Better in Benton: Academic Growth & Achievements
Better in Benton: Academics Growth & Achievements
Dual Credit Growth Screener and Intervention Statement Assessments and Testing
Better in Benton: Academic Growth & Achievements
Welcome to the "Better in Benton: Academic Growth & Achievements" section, where we highlight the significance of academic achievement and growth data. We are committed to improving test scores, but we recognize that student data encompasses much more.
Here, you'll find insights into student growth, attendance, and preparation for college and careers. We believe that by understanding these metrics, we can foster an educational environment that supports every learner's journey to success.
BCSC Academic Goals for 2025-26
- All students in grades K-8 will show learning and growth as demonstrated by the NWEA end of year assessment.
- Students in grades 1-6 will learn BCSC grade level sight words and math skills.
- Students in grades 2 and 3 will prepare for and succeed on the I-Read assessment.
- Students in grades 3-8 will improve performance on the April 2026 Summative ILEARN in language arts and math.
- Students will continue to meet/exceed the performance level of Indiana students on the School Day March SAT.
- BC high school students will continue to fulfill graduation pathways and to achieve in AP and dual credit courses.
Strategies to implement in order to achieve goals:
1. Improve Instruction
2. Foster Relationships
3. Decrease Student Absenteeism
Academics at Benton Community School Corporation
At Benton Community School Corporation, we are committed to providing quality teaching methods that foster meaningful student learning, academic growth, and achievement. Our goal is to ensure that every student is given the opportunity to meet and exceed their full potential.
Professional Development
We recognize the pivotal role that teachers play in student success, which is why we invest significantly in their professional development. Our dedicated professional development sessions occur six times a year on late start Mondays, allowing teachers to focus on enhancing their skills and strategies. Furthermore, we offer additional professional development opportunities outside of these sessions, encouraging participation in workshops and visits to other schools to observe best practices.
Curriculum and Resources
Our investment in high-quality curricular materials, particularly in reading and math, is based on current research to promote student growth and elevate our achievement scores. These resources are carefully selected to support our educational goals and ensure that our students receive an excellent education.
Curriculum Leadership
To oversee and maintain the quality of our educational programs, we have a dedicated curriculum leader who is responsible for managing assessments, supporting instructional programming, and facilitating the selection of curricular materials. This coordination ensures that our educational offerings remain relevant and effective in meeting the needs of our students.
Together, these initiatives highlight our commitment to fostering an environment where both students and teachers can thrive academically.
Benton Community Schools curricula are based on the Indiana Academic Standards and available through the Indiana Department of Education.
Academic FAQ's
What are the major assessments conducted in Indiana?
ILEARN
Measures student achievement and growth in ELA & math for grades 3-8, as well as high school biology. Features through-year checkpoints and end-of-year summative assessments fully aligned to Indiana Academic Standards.
IREAD
Foundational reading assessment required for third-grade reading proficiency, given in 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and 4th-6th grades for those who have not shown proficiency. Critical for retention decisions under state law, ensuring early literacy mastery.
I AM
Alternate assessment designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities in grades 3-8 and high school, aligned to Indiana Content Connectors for equitable evaluation.
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENTS
PSAT in the fall of 9th, 10th, and 11th grade, SAT School Day in the spring of 11th grade for college readiness, WIDA for English language proficiency, AP course assessments, and NWEA MAP Growth assessments for grades K-8 to measure individual student academic growth and achievement in reading and math throughout the school year.
What can I do to help my student prepare for the assessments?
To help your student prepare for the assessments, encourage regular study habits, ensure they get adequate rest, and provide a quiet, distraction-free study area. Additionally, familiarize them with the test format and practice with sample questions. For more resources and specific strategies, please refer to the links below:
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College Board’s PSAT - 9th Graders
College Board’s PSAT NMSQT - 10th Graders
College Board’s SAT - 11th Graders
Did you know that research consistently shows that practicing for the SAT, especially with official materials like Khan Academy, significantly boosts scores, with even 6-8 hours linked to 90-point gains and 20 hours to 115 points. By familiarizing students with the format, building stamina, identifying weak spots, and reducing anxiety, full-length practice tests are especially effective for performance improvement and strategy development.
Practice Tests: Students can download Bluebook to a personal device to take full-length practice tests with feedback on correct and incorrect answers. Find more information, including how students and educators can analyze their scores and leverage College Board’s official Question Banks, SAT Practice Tests.
Official College Board SAT Prep Course through Khan Academy: Students can use their insights from practice tests to focus on specific question types, videos, lessons, and helpful hints – as well as valuable test-taking tips and strategies – all crafted by Khan Academy's team of math, reading, and writing experts. Find more information about Khan Academy and their AI-powered tutoring, Khanmigo, Khan SAT Practice.
Another SAT prep resource: SAT Bootcamp Practicebootcamp
What is the importance and significance of the IREAD assessment, and what are its potential ramifications?
The IREAD (Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination) assessment is a critical tool used to evaluate the reading proficiency of third-grade students in Indiana. Its primary importance lies in ensuring that students possess the necessary reading skills by the end of third grade, which is crucial for their future academic success. Reading proficiency at this stage is significant because it serves as a predictor of future educational outcomes, including high school graduation and overall academic achievement. The ramifications of the IREAD assessment are substantial.
Students are given the opportunity to take this 3rd grade assessment in 2nd grade. Once a student has passed and shown proficiency, they do not have to take the IREAD again. Students who do not pass the IREAD assessment are required to receive additional reading interventions and retake the test. In some cases, if a student fails to pass after multiple attempts, they may be retained in the third grade to receive further support in developing their reading skills. This emphasizes the importance of early intervention and support for students who struggle with reading, aiming to equip them with the fundamental skills needed for continued learning and success in subsequent grades. Students who have not passed the IREAD in 3rd grade will continue to take the assessment in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade or until they are proficient.
What are the key changes to Indiana's high school diploma requirements?
Indiana's high school diploma system has undergone significant changes. The new diploma replaces the current Core 40 and other existing diploma options with a more flexible, personalized approach.
Base diploma requirements include 42 total credits with 12 elective credits (doubled from the previous system to allow greater flexibility), at least 8 math credits (Algebra I plus Geometry, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus or advanced math), and at least 6 science credits (Biology I plus Chemistry and Physics or advanced lab science). Students must earn a C or higher in all courses and maintain a cumulative B average. Computer science is now required in addition to Biology I.
Three postsecondary pathway seals are available for students to earn on top of the base diploma: Enrollment (college preparation), Employment (career readiness), and Enlistment and Service (military preparation). Each pathway offers both standard and honors-plus tiers with additional requirements such as credential attainments and work-based learning hours.
Notable incentives include automatic acceptance to all seven of Indiana's public universities and Ivy Tech Community College for students earning the Enrollment Honors Plus seal, and several employers have committed to interviewing students who earn the Employment Honors Plus seal and offering apprenticeships.
The new requirements will take effect statewide with the class of 2029 (current eighth graders), though schools may adopt them as early as the 2025-26 school year.