Student achievement trending upward

Since January our schools have been actively involved in analyzing their mid-year student achievement data and making instructional adjustments to maximize student learning. Our mid-year data shows that our students’ growth in reading exceeds 2022’s mid-year levels while our math levels remain steady.

We also received news from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction that most of our schools have improved their status on the Washington School Improvement Framework and that three of our schools have exited the state’s improvement process due to higher performance. Student attendance levels have also increased from 2022 levels. We are encouraged by these gains but recognize that much improvement must still be made. These gains and a continued growth focus are indicative of the hard work and dedication of our school staff members and students.

Each year, our schools set end-of-year goals that are aligned to the district’s student achievement goals and instructional focus outlined in our Design for Excellence. Action steps are being taken in our schools to address the identified needs of our students and supports to help with their success are being provided.

At the Longview Public Schools’ board meeting on March 27, the district’s mid-year student achievement data was shared. Time was also taken to share the initiatives and supports being provided our schools’ staffs to address the achievement needs of our students. We also had our principals from Kessler Elementary, Monticello Middle School, and Mark Morris High School share their school specific actions in response to the academic needs of their students shown in the mid-year achievement data. I am pleased with the commitment of our staff to focus upon improving the educational outcomes of the students we serve.

Our district is focused upon providing reading instruction that is aligned with the Science of Reading, grounded in direct instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Extensive training has been provided our elementary school teachers and principals, literacy specialists provide daily instructional support, and new learning materials have been adopted to help us in these improvement efforts.

The district is also focused upon providing all of our teacher’s with collaborative opportunities to assure that high standards and expectations are clearly present in each of their classrooms. These “Professional Learning Communities” assure rich discussions

For more Longview Schools, see page 21

Longview regarding student performance and effective instructional practices and are of great value as we seek to meet the achievement needs of each of the students we serve.

We are encouraged by our focus, efforts, and results and look forward to the ongoing work that needs to be done to continue to improve the education we provide our students. When it comes to academic growth and closing the achievement gap, the support of the community is critical. One way our community has shown its support is by passing replacement levies to fund things like new learning materials that align with state standards, classroom teachers to keep class sizes manageable, para-educators who assist with classroom instruction and intervention, building repairs that improve learning environments, installation of security features like fences, vestibules and cameras to make our schools safer, and extracurricular activities. All of these play a role in effecting student achievement and are made possible through the generous support of our voters. Your continued support of these efforts is much appreciated.

Kelso Schools from page 20

In Kelso School District, we have a wide variety of visual and performing arts options for students. Our robust program gives students a pathway for personal expression while providing them with lifelong skills and the opportunity to share their talents with their communities through performance and competition. You can watch the #KelsoStrong video on visual and performing arts here: https://youtu.be/jxIuFuC1M0U

We Are #KelsoStrong

Bob's Sporting Goods

Columbia Theatre

Dahl McVicker Funeral Homes

Entek Corporation

Kelso Taco Time

Papé Machinery

Red Canoe Credit Union

Red Canoe Credit Union – 30th Avenue

Stirling Honda

Sweet Spot Frozen Yogurt

The Dog Zone

Twin City Glass Company

Woodland Chamber of Commerce

MaryAlice Wallis Mayor