District reports benchmark gains but must draft Title I improvement plan

District staff presented third-quarter benchmark and Keystone results showing improvements in proficiency and advanced levels in multiple grades, and described targeted interventions to address missed content ahead of PSSA and Keystone testing windows.

Mr Becker summarized the benchmark findings as growth in ELA and math proficiency, noting double-digit reductions in below-basic rates for several grades and specific gains between Benchmark 1 and Benchmark 3. He also said incomplete participation in Benchmark 2 for some tests limited comparisons: "we're not quite sure there was only 64 students out of 27 so we're not sure how we didn't test all the students in Benchmark 2," he said, underscoring a data gap staff will investigate.

To address missed content, staff described using Study Island and other classroom technologies to run targeted review sessions and workshops focused on identified anchor-point deficits rather than teaching new content. Teachers and intervention staff will hold organized review sessions and monitor student progress, and the district plans to convene a curriculum council/data team to refine cross-grade correlations and instructional supports.

Separately, Dr Gaikowski told the board the district has been identified for Targeted Support and Improvement under federal Title I for outcomes at the elementary level for students with disabilities. She said the district is beginning work on required improvement plans that will include reading specialists and special education teams; the plan is due Sept. 1.

Board members praised staff for focused preparation but emphasized monitoring participation rates in benchmark rounds and ensuring parent notification for upcoming tests. The district posted historical and current benchmark data in the board documents for ongoing review.