Recent state results have revealed encouraging advancements in student test scores within the Lee County School District. The district demonstrated commendable growth in the FAST testing assessments, marking a notable improvement from the first progress monitoring to the second.
Business Intelligence Director Phillip Savage provided insights into this progress during a midyear performance update for the academic monitoring program. He reported significant year-over-year enhancements in elementary school English Language Arts, with gains ranging from 3% to 7% for students in kindergarten through second grade, and even higher improvements recorded in math for early learners.
Savage emphasized the importance of addressing educational challenges at their source, stating, “It’s simple, solve the problem at the root, so students enter the testing years to succeed.” The district experienced an internal increase of 8% in students achieving a level 3 or higher in ELA when comparing the periods from August/September to December/January, in contrast to a 6% increase observed the previous year.
The overall upward trend is underscored by a 5% increase in performance across all grade levels compared to last year, showcasing the district’s focus on aiding student growth, regardless of their initial proficiency. Savage noted that sustaining literacy is vital for the district’s long-term educational objectives.
In addition, the performance of students in the bottom 25% has been a particular focus, as these students require targeted support. Savage highlighted the implementation of custom tools designed to identify at-risk students and the necessity to adjust instructional methods promptly when progress stalls.
Math proficiency also saw improvements, with students scoring a level 3 or higher increasing from 13% to 17%. The gap between the district’s performance and state averages is widening, moving from a 4% to a 6% difference, emphasizing the district’s investment in math intervention programs.
To better support at-risk students, the district is implementing expanded foundational skills courses and algebra support to allow for additional focus on essential skills. Moreover, Savage pointed out a connection between struggles in literacy and challenges in science, noting that 45% of ninth graders are currently benefiting from a two-year literacy support track.
Regional Associate Superintendent Cherise Trent mentioned that the district’s strategic adjustments and principal data discussions are centered on high-impact strategies to enhance instructional adaptations, with specific intervention plans in place for both struggling and advancing students.
Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin stressed the importance of individual student progress, stating that their approach transcends merely looking at percentages; rather, they prioritize understanding which students are achieving level three and identifying who may still need assistance.
The commitment to providing real-time support to schools is deemed critical by Carlin, reinforcing the district’s dedication to fostering an environment where all students can thrive academically. With a focus on continuous improvement and tailored interventions, Lee County School District appears poised for further successes in the future.