At a recent government meeting, education officials discussed the current state of student proficiency in math and reading within the district. The goal is to increase math proficiency to 10% and reading proficiency to 28% by the end of 2025. Currently, only 3.4% of students are proficient in math, while 15.71% are proficient in reading.

The officials reviewed data from state assessments, including the M STEP, PSAT, and SAT. They noted that elementary students are averaging around 12% proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA), with a notable peak of 40% proficiency in 8th grade PSAT scores. However, there was a concerning decline in 3rd grade proficiency, dropping from 18% to 9% over the past year.

The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by newly enrolled students, who often arrive significantly below proficiency levels. In the 2023 school year, only 19 out of 162 new students in grades 4 through 7 met proficiency standards. In contrast, students who have been in the district for over two years showed a growth rate of about 9% faster than their newly enrolled peers.

The officials acknowledged that while progress is being made in moving students from \"not proficient\" to \"partially proficient,\" there is a need to improve the transition from \"partially proficient\" to \"proficient.\" They reported that a significant number of students did not show any growth at all, indicating a need for targeted interventions.

In math, the situation is even more troubling, with the highest proficiency rate at 9% for 3rd graders and many grades showing 0% proficiency. The overall proficiency in math has not significantly changed from the previous year, remaining below 4% across grade bands.

The officials attributed some of the declines to high staff turnover, challenging testing environments, and the impact of virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are implementing strategies to improve hiring for core subjects, streamline testing processes, and enhance school culture to support student learning.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to address these challenges and improve student outcomes in the coming years.