(Audubon) Audubon Community Schools has been selected to receive a competitive grant through the University of Northern Iowa Institute for Educational Leadership, funded by the Kern Family Foundation.
The grant will allow the district’s leadership team to work throughout the 2026-2027 school year with nationally recognized standards-based grading expert Dr. Matt Townsley.
Through monthly coaching, on-site workshops and ongoing support, district leaders will strengthen their knowledge and capacity as Audubon Community Schools continues implementing standards-based grading across the district.
The district says the opportunity is especially meaningful because priority was given to rural Iowa schools that demonstrated a strong commitment to improving grading and reporting practices.
Audubon Community Schools says it believes grades should clearly communicate what students know and can do. The partnership with Townsley is intended to help the district refine its grading practices, provide students with meaningful feedback, give families a clearer understanding of student learning and support teachers through the process.
District officials expressed gratitude to the UNI Institute for Educational Leadership, the Kern Family Foundation and Townsley for investing in rural schools and supporting Audubon’s efforts to improve grading and reporting.
