La Conner schools adopt new math programs

The La Conner School Board has chosen the right formula – they hope – to raise student math test scores and provide instructional programs featuring more hands-on problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

At their hybrid meeting April 25 the board adopted new K-12 math curricula composed of three separate parts –for the elementary, middle and high schools.

The 4-0 vote accepted district staff recommendations to adopt the Bridges to Mathematics component for Grades K-12, iReady Classroom Mathematics for Grades 6-8 and Reveal by McGraw Hill for high school. Board member J.J. Wilbur was absent.

Each emphasizes improved student mastery of math concepts in a comprehensive K-12 program.

The move represents an approximate $140,000 district commitment – not counting professional development training for teachers and support staff – to prioritize student math competency.

“It’s been a tough journey for them to be at grade level,” high school math teacher Donna Morris said of district students.

Superintendent Will Nelson joined in praising the respective campus math adoption teams for their diligence in a months-long process researching and vetting instructional programs.

“We are making an investment here,” board president Susie Deyo said, “and we’re expecting the school district to make significant gains as soon as possible.”

Board member John Agen struck a similar chord.

“I’ve been begging for two years to see the trend go up,” Agen said. “Everybody did a great job on this. I’m looking forward to success in the future.”

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced schools nationwide to shift between in-person and remote learning over the past two years, has impacted student math achievement across America. La Conner has also been affected.

District officials are banking on the new curricula enhancing student engagement in math and providing seamless transitions from grade to grade.

The board also approved a projected 2022-23 K-12 enrollment count of 530 students. That reflects a downward trend seen throughout Washington since COVID-19. “We were at 580 for a long time,” Nelson said. Deyo voiced the need to market school programs to parents of incoming kindergarteners and those whose students graduate from non-aligned grade schools such as Conway and Immaculate Conception.

La Conner’s enrollment issues are not unique, said District Business Manager Brian Gianello. “(Enrollment) numbers are down across the state,” he confirmed. “Kids aren’t coming back to in-person learning. Studies are being done to find out where these kids went.” Enrollment, which determines state funding support levels for school districts, “drives our budgeting,” Nelson stressed.

District Technology Director Ryan Hiller reported a $148,000 digital equity and inclusion grant that will fund continued student access to computer technology for academics.

Hiller is also researching campus security camera packages. The board approved $140,000. Cost estimates from three companies are $98,332-$222,446.

Board member Lynette Cram requested that members begin discussions on student campus cell phone use policy. “I want to have a look at that,” said Cram, who noted recent reports of cell phone bullying and how it can cause emotional trauma and disrupt the learning process. “I look at it as a barrier to learning,” she said. “It’s great that we look at curriculum, but we also need to look at barriers.”