July 31, 2023

Lindbergh elementary and middle school students are outperforming nationwide trends for student academic growth and achievement, and even outpacing national norms in some cases. 

Student academic data was the primary focus of the Lindbergh Schools Board of Education workshop on July 20, 2023. During the annual Achievement Report, the district’s Teaching and Learning team presented student academic data for each grade level and provided an overview of strengths and areas of focus.

• WATCH: Board of Education Workshop No. 1578 and Regular Meeting No. 1579

Measuring Student Growth

In recent years, the district has utilized nationally normed assessments that measure student growth, including Fastbridge for reading in grades K-3, iReady for elementary math in grades K-3, NWEA MAP Growth for English language arts in grades 4-8 and math in grades 4-9, and ACT and advanced placement tests for grades 9-12. In addition, student achievement is measured on a regular basis at the classroom level, and once yearly at the state level.

Using growth-based assessments allows teachers to closely monitor individual student progress and tailor instruction to meet their needs. On a broader level, the district can also compare trends to national benchmarks to ensure that students are progressing across grade levels as well.

“What makes these tools so valuable is that they hold us accountable for all students’ growth, not only our students who are struggling, but even our high performing kids,” said Superintendent Dr. Tony Lake. “These assessments show us not only where kids are in their achievement, but also if they are growing, and that’s what we want.”

Supporting Student Success

At Lindbergh High School, Advanced Placement test scores continue to rebound after a pandemic setback that was mirrored across the country. AP tests are administered in 30 subject areas. At Lindbergh, 81% of students scored 3 or higher on at least one AP exam; 90% of students scored 3 or higher on exams in 12 subject areas; and 100% of students scored 3 or higher in 4 subject areas. According to the College Board, the mean score nationwide for 2022 AP Exams was 2.92 and more than 60% of all exams taken earned a score of 3 or higher. 

LHS students are also outperforming the ACT’s college readiness benchmarks in math, science, English and reading, earning a composite score of 23 for the class of 2022. In addition, 52 students in the Class 2023 earned a score of 31 or higher, qualifying them for the Missouri Bright Flight Scholarship. (Class of 2023 composite data has not yet been released.)

Dual-credit programs continue to grow as well. Last year, 415 LHS students filled 920 seats in 13 courses to earn college credit through St. Louis Community College, up from 652 seats in 2022. Students also filled 194 seats in 12 courses for St. Louis University, 62 seats in two courses for Missouri State University, and 22 seats in 1 course for the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Students also participated in Project Lead the Way Engineering and Biomedical Science classes to earn credit at Missouri University of Science and Technology. These opportunities saved students more than $1 million in tuition, all while attending high school.

In addition, Lindbergh Schools is proud to announce that it has awarded, along with the State of Missouri, 51 Seals of Biliteracy and 8 Distinguished Seals of Biliteracy to graduating seniors in the Class of 2023. The students have received this recognition for demonstrating proficiency in Spanish, French, German and Dutch. The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who demonstrate proficiency in both English and a second language. Distinguished Seals of Biliteracy means the students scored the highest possible score on their language proficiency test.

“Our goal as a district, and as a community, is to support every student’s individual academic goals and journey to success,” Lake said. “We’re grateful for our amazing teachers, talented instructional coaches, and strong leaders who make this a  priority each day.”