Tunkhannock presenters say early‑grade literacy outpaces national norms; district outlines targeted interventions

Summer Frisco and Annette Shreve presented an academic progress update to the Tunkhannock Area School Board, telling members the district’s early‑literacy screening and benchmark data are encouraging and outlining how staff plan to target students who are behind.

Frisco said the district’s DIBELS early‑literacy measures place the district “above the national norms” across tested grade levels, and that the district uses LinkIt benchmark assessments three times per year to identify skills gaps and guide instruction. She described a system of targeted interventions — additional, focused instruction blocks for students who fall below benchmark — and said teachers and specialists meet regularly to design those supports.

The presenters emphasized that the DIBELS tool is a norm‑referenced screener that identifies students who need “intensive intervention” and that the district uses item‑level analyses to set very specific classroom plans. Frisco noted that, while kindergarten and early grades show strong benchmark percentages, the proportion of students at or above benchmark tends to decline through middle grades, which the district will target with sustained interventions next year.

Board members asked for year‑over‑year cohort comparisons and a fuller PSSA/Keystone analysis; presenters said the district can provide cohort tracking and expects to present state test comparisons in the fall when official results are available. The presenters also highlighted secondary measures: Advanced Placement testing participation and CTE (career‑technical education) enrollment at the high school, plus an above‑national‑norm SAT average and high participation rates in CTE courses.

The presentation concluded with a request from board members to produce a concise annual “portrait of a graduate” or graduate‑outcomes summary (college, military, workforce, CTE credentials) for publication on the district website so prospective families and community members can easily find post‑graduation outcomes.

The board thanked Frisco and Shreve and asked district staff to return in the fall with cohort and PSSA comparisons.