Math, social studies gains drive SJSD improvements

By Jazmine Knight

The St. Joseph School District released its Annual Performance Report Monday, showcasing gains in several areas that move the needle closer to accreditation goals.

Results are based on student performance during statewide assessments showing math and social studies scores rising. For 2024, the St. Joseph School District has a composite score of 67.9% with a 67.5% APR. This indicates a 4.3% gain since 2023.

“Seventy percent of those results are based on our student performance, 30% are based on what (the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) would call our continuous improvement,” said Kendra Lau, the district’s director of school improvement.

Lau said that 4.3% gain helps the district get closer to the 70% mark for accreditation. In 2025-26, the three-year composite APR score will dictate each district’s accreditation status.

“We’re glad that we’re 2.1 points from that mark,” Lau said.

Hosea Principal Justin McCarthy said the results represent a lot of hard work. While the district still has improvements to make, notably in English/language arts, he believes they show that every kid is getting better every day and it’s the teachers and staff who make this possible.

McCarthy said he has seen teacher turnover rates decrease at Hosea during his time at the school.

“When I was here, it was very much a family feel. And so that’s what we’ve created over the seven years,” McCarthy said.

Likewise, McCarthy’s students have been working hard to improve their learning skills.

“They’re very passionate about their learning now. And I can’t say that it’s always been that way here,” he said.

Some notable highlights of the report include curriculum improvements. The SJSD earned twice as many growth points in math this year compared to 2023. Grades 3, 5, 6 and Algebra I all had increases.

In social studies, the district also saw growth, earning 83.3% of the points possible.

McCarthy said reading also has been a great area of success for his students.

“We made a really positive change with foundational reading in our school district. And I think we’re seeing great results,” he said.

As far as notable schools, Benton, Lafayette, Bode, Robidoux, Truman, Coleman, Field, Hosea, Hyde, Lindbergh, Pershing, Pickett and Skaith all made improvements. Hyde, Hosea, Coleman and Lindbergh made improvements of more than 15%, while Pershing soared, gaining 30.7%.

“Bode came up almost 10 points on their report,” said Lau. “Field Elementary is at 96.5%. They’re the highest school in the district.”

This data gives school officials positive reinforcement when it comes to some of the approaches they’re taking, reflecting not only of staff but the St. Joseph community as well.

Graduation rates also significantly increased, with a 12.2% gain from 2023. The district finished at 89%, which is the highest graduation rate for the district since the pandemic ended.

Graduation follow-ups are doing extremely well. The district continued to earn 100% of the points in this category.

“That really allows us to know what our graduates are doing when they leave us, whether they’re employed in the military or they’re in a two- or four-year institution,” Lau said.

Attendance is also at an all-time high since the pandemic. Lau attributes this to an increased focus by parents to get their kids to school and students wanting to come to school.

“Right now in the district, we’re at 86% and we’ve been at 86% since August,” she said.

Hosea is currently hovering around the 90% mark, a major increase from the building average of 63% not long ago.

Overall, the district earned 100% of the points dedicated to its Continuous School Improvement Plan, its response to Missouri School Improvement Program standards and a Climate and Culture Survey report. The district also received 100% for its Kindergarten Entry Assessment and Individual Career and Academic Plans for all eighth graders.

Areas of improvement needed include English/language arts, with declines consistent over the last three years continuing.

Science performances have improved but not enough to make an impact. Recently, biology was changed from a ninth-grade course to a 10th-grade class to allow students to retain more of the valuable information needed. Lau said she expects this will show an improvement in years to come.

The district has implemented a new assessment system to help teachers adjust their instruction before students get to the end-of-year exam.

Superintendent Gabe Edgar said despite the gains he knows there is room to do better.

“The district is targeting proficiency improvements in a number of ways which include a laser focus on data-driven instruction, voice and choice in learning experiences, real-world experiences,” he said.

Edgar said reimagining how the district can best serve students is a great way to help future graduates thrive.