Bismarck Public Schools administrators will identify students with lagging test scores for extra help.

The hope is the students will receive individual attention that could make a difference when the North Dakota State Assessment is given this fall. School officials are to identify the students in time for the first day of school and work with them until testing starts Oct. 20

"Some students, with a concerted effort, are going to do better," Superintendent Paul Johnson said at a recent school board retreat.

He outlined the plan for the Bismarck School Board at the retreat. Student achievement was the focus of the meeting at the Doublewood Inn.

Schools already send copies of individual student assessment scores home. This tells parents and students how they performed on the test, including which proficiency category the test scores fall into.

New technology in the district will make it easier for teachers and other educators to pinpoint which students are in need of extra help as well as what content needs to be stressed.

Based on the student's needs teachers and administrators could direct students into programs like Read Right or shadow math. Read Right is a program that takes below-grade-level reading skills and builds it up to grade-level. Shadow math give students extra time learning math concepts.

"All the teachers could be involved in whatever it takes," Century High School Principal Mike Heilman said.

Principals hope once students are identified it will foster a collaborative environment among teachers to help the students.

The focus on struggling students comes after a slump in test scores on the North Dakota State Assessment test. At the same time, the state goals for the test increased and the district wants to reach the goals before they are raised again. The federal No Child Left Behind Act requires proficiency from all students by 2013-14.

(Reach reporter Sara Kincaid at 250-8251 or sara.kincaid@;bismarcktribune.com.)