District works to bridge learning gaps
As we navigate through these challenging times, the Northeastern Local School District (NELSD) remains committed to ensuring our students receive the highest quality education possible.
The pandemic created learning gaps for some students, and we are bridging those gaps. From the 2020-2021 school year to the present, closing the learning gap has been a top priority. Our educators have worked to provide innovative instruction, and support services to help students succeed.
Our focus on student achievement has always been one of our district goals, and we remain committed to providing them with the tools and resources they need to achieve their goals. That’s why, for the past few years, we have utilized the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) to hire several teachers who work specifically with these students. These teachers provide personalized and small-group instruction to help close the learning gaps that our at-risk students may have.
Through this program, we have seen progress in the academic performance of our at-risk students. These students are gaining the confidence and skills necessary to succeed in their academic and personal lives. We will continue to prioritize the needs of our at-risk students and ensure that they receive the individualized attention necessary to help them reach their full potential.
As a district, we also believe that professional development is critical to improving student outcomes. For our
K-3 teachers, we are utilizing the professional development program, Lexia LETRS, which focuses on phonics instruction and strategies to improve reading in early learners. For our teachers in grades 4-12, we are revamping our Collins Writing Strategies to increase writing in all content areas.
Preparing for state testing can help close learning gaps by providing teachers and administrators with data to inform their instruction. By assessing students’ knowledge and skills, educators can identify areas of need and adjust their instruction accordingly.
In the fall, we worked with students to take the Restart Readiness Assessment pre-instruction tests to evaluate their knowledge and skills in various subject areas.
Now, our teachers are retesting their students to evaluate the growth they have made throughout the year. This Restart Readiness Assessment data is used to inform instruction and assessment and shows the progress students have made in meeting learning expectations. These assessments help teachers and their students to identify the information they would be expected to know for the Ohio State Tests.
In addition to the work taking place in the classroom, parents can also have their students practice at home using the state practice tests at: https://oh-ost.portal.cambiumast.com/families.html.
At NELSD, we are confident that our approach will lead to better academic performance and increased success for all of our students. We are proud of our students’ resilience and determination, and we will continue to support them in their academic and personal journeys.