STORY BY JERRY GALLAGHER

Middle school students in the Blaine County School District have exceeded state averages in math proficiency, according to the Idaho State Board of Education.

The State Board has established a Middle Grades Math Work Group to develop recommendations aimed at enhancing math achievement within Idaho schools. This initiative is in response to a regression in middle school math scores statewide following the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a part of its data review, the group found that BCSD has demonstrated significant growth in middle school math proficiency rates. Over the past three years, in a state of roughly 170 school districts, 27 districts have been singled out by the work group for their consistent outperformance of the state average in middle school math.

“We are exceptionally proud that our district is one of just 27 statewide that is surpassing the state middle school math average,” said Jim Foudy, BCSD Superintendent. “Our teachers and staff work hard to ensure our students have access to the best learning opportunities possible. A strong understanding of math is important as one goes through life, and we try our best to set our students up for success post-graduation.” 

In conducting its review, the work group used data from the Idaho Standards Achievement Test, administered yearly to students in grades 3-8 and 10. The work group’s findings will play a critical role in guiding the Idaho State Board of Education’s future decisions aimed at improving math education throughout the state.