Hendry County School District leaders presented academic results covering proficiency, learning gains and graduation data over the last three years.

District staff said overall FAST ELA proficiency was 44% in 2023-24 and set a draft target of 54% by 2027-28; math proficiency was 47% with a draft target of 57% by 2027-28. Officials described the plan as flexible and said targets will be revised as the district continues its program of standards-based instruction, instructional rounds and principal professional learning.

Officials said third-grade ELA proficiency was reported at about 53% in the most recent year; staff noted the state changed assessment standards beginning in 2022-23 and that 2023-24 was the second year under the revised standards. The district said its overall learning-gains measures rose, with notable improvement in the lowest quartile of students.

Graduation and acceleration: staff said high-school acceleration (students earning high-school course credit or industry credentials in middle school) showed double-digit growth across two years and that on-time graduation rates reflected statewide changes during the COVID-era cohorts; the most recent senior class rate reported to the district was in the mid-80s (district provided class-rate percentages by cohort).

District approach: presenters credited a focus on standards-based planning, upskilling teachers and leaders, instructional rounds and frequent monitoring as drivers of improvement. The district emphasized the programs are ongoing and that metrics in the draft strategic plan capture multi-year goals.

Ending: Officials said they will keep reporting results and refine targets after collecting community and staff feedback.