“There are many opportunities for celebration in tonight’s report, and I am happy to share those with you.”  That’s how Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Deputy Superintendent Matt Kegley opened his presentation on academics in the HSE School District Wednesday evening.  Although he emphasized there is always room for improvement, overall, these numbers are good news.

Dr. Kegley pointed to 5 elementary schools that had reached the state goal of 95% of 3rd-grade students passing the I-READ3 reading exam.  There were comparisons with scores for the past 3 years, including 2024.  There were also charts comparing HSE scores with those of school districts by which HSE is often compared.

Demographic groups of students within the HSE system were compared in the report, with Hispanic students having the most difficulty academically, based on the test results.

Individual buildings needing improvement have a school improvement plan aimed at helping struggling students.  Dr. Kegley said the teachers and administrators at the building level know best what the students need.

New state requirements mandate 3rd-grade students failing the I-READ test to take 3rd grade again, unless the student goes to summer school and passes the I-READ test there.

You can review the entire, detailed report with plenty of numbers at this link.