While the numbers initially look the same, Triad officials are digging deeper to see growth among their students in reading proficiency.
Chief Academic Officer Jenna Fograscher shared an update during the most recent Triad Board of Education meeting regarding the fall reading scores for third graders.
She said 49% of students achieved proficient scores – the same percentage as students achieved this time last year – but she still sees “a lot of growth.”
Of the students who have not yet achieved proficient scores, Fograscher said many more are “one step away” compared to last year, when students had more ground to make up.
She said 18 of 47 third graders are receiving targeted instruction and assistance through Title 1 teachers.
Of those students, she said 22% have already achieved proficient reading scores. Title 1 services are intended to ensure they are proficient by the end of the year, she said.
“It’s kind of a huge deal” that these students achieved proficiency only halfway through the year, Fograscher said.
Of the same group of Title 1 students, Fograscher noted that 44% are one step away from achieving proficiency.
Aside from this year’s group of third graders, Fograscher said the scores indicate year-to-year growth in the district.
Over the past seven years, the average percentage of Triad third grade students who had proficient reading scores in the fall was 38%.
She emphasized that the district topped that by 11% this year.
Additionally, she said 34 of 47 third graders meet the “Third Grade Reading Guarantee” at this point, which means they are able to graduate to fourth grade. Fograscher said that equals 72% of students compared to 70% last year.
“We’re trending in the right direction,” Board President Chris Millice said.
In other business:
– The board unanimously accepted the resignation of Head High School Football Coach Dylan Wears, effective Nov. 30.
– The board recognized Treasurer Connie Cohn, who will retire at the end of this calendar year, for 16 years of service at the district. Superintendent Vickie Hoffman said Cohn was instrumental in a number of projects, including the construction of Triad’s new athletic facilities, that will benefit students for years to come.
– High School Principal Todd Schneider shared an update with the board surrounding recent happenings in his building.
He thanked the board for approving an increase in pay for substitute teachers, as he said there has been only one day this academic year in which a staff member has had to cover a class for the entire day.
Schneider also highlighted a new program called the “Cardinal Leader Awards” through which high school students are recognized and can earn prizes for a variety of good works at school.
As an educator, he said he feels awards and recognition are often focused on younger students, but young adults should receive positive affirmation as well.
“We don’t do a good job sometimes recognizing high school kids,” Schneider said.
He said 130 students have been awarded so far, and they and many of their parents have expressed appreciation for the program.