Preliminary Iowa Assessment data shows the Perry School District made significant progress in the number of students who are proficient in math, science and reading this past school year.

Kevin Vidergar, the district’s Director of Teaching and Learning, presented the positive news to the school board at this week’s meeting.

“Very proud to say the teachers did a masterful job, I would say, in working with our students this year because we saw an increase in the percentage of kids who scored as proficient or above in math, reading and science at all grade levels.  Then when you look at that same group of kids as they move from say 5th to 6th, or 6th to 7th, so you’re following that cohort, in every case, we have nine grade levels that we test – three through eleven, eight of nine showed a dramatic increase in proficient in math, reading or science” says Vidergar.

With the improvement in so many areas, Vidergar says now the test is to see if the district can keep up the momentum.

“It is a little bit unusual, which means to me that our teachers did a really, very good job in trying to put together a sound educational program, ensuring that every kid is learning.  So we’ll have to see next year if this was a fluke or not, I’m betting it’s not, I’m betting it is due to the hard work of our teachers and dedication.  So I’m looking forward to that challenge for next year.”

We’ll have part two of our conversation with Vidergar on today’s Let’s Talk Dallas County during the 9am, noon and 5pm hours on AM 1310 KDLS.