ICSD 2013-2014 Annual Progress Report

October 1, 2014 (Independence, IA) – The Department of Education requires that each school district provide a yearly report to the community that outlines the district’s progress toward achievement of goals. At the regular September meeting, Director of School Improvement, Danielle Meyer, presented this 2013-2014 Annual Progress Report to Board Members.

Districts are judged on their performance on Iowa Assessments, formerly known as ITBS and ITED, in the areas of reading, math, and science for the total population of students and for students with Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) and students who have low socio-economic status (SES). The data presented in the 2013-2014 Annual Progress Repost illustrates how Independence Community School District (ICSD) students performed in the 2012-2013 school year as compared to others in the state and in our AEA.

Reading

• Overall, ICSD students are performing above the AEA and state average in 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, and 11^th, 3^rd, 5^th, and 11^th scored 80% or above indicating strong core instruction.
• Our SES students in 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grade were above the AEA and state average.
• Students with IEPs in grades 3^rd, 5^th, 6^th, 8^th and 11^th were above the AEA and state average.

Math

• Overall, ICSD students are performing above the AEA and state average in 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, 7^th and 8^th, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, 8^th, and 11^th scored 80% or above indicating strong core instruction.
• Our SES students in grades 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th and 7^th were above the AEA and state average. 3rd, 5th, and 7th were 80% or above indicating strong core instruction.
• Students with IEPs in grades 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, and 7^th were above the AEA and state average.

Science

• Overall, ICSD students are performing above the AEA and state average in 3^rd, 4^th, 6^th, 8^th and 11^th, 3^rd, 4^th, 6^th, and 8^th scored 80% or above indicating strong core instruction.
• Our SES students in grades 3^rd, 4^th, 6^th and 8^th were above the AEA and state average. 4^th was 80% or above indicating strong core instruction.
• Students with IEPs in grades 3^rd, 4^th, and 6^th were above the AEA and state average.

To continue student progress in Reading, Math, and Science, supports have been implemented at all levels. These supports, better known as, Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS), will gives students extra time working on strategies and skills to help them progress.

MAP
All districts are required to administer a second assessment to at least part of their student body. Independence uses the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessment in grades 2-11 for this purpose. This is a computerized assessment given in the fall and in the spring that indicates growth during a single school year and over multiple years in the areas of reading, language arts, math, and science. This assessment is different from Iowa Assessments in that it is not timed, is computer based and is set up to adjust to the student’s knowledge level. If the student answers incorrectly, the test adjusts to a lower level. If the student answers accurately, the test takes the student to a higher level of questions.

From the data, teachers are able to determine what skills and concepts each student is ready to learn. Scores are reported in RIT (Ready for Instruction Today) bands. The report exemplifies the growth over time in reading, math, and science (only for grades 7-11) and reiterates that ICSD students continue to make growth from year to year.

Anti-Bullying and Harassment
The ICSD has many programs in regard to their Anti-Bullying and Harassment Prevention Policy, including Respect and Protect, Character Counts, CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) and the newly adopted PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports). Staff have been trained in these programs, and use them to promote a positive, safe environment for our students. To monitor their progress, students, staff and parents take a Needs Assessment Survey every year. This survey is analyzed by district administration, staff and SIAC. New goals are set each year based on this analysis. Training on these programs will also continue during the 2014-2015 year. 

SIAC
Each year the ICSD’s School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC), which is comprised of parents, community members, teachers, students, and administrators analyzes student achievement data and develop annual achievement goals in the areas of reading, math and science. SIAC makes recommendations to the school board and school district based on the best interest of students, while aligning with the district’s mission, vision, and beliefs. During the 2013-2014 school year, SIAC also set two additional goals:

1. Improving Communication with students, Parents, and Communities
   2. Building Partnerships with Local Businesses and CommunityThese goals were established in 2012-2013, SIAC decided to continue with this 2-3 year action plan. In this plan, it was determined the ICSD is doing many good things in the district as far as communication, but SIAC challenges the district to focus this upcoming year on how they are going to enhance communication and build lasting partnerships with our community.

   “This student achievement data drives our classroom instruction and the professional development initiatives for our teachers. We continually review our students’ progress and discuss what it will take to make us better.” states Director of School Improvement, Danielle Meyer.

To view the entire Annual Progress Report, please click here or visit the ICSD website, then click on the District Information tab and select 2013-2014 Annual Progress Report from the drop down options.

For additional information, contact Danielle Meyer, Director of School Improvement, at 334.7400 or email dmeyer@independence.k12.ia.us.

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