.png)
School testing numbers were shared for Elgin ISD students to inform parents about the progress being made in the district.
Super intendent of Schools Jana Rueter discussed the results in her district update last week, emphasizing student success as a main priority, improving academic growth at all levels, student readiness, wellness and safety.
“We are working to be more responsive to help prioritize student success both academically and to help them be ready for that next stage in their school career or in life in general,” said Rueter.
The district balance scorecard highlighted the Northwest Evaluat ion Association’s Measure of Academic Performance results.
Students in grades 2-12 take the NWEA MAP test three times per year, in both math and reading. The exams evaluate performance on the national level.
Elgin ISD has seen growth in historically low areas over the last two academic years, according to Rueter. The superintendent has set the long-term goal of getting 75% of students at or above the grade level average by 2027.
Almost all of the classes saw improvement from the 2022/23 school year, with some rising by as much as 7%. Elgin ISD seniors are the only group currently above the desired goal, getting ready to take the 2023/24 midseason round of testing.
Additionally, students showed growth in 15 of the 19 assessments found in the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness End of Course testing, according to Rueter. More than half of the growth areas improved by 10% or more.
Accountability reports are still not out from the Texas Education Agency because of the joint lawsuit filed against them, which Elgin ISD is a part of.
The lawsuit targets the injustice of changing measurements for student success and growth, after having already taken the school’s test. The district is projected to drop a letter grade due to the new formulas being used to calculate ratings, a common case for most districts in the state, added Rueter.
The district update also provided insight into other focus points for pupil development and understanding.
Targeting student readiness, 340 young Elginites are enrolled in 48 college, career and military courses, including coding academy, early college high school, P-tech welding and traditional dual-credit classes. 337 learners are also involved in advanced placement classes, where they can earn college credits.
In grades 6-12, 67% of students take part in extracurricular activities, with 705 student athletes, 40 student trainers and 10 managers and videographers for games and events.
“We’re very proud of those numbers and they just keep increasing. This is how they are plugged in, this is how they are engaged. For them to want to be in school, this is a motivating factor for them, something they feel belonging in and something they feel their smartness is being recognized,” said Reuter. “We have phenomenal athletics programs in Elgin ISD. We want to help our kids feel like they are learning and serving beyond the classroom through leadership and student voice opportunities.”
Sports and fine arts programs offer youth the opportunity to gain leadership positions and be a role model for younger generations, added the superintendent.
Safety is a top priority, according to district representatives, and a panorama survey is distributed twice a year to help encourage discourse and learn how students are feeling. In grades 6-12, 72% indicated that they feel safe in school, 78% stated that the schools are welcoming to all and 78% feel supported through relationships with their friends, family and adults at school.
“Those are encouraging numbers, we know that student safety is a priority, and we know that there are things that go on in our world and communities that we didn’t wish happen, but when we have those numbers really showing that they feel safe in school, that makes me really proud,” said Reuter.
Looking towards the future, the district expects to see more growth and development.
“I believe in this community, I believe in the folks that we have leading our campuses and our district. I absolutely love being the superintendent of Elgin ISD, what an amazing district. Elgin is a great community,” added Rueter.
