POST FALLS, Idaho – The Post Falls School District has experienced a significant increase in their Idaho reading indicator test scores, placing them first among all school districts in Idaho.
Anna Wilson of the Post Falls School District expressed pride in their achievements. “Last year we were the top large district in the state of Idaho for both growth and proficiency, and this year we’re the top, period,” she said.
Wilson attributed the success to the dedication of teachers and the implementation of a four-day school week. “Switching to a four-day week has helped not only students, but allowing these teachers a day to devote to reading,” Wilson added.
The Idaho reading indicator test is given to all K through third-grade students as an early reading screening assessment. The percentage of Post Falls students demonstrating proficiency in reading skills has jumped 5% from the previous year.
Wilson emphasized that this achievement wasn’t sudden. “In the prior years, we would not have been in the top 10 at all. It’s not like a magic wand was waved and all of a sudden, Post Falls was at the top. This has been a years-long movement on behalf of the teachers and the principals and the students and their parents,” she stated.
Looking ahead, Wilson is preparing for the introduction of a new assessment in Idaho. “Well, what will be interesting this year is there’s a new test, so Idaho is rolling out a new assessment and so we’re starting at ground zero again,” she said. “There’s always anytime you have a new assessment, there’s a little implementation dip, so we expect that.”
Wilson remains confident in the district’s ability to maintain high performance. “They’re readers. They know how to do this,” she concluded.
