Tri Creek updates curriculum plan and moves Pre‑AP English to eighth grade; state is withholding iLearn summative scores

Tammy updated the Tri Creek School Board on curriculum and assessment plans for next year, telling trustees the textbook adoption process is underway and teacher training began during an early‑release day in March. “We have started training with our teachers already on the first early release day in March, and we will continue with that into May,” Tammy said.

She explained one curricular change designed to increase rigor: Pre‑AP English 1 will move into eighth grade next year, with Pre‑AP English 2 scheduled for ninth grade in two years. Tammy said the goal is to prepare students so more will take AP‑level coursework in high school.

On assessments, Tammy told the board that the state is withholding iLearn summative test scores this year while it evaluates standards and scoring; the district will use the average of three checkpoint assessments instead for placement and acceleration decisions. “The state has granted that we can use checkpoint data, so we will use the average of all 3 checkpoints,” she said, and staff expect the checkpoint window to finish in the next few weeks.

Tammy also described high‑ability identification work (CogAT) and partnerships with Purdue Northwest to expand student‑teacher placements and staff professional development for literacy and the science of reading. Trustees asked about an American Sign Language class requested by a student; Tammy said staff explored feasibility and suggested alternatives such as an ASL club or community offerings because hiring a qualified ASL teacher can be difficult.

The board did not take action on curriculum items at this meeting; Tammy said more implementation details will follow as the district receives state test guidance.