Salina Schools commended for graduation rate but must work on helping students with math
Citing an improved graduation rate and Kindergarten preparedness, Salina Schools received full accreditation. The district, according to the accreditation report, needs to work on assessment data, particularly in math.
The USD 305 School Board heard this year’s accreditation report from the district’s Director of Accreditation and Professional Learning, Deanna Cullins Tuesday.
Salina Public Schools completed year five of the accreditation cycle in spring 2022 through the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation; KESA is the Kansas model for K-12 accreditation.
Through Accreditation Review Council findings, the Kansas State Board of Education granted SPS the status of accredited through June 2027.
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Report findings
What is accredited?
A school system that is in compliance with the state board, has provided evidence of growth in student performance and has provided evidence of an intentional, quality growth process.
What does this mean for USD 305?
The ARC found that SPS has had a sustained focus on continuous improvement and has worked diligently on their growth measures, according to the report.
“They are aware of their weaknesses and have created action plans to work toward finding solutions for their weaknesses. They have followed the recommendations of the (Outside Visitation Team),” the report read.
Cullins presented what strengths and weaknesses the state recognized for SPS, and how the district has gone on to address those weaknesses.
Strengths
Systemic support in social-emotional growth
Postsecondary effectiveness
Increasing graduation rate for students
Robust improvement model focusing on system needs
Weaknesses
“(USD 305) will need to continue work on their assessment data and create a systemic curriculum and instruction model,” the report read.
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Addressing weaknesses
The district has recorded downward trends in state assessments and has implemented resources aiming to address those trends.
SPS implemented iReady math diagnostic assessments, aligned math resources and instructional programming, adopted elementary reading curriculum with embedded phonics and writing courses, and provided professional development for teachers in these areas.
“Our strengths and challenges serve as a reminder that a strong school improvement plan will always revisit curriculum and instruction, use data to drive our decisions and make changes when necessary,” Cullins said.
Other positives from the report include continuous improvement efforts in Kindergarten readiness, an improved graduation rate from 86% to 91%, postsecondary success by providing access and forming partnerships, and social-emotional growth through proper systems which ensure students receive equitable social emotional learning experiences.
“The results are really a team effort, and I like to recognize and appreciate that,” said School Board Member Mark Bandre.
Goals going forward
Every five years, a new accreditation cycle begins for school districts in Kansas. The district’s goals for the next cycle align completely with the district’s strategic plan, which outlines three main points.
Increase students’ critical thinking skills
Increase students’ communication skills
Increase students’ social-emotional skills
The district plans to conduct building and needs assessments, as well as set new measurable goals in these areas by February 2023.
Aligning with the strategic plan, USD 305 set goals to increase student performance on Kansas Assessments in the math, science and reading. On all fronts, the district hopes to increase the number of students at levels 3 and 4 and decrease the number of those at level 1.
Project-based learning will become a big part of a new systemic curriculum and instruction model in the district.
Other School Board notes
The School Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the personnel report, treasurer’s report, investment report, journal entries, approval of encumbrance listings, approval of South High School Tennis Courts Construction bid, a gift from South High School Band Booster Club and a gift from Emmanuel Foursquare Church to elementary schools.
Several student athletes from the district's respective schools who qualified for state competitions last spring received Superintendent's Excellence Awards from Superintendent Linn Exline.
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Staff members at USD 305 are nominated by colleagues for the "You Make a Difference" award for their support of students and the mission of the district. Board of Education members surprised recipients during their work day with a lapel pin and a hand-written note. At the board meeting Sept. 13, Jennifer Camien, USD 305's director of public information, was recognized as a recipient.
After some brief discussion and comments from the public, the School Board unanimously approved the 2022-23 exceeding the revenue neutral tax rate resolution and the 2022-23 budget.
This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Report outlines strengths, challenges for USD 305
