L-BF receives recognition

“The (school) board and administration is exceptionally proud of this accomplishment and continually acknowledges staff and students,” said Fred Seybert, L-BF superintendent.

The recognition stems from the MDE release of Multiple Measurement Ratings for schools across the state. The new ratings are the result of implementation of a new fairer, more accurate accountability system made possible through the state’s No Child Left Behind waiver.

“This is another good day for Minnesota’s efforts to raise the bar and improve student achievement for every student,” said Commissioner of Education Brenda Cassellius in a statement. “With this new accountability system, we’ll be able to better assess how our schools are really doing, and put in place structures and resources to support their efforts. Rather than relying on a failed system that doled out punitive labels and didn’t tell the whole story about schools, we’re recognizing our high performing schools and making a commitment to stand beside those schools most in need.”

The statement continued that the overarching goal of the new measurement system and Minnesota’s waiver is to dramatically improve the disparity in academic performance between students of color and in poverty and their white counterparts, often called the “achievement gap.”

The new accountability structure takes into account school performance in four categories — proficiency, growth, progress in closing achievement gaps and graduation rate. State officials hope the new focus will close Minnesota’s achievement gap — one of the nation’s highest — in half within six years.

The ratings also include three designations:

• Reward schools — The highest-performing 15 percent of Title I schools in the state. The state named 128 schools in this category.

• Focus schools — The 10 percent of Title I schools making the biggest contribution to the state’s achievement gap. There are 85 schools that received this designation.

• Priority schools — The five percent most-persistently low-performing Title I schools in the state. There are 42 schools that received this designation.

Under the new system, the release highlighted that schools designated as reward schools will be recognized for their good work. MDE will look to share any best practices taking place in their classrooms with other schools across the state. Reward schools will be identified every year.

“The main criteria that enter into the rewards school designation are test score results,” Seybert told The Journal. “Another major determining factor is the degree of positive growth in student test scores from the prior year. Again, L-BF moved significantly forward in that aspect.”

The superintendent added that the main steps that L-BF addressed in receiving this honor was ensuring the curriculum is up-to-date, and aligned with the state standards.

“This is no easy task, and was addressed throughout the year by staff, administration, and board,” he explained. “At L-BF, we take a very serious approach to student testing, with the commitment to excellence by students and staff always first and foremost.”

Schools designated as priority schools will receive the full support of MDE and newly created Regional Centers of Excellence to develop a school turnaround plan based on the federal turnaround principles. Under federal regulations, 19 of the schools identified as priority schools are currently operating under the School Improvement Grant program. These schools will have the opportunity exit the list in 2013 if they are no longer in the bottom 25 percent of Title I schools. Priority schools will be identified once every three years.

Similarly, schools designated as focus schools will work with their district to develop a school improvement plan that directly addresses poor performance either within a subgroup, or in graduation rates. These schools will also be identified once every three years.

The accountability system takes into account the unique challenges facing each community, providing districts with the flexibility necessary to create a turnaround plan that best addresses a school’s particular needs, according to the release. In this way, each turnaround plan will vary from school to school.

“(The recognition) marks an important step in our efforts to provide every child with access to a world-class education,” said Cassellius. “This work will not be easy, but it can be done. With collaboration and commitment from everyone — from parents, students, educators, communities, policymakers and MDE — we’ll continue on our path to ensure every student has the opportunity to achieve their highest potential.”

Seybert noted the pride he has for the L-BF district staff and students. He added that the school board serves as a proactive driving force, and reinforces the importance of a quality education and positive atmosphere in the school.

He said he hopes the school continues to receive the annual rewards school recognition, however, he said the main focus for the district will be to “continue to make sure curriculum development and alignment with the standards is of utmost significance.” This makes for high standards and expectations that staff will continue to have of the students.

“L-BF takes great pride in this accomplishment, and for that reason, will work diligently to keep the tradition of excellence on-going,” Seybert said.