By Geoff Andrews, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Salina, and Dr. Nick Compagnone, Consultant for Public Policy and Accreditation
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Salina are committed to providing students with a strong education rooted in faith, academic excellence, and care for the whole child. One important way we measure how well our students are doing academically is by using trusted assessments that allow us to compare student learning both locally and nationally.
Each year, Salina Catholic Schools use a combination of national and state assessments to better understand student progress and guide instruction. Students in grades 3–8 participate in the Iowa Assessments, a nationally recognized test used by schools across the country. In addition, students in grades 3–11 take the Kansas State Assessments, and high school students also take the ACT, which helps measure readiness for college and career pathways.
What Are the Iowa Assessments?
The Iowa Assessments are nationally standardized tests that provide a snapshot of student learning in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. Because the test is given nationwide, it allows our schools to see how students are performing compared to other students across the United States.
Results are reported using National Percentile Ranks (NPR), which show how student performance compares to a national sample. For example, an NPR of 70 means students performed better than 70 percent of students nationally who took the same assessment at the same time of year. While no single test tells the whole story of a child’s education, the Iowa Assessments are one valuable tool used alongside classroom work, teacher feedback, and other assessments.
Strong Results Across the Diocese
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Salina continue to demonstrate strong academic performance, as reflected in the Fall 2025 Iowa Assessments results for students in grades 3–8.
When results from all diocesan schools are combined and weighted by student participation, Salina Catholic Schools performed above the national average in all three tested areas:
- English Language Arts: NPR 71.55
- Mathematics: NPR 74.76
- Science: NPR 71.57
“These results affirm what we see every day in our classrooms,” said Geoff Andrews, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Salina. “Our students are being challenged academically, supported by dedicated teachers, and formed in an environment that values both faith and learning. To see our schools performing consistently above national averages is a testament to that work.”
Grade-level results further highlight strengths across the system. Students in grades 3, 4, 6, and 8 showed particularly strong performance in Mathematics, while English Language Arts results met or exceeded national averages in nearly every grade. Science performance remained above the national norm overall, with opportunities identified for continued growth, especially in the middle grades.
Dr. Nick Compagnone, Consultant for Public Policy and Accreditation, emphasized the importance of using assessment data thoughtfully. “The Iowa Assessments provide an important external benchmark,” Compagnone said. “When used alongside classroom assessments, state assessments, and other measures, they help schools identify strengths, guide instructional improvement, and ensure alignment with long-term academic goals.”
A Commitment to Continuous Growth
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Salina use a multi-tiered approach to assessment, recognizing that no single test defines a student or a school. Data from the Iowa Assessments helps inform instruction, support continuous improvement, and ensure that students are meeting learning goals at each stage of their academic journey.
“Our mission is not only to achieve strong academic outcomes, but to form students who are prepared for life,” Andrews added. “Academic excellence, faith formation, and service to others go hand in hand in our Catholic schools.”
As the Diocese continues its School Improvement Cycle through Cognia accreditation, these results provide reassurance to families and parish communities that Catholic education in the Diocese of Salina remains strong, effective, and mission-driven. Together, Salina Catholic Schools remain committed to forming students who are grounded in faith, challenged academically, and prepared to serve as disciples of Jesus on mission.