District 25 exceeds ISAT 2.0 benchmarks

Despite the warning test scores would take a little dip, Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 scored higher than projected and statewide benchmarks for the new ISAT 2.0.

The new ISAT 2.0 was administered for the first time this past spring to students in grades three through eight, along with grade 10. Grade 10 was the only one that didn’t exceed benchmarks.

School districts were cautioned that test scores could take a little dip since the new test reflected the new Idaho Core Standards, which apply a more rigorous approach for math and English language arts.

“Teachers are learning the new standards. Students are learning the new standards,” said Chuck Orr, district 25’s director of curriculum. “They’re more rigorous and because of that test scores were a little bit lower.”

Orr said good preparation and professional development helped achieve these results. The district had been deploying math leaders and writing coaches to provide training for teachers in the area.

“We spend about three weeks in June having teams of teachers come in and review the units, refine them and consider the feedback from all the teachers,” said Orr.

With the old ISAT, the district saw steady improvement. They want to continue that trend with the ISAT 2.0.

“As teachers become more familiar with the standards and teaching the standards, students become more familiar with them,” Orr said.

The district also partners with Idaho State University’s math regional center for training.

Benchmarks were also exceeded in all grade levels on the Idaho Reading Indicator, which is administered in kindergarten through the third grade.