The Gardner School Committee convened on February 10, 2025, to discuss the district's ongoing improvement initiatives, focusing on aligning educational practices with the district's mission and core values. The meeting highlighted the importance of fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment for students, emphasizing the district's commitment to joy, care, and academic achievement.

A key topic of discussion was the implementation of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework, which aims to instill core values of safety, respect, responsibility, and kindness among students. The committee reported that over 90% of students feel cared for by adults in the school, a factor linked to improved academic success. The district is actively collecting data to monitor social-emotional well-being and behavioral outcomes, with a goal of reducing office discipline referrals.

The committee also outlined specific academic objectives, particularly in literacy. They aim for 15% of students to meet or exceed expectations on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) and to close achievement gaps for marginalized groups, including students with disabilities and multilingual learners. The emphasis on early literacy is critical, as research indicates that students reading at grade level by second grade are more likely to succeed academically.

To support these goals, the district is utilizing a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) to ensure high-quality instruction for all students. The committee discussed the importance of monitoring instructional fidelity, ensuring that teachers effectively implement research-based curricula. Professional development sessions are being organized to address any gaps in teacher training.

In addition to academic strategies, the committee is fostering family engagement through initiatives like reading challenges during school breaks and competitions to encourage reading at home. These efforts aim to strengthen partnerships with families and promote a culture of literacy within the community.

Overall, the Gardner School Committee's meeting underscored a comprehensive approach to improving student outcomes through a combination of behavioral support, academic focus, and community involvement. As the district moves forward, continued monitoring of data and fidelity in instructional practices will be essential to achieving its ambitious goals.