TY FOR TCAPS

I appreciate the Record-Eagle’s continued reporting on education and Kathryn’s work digging into the data behind this year’s KIDS COUNT report.

One takeaway for me is that many of the issues affecting children and families are interconnected:

• Reading proficiency

• Math achievement

• Early childhood opportunities

• Physical and mental health

• Housing stability

• Economic security

• Student belonging and connection

None of these exist in isolation.

That’s one reason I am encouraged by our 2030 Vision*.

This plan recognizes that improving student outcomes requires both a focus on academic achievement and an understanding of the broader conditions that help our young people thrive.

The report specifically highlights challenges around reading and math proficiency** – two areas that are also central to our district’s 5-year strategic plan and among the superintendent’s goals*** for this year.

Improving literacy and math outcomes for all students while reducing opportunity gaps between our economically disadvantaged students and their peers won’t happen overnight.

But it starts with being honest about where we are, measuring progress, and staying committed to the work.

Data doesn’t tell the whole story, but it can help shine a light on where we should focus our attention as a community.

Read Kathryn’s story from yesterday’s paper: https://bit.ly/4vJqqbu

• Our new 5-year strategic plan: https://bit.ly/tcaps-values

** Our most recent reading and math outcomes: https://bit.ly/4rfmNaV

*** 2026 superintendent goals: https://bit.ly/4s025Nh