Written by: April Glosser - EBF Curriculum Director
The Eddyville Blakesburg Fremont (EBF) School District is celebrating remarkable academic achievements, with the district posting some of its highest test scores ever. On the 2024 Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP), EBF saw improving proficiency rates: 73% in English Language Arts, 66% in Mathematics, and 62% in Science. These scores are the highest scores in all three areas since ISASP testing began in 2019.
In addition to the growth on the ISASP, EBF has seen impressive results on the FAST (Formative Assessment System for Teachers) testing for grades K-6, which assesses early literacy skills and fluency. This school year, 75% of students reached grade-level benchmarks on the winter FAST testing, showing significant progress in foundational reading skills and fluency.
One of the biggest improvements we’ve seen is the impact that weekly PLCs (Professional Learning Communities) have had within the district. Despite the geographical spread of the elementary buildings, PLCs have allowed effective collaboration across EBF’s schools, helping to align instructional practices and improve student performance. Teachers have worked together to share strategies and support each other in meeting student needs, and the results are clear. The district has noticed consistency in student performance across the district’s three elementary schools. The alignment and shared goals among the schools have led to unified success, ensuring that students across EBF are receiving a high-quality education no matter where they attend school.
Eddyville Elementary principal, Mrs. Nelson, commented on this success, saying, "It is so nice to see the hard work from our teachers, staff, and students reflected in our latest test scores. We are seeing the benefits that come from teachers collaborating with one another on a weekly basis. They are growing in their knowledge and strategies, and ALL of our students are making better gains. We are grateful that the EBF community is allowing this one-hour early dismissal on Wednesdays for our weekly Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)."
Teachers themselves have also noted the benefits of these collaborative meetings. As Mr. VonAhsen, the 5-8 grade band teacher shared, “I share an office with my colleague that teaches the high school end of our content area. Quite often, she and I only have enough time to talk about surface-level logistics of what needs to be done that day or week. Having a consistent time to meet frequently has allowed us to identify issues in our curriculum and approach and devise meaningful methods for improving these things. Because of this, we have definitely noticed an increase in student achievement in certain standards in our content area.”
Overall, the EBF School District’s academic growth is a testament to the dedication of teachers, administrators, and the entire community, and the results are reflecting the positive impact of collaboration, professional development, and targeted support for students.
Fremont Elementary principal, Mr. Nicodemus, added, "Improving student data is a collaborative effort between the parents and staff. It takes a village to raise a child, and also to educate a child. Keep striving for excellence, and showing that hard work pays off. Go Rockets!"
