District assessment: gains in some grades, concern for grade‑8 math; 9th‑grade on‑track target exceeded

The district’s assessment presentations at the June 25 board meeting highlighted mixed academic outcomes and identified priorities for the coming year.

Principal Case (speaker 9) reviewed cohort and assessment data across middle and high school, noting growth in several cohorts (for example, improvements in 6th- and 7th-grade proficiency and scale scores) but a pronounced drop for the current 8th-grade cohort. He said the district will prioritize a targeted grade‑8 math intervention and a curriculum-alignment review to ensure students are placed appropriately and receive focused support. He also flagged discrepancies between I‑Ready and ESSA/ESPA data and noted testing fatigue and uneven diagnostic participation, which complicate interpretation.

Superintendent (speaker 10) framed the district’s three-year goals and reported results tied to this data: the 9th-grade on‑track target was exceeded (reported as 90.67% on track, above the district target), academic growth metrics were generally up across the district and attendance improved by 5.3 percentage points though falling short of a 10‑point target.

Specific data points cited in the meeting
- Elementary: Principal McCall reported 4th grade at 73% and 5th grade at 76% scoring level 3 or 4 on the SBA, above the state average in those grades.
- Middle school: Principal Case said the current 8th-grade cohort showed a double-digit drop in proficiency and recommended targeted interventions for algebra readiness and proportional reasoning.
- High school/9th grade: Superintendent reported a 9th-grade pass rate of 90.67% for core classes, exceeding the district target.

Board reaction and next steps
Board members and administrators agreed to additional analysis and prioritized actions: refine diagnostic participation, implement grade‑8 math interventions, continue universal-design-for-learning (UDL) and MTSS supports, and complete a curriculum-alignment review. Superintendent said growth reporting tied to the Washington School Improvement Plan will be available in the fall when state growth metrics are published.

Why it matters
Decisions on interventions, course placements and curriculum alignment have direct classroom consequences and are priorities in the district’s strategic plan. The board and administration signaled a coordinated approach to sustain successes while addressing the 8th‑grade math decline and testing/participation inconsistencies.