During a recent Board Information Session, trustees explored critical areas affecting students and the community, focusing on discipline disproportionality, math progress, and enhancements in special education.
The session first addressed student progress in math, particularly the percentage of second-grade students scoring in the recommended-for-intervention level on the NWEA MAP math assessment. Currently, 37% of students fall below the 30th percentile, indicating a need for intervention. Despite this, eight out of ten student groups have shown improvement. Schools such as Palm, Campbell, and Rodriguez elementary have surpassed expectations through curriculum strength, teacher collaboration, and small-group learning. Actions moving forward include increasing professional development, early numeracy support, and family engagement.
The trustees then examined discipline data focusing on two student groups: African-American students and those receiving special education services, which are subject to exclusionary discipline. The disparity for African-American students reduced from 12.39% to 10.33% and for special education students from 22.22% to 19.65%. Despite an overall increase in discretionary removals, campuses report reduced disparities attributed to stronger student relationships, professional development, and restorative practices. Plans include extending support to students with multiple removals and continuing the $1 million FORWARD Grant pilot.
Trustees also reviewed the Special Education Strategic Plan, transitioning evaluation services to full-time staff. Nearly 1,000 staff participated in IEP-focused development, and a new digital management system for SPED, 504, and Medicaid is launching by September 2025.
Finally, trustees and district leaders responded to public comments from the Dobie Middle School community regarding potential changes, including a possible charter operator or closure due to accountability standards. A community meeting at Dobie is scheduled for April 14 for further discussions, with a decision due by April 30. A public hearing will precede a final vote on April 24.