Pocatello/Chubbuck School District #25 Students Exceed

Pocatello/Chubbuck School District #25 Students Exceed Projections and Statewide Averages on new
Idaho Standards Achievement Test and the Idaho Reading Indicator
Students in the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District are tested annually to assess their proficiency of the
standards that were taught throughout the school year. In grades Kindergarten through 3 the Idaho
Reading Indicator (IRI) is given and in grades 3 through 8 and 10 the new Idaho Standards Achievement
Test 2.0 is given.
Recently the District received preliminary results of the new ISAT 2.0. The test was administered last
spring and is aligned to the new, more rigorous standards adopted by the Idaho Legislature in 2011
known as Idaho Core Standards. The District’s students scored higher on the new test compared to
national benchmarks used to measure English language arts and math proficiency and scored higher
than statewide averages on the new test in every grade except grade 10. Superintendent Dr. Howell said
he is proud of the hard work of teachers to implement the new standards and of students who accepted
the challenge of more rigor in their learning. The District’s work to raise the bar to higher levels of
learning will continue.
School Districts were cautioned that student test scores would likely decline due to the increased rigor
of the new standards. In addition, past history has shown that when a new test is adopted by a state
nearly all district’s see a drop in performance on the test. This is true even when there are no changes in
the standards and curriculum and appears to be because of unfamiliarity with the test. More factors also
contributed to a decline in test scores: new standards that teachers and students are just beginning to
learn; a greater depth of knowledge being measured by the assessment; and students being tested on a
more difficult standard of performance. Director of Curriculum, Chuck Orr said in no way do the lower
test scores mean students are falling behind. Students are actually learning more than ever before but
they are also being tested on much more difficult material.
The new, more rigorous standards and test were adopted by 44 states so standards of learning are
consistent throughout most of the United States. This is true education reform with more rigorous
standards and a focus on college and career readiness.
The District is also proud of its K-3 teachers and students for exceeding benchmarks at every grade level
on the IRI. Research shows reading skills are directly linked to a child’s success in school. The test
identifies children who need interventions to improve their reading skills. Each elementary school met
or exceeded reading benchmarks in every grade.
High school math stands out as a challenge for District 25. Dr. Howell reiterated his pride in teachers and
students for topping not only the state averages but other Districts in our area. He believes they are on
the right track to improve math instruction and learning. A year ago the District partnered with Idaho
State University and the Regional Math Center to provide math professional development for teachers.
This included deepening math content knowledge to meet the more rigorous Idaho Core Standards.
They are also involved in a math coaching project with Dr. Bennett from the Center to train math
coaches in each school on how to coach math teachers. Through this partnership teachers will become
more skilled at math instruction. Therefore math scores are expected to improve as teachers and
students benefit from better instructional practices, improved learning and further experience with the
Idaho Core Standards.
Teachers and administrators will use IRI and ISAT 2.0 assessments to improve student learning and
achievement. This will be done by identifying struggling students for early intervention and by
continuing to challenge students who have mastered the standards. Additionally the District is
broadening their knowledge of the new more rigorous standards and continuing to refine curriculum.
Through professional development they are building capacity of teachers and strengthening
instructional practices through the use of writing and math coaches.
Results of the IRI and ISAT 2.0 by grade level are available in the Achievement Standards on the District
Website at www.sd25.us.
2014-2015 Accountability Review
District Mission and Vision
Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI)
13 out of 14 schools met the
Benchmark for Kindergarten.
Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI)
13 out of 14 schools met the
Benchmark for First Grade.
Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI)
14 out of 14 schools met the
Benchmark for Second Grade.
Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI)
14 out of 14 schools met the
Benchmark for Third Grade.
2015 ELA ISAT 2.0
Projected vs State & District
100%
90%
% of students at Level 3 and 4
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
54%
48%
38%
53%
46%
41%
58%
52%
44%
54%
49%
41%
53%
51%
58%
52%
Projected
41%
38%
61% 59%
41%
District
30%
20%
10%
0%
3
4
5
6
Grade Level
State
7
8
10
2015 Math ISAT 2.0
Projected vs State & District
100%
90%
% of students at Level 3 and 4
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
53%
50%
48%
46%
39%
43%
38%39%
36%
33%
33%
37%
Projected
41%
38%
33%
42%
37%
State
33% 30%
27%
32%
30%
20%
10%
0%
3
4
5
6
Grade Level
7
8
10
District
Pocatello/Chubbuck
School District #25
ISAT Science
% Proficient/Advanced
Spring 2007-2015
• Spring 2014 to Spring 2015
• Slight decrease in 5th grade
• Slight decrease in 7th grade
• District and State Average
• 5th grade above state
• 7th grade below state
• Grade 10 Science
• Science EOC began
Spring 2015
• Science EOC data
unavailable at this time
Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rates
Celebrate!
• Above the state average on the 2015 ISAT 2.0 for ELA and math at
all grade levels except grade 10
• District is a leader in curriculum development with units aligned to
the Idaho Core Standards
– Over 155 teachers participated in a week of unit refinement in June 2015;
work included refining units to meet the increased rigor of the Idaho Core
Standards, developing common assessments to provide evidence of student
learning, and refining performance tasks that mirror the ISAT 2.0
• Our students and teachers are successful competing on a national
level
• 11 students qualified for National Debate Association finals – 1
National Champion (first Idaho student to become a national
champion from among 550 students in the competition.
• A student earned a Skill Point Certificate in Electronics Technology,
one of the nations highest awards, at Skills USA National
Leadership and skills Conference
Celebrate!
• 3 teachers received $7000 Partners in Science grants from the
M.J. Murdock Trust
• A teacher received $2500 grant from Farmers Insurance –
Thank America’s Teachers
• 29 music students were selected for the All-State, AllNorthwest and American Choral Directors Association
National Convention conferences and honor groups. They
competed with nearly 800 other students for these positions.
• A teacher was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by
the National Speech and Debate Association.
• High school student earned President’s Volunteer Service
Award
• Eight student qualified for Nation BPA competition. Took 1 1st
place and three 9th places and three ambassador torch awards
at nationals.
District Mission and Vision