How Paton-Churdan (IA) Rebuilt Science Proficiency and Student Engagement with LIVE Teaching

The Challenge: Teacher Shortages and Declining Student Proficiency

Across Iowa, student proficiency in core subjects like science has become a growing concern. Schools across the state are grappling with staffing shortages, significant student achievement gaps and declining academic performance—especially in communities where finding and retaining qualified educators has become increasingly difficult.  

At Paton-Churdan Community School District in Iowa, these challenges became particularly evident in recent years. Without a certified science teacher, the district turned to alternative solutions, but student outcomes suffered. By 2023, proficiency rates on the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) Science exam had dropped to just 18%, a stark contrast to the 73% proficiency rate in 2019.  

Paton-Churdan’s experience reflects a broader statewide trend. The Iowa Department of Education’s 2023-24 School Performance Profiles identified 377 schools in need of targeted support due to achievement gaps (Iowa Capital Dispatch), with 35 schools ranking among the lowest-performing 5% of all Title 1 public schools and 78 schools struggling specifically with ELL performance (Des Moines Register).  

For Paton-Churdan, hiring a local, certified science teacher was no longer feasible, and short-term fixes had only disrupted student learning. The district needed a sustainable approach that could provide consistent, high-quality instruction year after year.  

Finding the Right Solution: LIVE Teaching with Elevate K-12

District leaders needed a solution that ensured both high-quality instruction and strong student-teacher connections. After evaluating their options, Paton-Churdan determined Elevate K-12’s LIVE teaching model was the best fit.  

What set Elevate apart?  

• Real-time engagement: Unlike online learning solutions that rely on pre-recorded lessons or self-paced modules, Elevate K-12’s model leverages livestream technology for real-time instruction. This ensures students interact directly with their teacher daily, creating an engaging and structured classroom environment.  

• Highly qualified teachers: The Elevate teacher brought 25 years of teaching experience and had already spent three years with Elevate K-12, making him well-equipped to lead engaging, rigorous science instruction.  

• A structured and interactive learning approach: The LIVE teacher used a combination of direct instruction, group discussions, and hands-on activities facilitated by an in-class Classroom Coach to ensure students remained engaged and actively participated in lessons.  

• Consistent, experienced instruction: Instead of rotating substitutes or relying on temporary hires, Paton-Churdan selected the same Elevate teacher for two consecutive years, ensuring stability in their science program.  

By ensuring that students had a certified, experienced educator leading their learning every day, Paton-Churdan not only filled a staffing gap but created a sustainable, high-quality solution for science education.  

Now, the district was ready to see the results.  

The Results: Academic Growth, Engagement, and Teacher-Student Connections  

After implementing Elevate K-12’s LIVE science instruction, Paton-Churdan saw a remarkable turnaround in student performance and engagement. These results highlight the power of consistent instruction, highly qualified teachers, and interactive learning in driving student achievement.  

Academic Performance Rebounded  

For years, Paton-Churdan had watched its ISASP Science proficiency rates steadily decline as staffing shortages persisted through COVID-19. But in just one year with Elevate K-12, student scores nearly tripled:  

• 2023: Only 18% of students scored proficient on the ISASP Science exam.  

• 2024: After one year of LIVE instruction, 64% of students achieved proficiency—a near return to pre-pandemic levels of 73% in 2019.  

• Paton-Churdan students also outperformed the 2024 Iowa statewide science proficiency average of 59.9% (Iowa Department of Education).  

This improvement defies statewide trends, as Iowa’s 2023-24 School Performance Profiles show many schools continue to struggle with declining proficiency (Des Moines Register). By adopting an innovative solution like LIVE teaching, Paton-Churdan’s successfully reversed negative performance trends and drove real student growth.  

Students Were More Engaged in Learning  

Beyond test scores, student engagement was one of the biggest indicators of success:  

• 97% of students said Elevate’s platform and tools helped them learn.  

• 100% of students felt their teacher cared about their success.  

• 40% of students specifically mentioned their Elevate teacher, Mr. Cox, as the best part of their learning experience.  

Elevate K-12’s structured, interactive approach helped students stay motivated and connected to their learning.

A key driver of this engagement was the strong relationships students built with their LIVE teacher, who took the time to understand their interests, learning styles, and individual needs. The ability to form real connections—despite the virtual format—enhanced participation and student confidence.  

Elevate K-12: A Scalable Solution for Iowa and Beyond   

With its science proficiency rates nearly tripling in just one year, Paton-Churdan has no plans to return to the uncertainty of teacher vacancies. Instead, the district is committed to continuing its partnership with Elevate K-12 to provide ongoing consistency in science instruction.  

The challenges facing Iowa—staffing shortages, declining proficiency, and widening achievement gaps—are reflected nationwide. Schools across urban, suburban, and rural communities alike are searching for scalable, high-impact solutions to maintain instructional quality despite teacher shortages.  

Elevate K-12 is at the forefront of this transformation, providing certified, subject-expert teachers and real-time instruction in STEM, ELL, and other critical subjects. By breaking geographic barriers and reimagining the way instruction is delivered, Elevate K-12 is helping districts nationwide build a stronger future for students.