During last Wednesday’s USD 413 Board of Education meeting, board members heard a report on the latest testing data available from the state.
Director of Teaching and Learning Tyler Applegate provided the report, which comes from data provided by the Kansas Assessment Program, which tests students in English language arts and math. Each year, students from third to eighth grade are tested, and then again in the 10th grade.
These scores are being provided later due to last year’s tests being new, with cut scores having to be set. Cut scores identify a child’s depth of knowledge in a subject and determine if their knowledge is limited, basic, proficient, or advanced.
Students are also tested in science in the fifth, eighth, and 11th grades. However, Applegate notes that data for the 11th-grade science exam was not available due to the test being deemed invalid.
“The state said that the results they got on the test do not show enough of a variance across the state to set cut scores and performance levels,” Applegate said. “They said the test was not valid. It did not do a good enough job of showing the results.”
Given the inconclusivity of some of the science data, the board was presented with the data for reading and math, comparing the average score of Chanute students to the state average.
In most grade levels, Chanute did not meet the state average. However, fifth and tenth-grade students in both reading and math exceeded the state average. For many grades, the state average score also does not meet the proficiency benchmark.
This year, the scores range from 400 to 700, with proficiency marked as any score above 540. The grade, Chanute’s average score, and the state average are as follows.
English scores: third grade, 536, state average of 545; fourth grade, 526, state average of 542; fifth grade, 541, state average of 539; sixth grade, 530, state average of 532; seventh grade, 524, state average of 533; eighth grade, 526, state average of 532; 10th grade, 539, state average of 530.
Math scores: third grade, 525, state average of 535; fourth grade, 522, state average of 537; fifth grade, 540, state average of 538; sixth grade, 530, state average of 535; seventh grade, 519, state average of 532; eighth grade, 525, state average of 535; 10th grade, 535, state average of 528.
“It’s closer than what we’ve seen in the past, but we’ve still got work to do,” Superintendent Matt Koester said.
Applegate noted that the implementation of positive behavioral interventions and supports or PBIS may help to foster an environment of learning, and as negative behaviors decrease overall, the district may see more success in the classroom. He also highlighted an increased number of professional development days, which he said is intentional to support educators in reaching students who are not yet proficient.
In other reports, Chanute Middle School Principal Chris Shields welcomed CMS Student Council President Emma Catterson and sixth-grade student Jayce Kehoe to present on how students aim to be considerate, motivated, and safe. They also discussed motivating factors for students, including the use of Comet Cash, which is given to students for specific positive behaviors. Students can use Comet Cash in the Comet store to buy items like lanyards, snacks, or raffle tickets. Students can also earn the opportunity to have pizza with the principal, sit on a special couch during football games, and participate in Fun Fridays.
With these positive behaviour interventions, Shields said there is motivation for students to display positive behavior, and it’s working for the school. By the end of the year, Shields said he hopes that there will be a decrease in negative behaviors like elopement or physical aggression.
In the Superintendent’s report, Koester discussed enrollment numbers, which were almost exactly as projected, with a total of 1615 students enrolled. He also noted that due to a software error, the district is set to receive three years of Neighborhood Revitalization funds that have not been paid to the district from the county for capital outlay.
In other business, Jessie Fewins, Jennifer Mason and Maggie Wolken were added to the Professional Development Committee; board members voted to accept Chanute Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Bucks; A Music Program Grant in the amount of $1250 was accepted from the Peter R. Marsh Foundation for Chanute Middle School; and a surplus was declared on certain vehicles in the school’s fleet.
In public comments, the board heard from a concerned parent, Amanda Alonzo, who claimed that the board has failed to enforce a handbook policy.
The policy in question states: “When a controversial subject arises in the classroom, teachers may use the opportunity to teach about the controversy. Teachers shall ensure that various positions concerning any controversial subject are represented, and that students have the opportunity to freely discuss the topic.”
Alonzo said these discussions should teach students how to respectfully disagree while maintaining a safe learning environment. She said students at Chanute High School reported that they were not allowed to freely discuss a controversial topic, and that various views on the topic were not presented. Alonzo later said that the controversial topic at hand was the shooting of Charlie Kirk, a political activist.
The next Chanute Public Schools Board of Education meeting will be held Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. at the board office, located at 321 E. Main St., Chanute. Agendas and documents can be viewed at https://meetings.boardbook. org/Public/Organization/2345.
