Aug 28 2025 10:52 AM: The Washoe County School District (WCSD) is marking a year of historic academic progress, announcing its largest one-year proficiency gains in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics since the Smarter Balanced Assessment was introduced in 2015–16.
Significant Growth in Core Subjects
In the 2023–24 school year, students across the district demonstrated measurable improvement:
- ELA proficiency scores rose by 3.4 percentage points
- Math proficiency climbed by 2.7 percentage points
“These scores are a powerful sign of progress,” said WCSD Superintendent Joe Ernst. “Proficiency shows that students are meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations, which builds confidence and sets them up for long-term success. When students achieve at this level, they’re more likely to stay engaged, show up to school every day, and reach higher.”
Confronting Chronic Absenteeism
Alongside academic growth, WCSD tackled the issue of chronic absenteeism, which surged during the pandemic and continues to pose challenges nationwide. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10 percent or more of school days in a year.
To address this, the district rolled out a wide range of initiatives, including:
- Expanding athletics, clubs, and activities to help students feel more connected to school life.
- Launching Student Advisory Councils in every middle and high school to give learners a stronger voice.
- Using new data systems to track attendance trends and intervene earlier with struggling students.
- Partnering with the community, including campaigns like “Good Things Happen When You Show Up” with PBS Reno.
The “Attendance Matters” campaign, supported by the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra, and Strengthen Our Community, also worked to raise awareness and reduce barriers that keep students from the classroom.
Strong Results Across Schools
Thanks to these combined efforts, 71% of WCSD schools reported a drop in habitual absenteeism during the past year.
“When kids are present in the classroom, their chances of learning and succeeding grow dramatically,” Ernst emphasized. “This progress shows what can happen when educators, families, and community partners unite around a common goal.”
Looking Ahead
While celebrating this year’s success, district leaders remain focused on sustaining momentum.
“This is a proud moment for our district,” Ernst said. “But we know our work is far from over. Continuous improvement is at the heart of our mission, and we’re committed to building on these gains to ensure every student in Washoe County has the opportunity to thrive.”
