The Creighton Elementary District Governing Board convened on August 16, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding student assessment measures and cut scores. The primary focus of the meeting was the correlation between interim assessment scores and state assessment outcomes, particularly for eighth-grade math.

During the meeting, district leaders presented findings from a summer analysis that aimed to improve the correlation coefficient of their assessments. They noted that previous cut scores had a correlation of around 0.5, which indicated a weak relationship between interim test scores and state assessment results. The goal was to achieve a correlation of at least 0.6, with a recent analysis showing improvements to 0.7, suggesting a stronger predictive relationship.

The discussion included a detailed explanation of cut scores, which determine student proficiency levels based on their assessment scores. For instance, a score of 40 or higher on the pretest indicated proficiency, while the new cut scores proposed a more nuanced approach, allowing for a better representation of student performance. The board emphasized that these changes would provide a more accurate reflection of student progress and help educators tailor their instruction to meet individual student needs.

Additionally, the board addressed concerns about the perception of lowering standards. They clarified that the adjustments in cut scores were not about reducing expectations but rather about aligning assessments more closely with state standards. This alignment is expected to enhance the accuracy of progress monitoring and ultimately improve student outcomes.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing communication with parents and the community to explain the rationale behind the new cut scores and the importance of these changes in supporting student achievement. The district plans to continue refining its assessment strategies to ensure that all students receive the support they need to succeed academically.