up from about 13% last year. Board members pressed for details on how staff will reallocate instructional minutes without cutting recess or specials; Jonathan said teams have shifted five minutes here and there and repurposed an intervention block toward math while protecting other parts of the day. The presentation closed with staff describing plans to expand early numeracy supports and bring tutoring/small-group instruction earlier into K–2 where gaps are emerging.