Results of the New York State Grades 3-8 assessments, released by the New York State Department of Education on Thursday, November 14, show that the Ellenville Central School District (ECSD) has made significant strides in improving achievement levels. Overall proficiency rates on both the English Language Arts (ELA) assessments and the Math assessments grew by 8 percentage points each over the results from 2023, exceeding both the Ulster County and New York State average growth rates.
“Not only have we shown significant strides, we had the largest growth in Ulster County, as well as of other districts considered ‘similar’ schools by the State’s demographic categories,” said Superintendent of Schools Lisa A. Wiles. “While challenges remain, the initiatives we have put in place are having a clear impact, and we are encouraged by the results.”
Ellenville Central School District Proficiency Rates in 2023-2024 for both English Language Arts and Math are ranked at or above other NYS schools that have similar demographic data points (including Monticello, Poughkeepsie, Liberty, Fallsburg, and Hannibal. Ellenville CSD ranks highest among these similar districts in ELA proficiency and is tied for highest in Math Proficiency.
Nearly every grade level showed growth, with Grade 3 ELA reflecting the greatest increase—rising by 18 percentage points—and Grade 6 Math following with a 15 percentage point increase. “This is significant year-to-year growth, and we are really proud of our students, educators, and families for the hard work that has gone into making this possible,” added Wiles.
Wiles also credits the community’s investment in small class sizes at the Elementary School; the adoption of a new Math curriculum and consistent implementation of an ELA curriculum for Grades K-6; expanded Academic Intervention Services (AIS); as well as the availability of collaborative planning sessions and professional development for educators in Math and ELA curriculum implementation, personalized learning strategies, and support for students’ social-emotional needs. The utilization of 80-minute instructional blocks in Grades K-6 for Math and ELA, along with additional 40-minute writing blocks offered several times a week, also allows for focused instruction to help deepen understanding.
“Our AIS programs continue to expand and evolve, playing a significant role in our progress,” said Deputy Superintendent Kelly White. In Grades K-6, White says small group and center-based learning in Math and ELA is supporting student needs, along with designated time for push-in and pull-out reading intervention support by certified literacy teachers. In Grades K-12, computer-aided instruction through the IXL Learning platform provides tailored Math and ELA support. Additionally, Grades 7 and 8 AIS English classes are also incorporated into the master schedule to ensure support is readily available.
Afterschool support is also provided through the Grades K-6 Math Fact Bootcamp and Reading Intervention program, as well as through programs for Math and ELA support in Grades 7-8. The Grades K-6 Boost Academy Summer School and Grades 7-8 Academic Summer School also provide additional opportunities for students to build their skills.
Wiles believes that efforts taken to strengthen the District’s leadership support are also paying off, referencing the addition of a literacy and instructional supervisor position three years ago to oversee instructional initiatives at the Elementary School. This model was expanded this year to the Junior/Senior High School, and teacher-leader roles were created in both buildings. “These leaders work closely with central administration to ensure teachers and students have the resources they need to drive improvements,” said Wiles.
An investment in early learning by reintroducing and expanding the Pre-Kindergarten program into a full-day model that began two years ago is also expected to support continued growth. “This early learning foundation sets our youngest scholars—currently 54 children in three classes—on a path toward long-term success,” said White, noting that additional instructional programs in the early grade levels have also been implemented to help support students with reading acquisition. “The expectation is that improvements in literacy skills will expand to improved outcomes in other subject areas as well,” she added.
“We are celebrating these improvements, while also looking at the data to see where instructional adjustments or additional supports may help us to continue our rising trajectory,” said Wiles, who will not only be looking at year-to-year increases of Ellenville students but also comparing the data to school districts with similar demographics, which she says provides the District with the most meaningful picture of its strengths and challenges. “When student achievement is measured against other students who walk in similar shoes, we can really explore what is most effective and ensure our goals are fair, achievable, and impactful for every student we serve."