The Battle Ground School District Board of Directors held a special meeting on January 27, 2025, where discussions centered on improving student support systems, particularly for struggling ninth graders. A new initiative called "Freshman Success" was introduced, targeting 21 students who attend school regularly but are failing one or two core classes. This program aims to provide tailored support to help these students overcome barriers to learning.

During the meeting, educators emphasized the importance of collaboration among teachers to ensure that students receive the necessary help without being overwhelmed by multiple requests from different instructors. A system is in place that allows teachers to "check out" students for additional support, with a standing rule limiting the number of times a student can be checked out to ensure equitable access.

Concerns were raised about declining test scores and increasing disciplinary issues among ninth graders. The board acknowledged these challenges and discussed strategies to address them, including enhancing instructional methods to better prepare students for standardized tests like the Smarter Balanced Assessment. The district is working to close the gap between classroom instruction and testing expectations, as many students report feeling unprepared for the types of questions they encounter on these assessments.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue refining support systems for students, particularly those at risk of falling behind, and to keep the community informed about ongoing efforts to improve educational outcomes. The board plans to review comprehensive school improvement plans in the upcoming meetings, ensuring that all schools are aligned in their strategies to foster student success.