Northfield Public Schools, School Board
Public Hearing for World’s Best Workforce and Achievement & Integration Results
October 28, 2024
- Board Chair Claudia Gonzalez George called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. All members present
except Amy Goerwitz. - Procedures for Public Hearings, read by Ms. Gonzalez George.
- Review Outcomes of the 2023-24 World’s Best Workforce Plan: Hope Langston, Director of Instructional Services, reported on 2023-24 school year. Goals for World’s Best Workforce (WBWF) were created by the state of Minnesota, and legislated in 2018. From the former set of goals, to have 70% of 3rd graders read at grade level, the result was 63%. We are moving forward in post- COVID environment, but not where we want to be. (See chart https://northfieldschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2024.10.28-Board-Packet.pdf ) Reaching this goal will take time, teachers are still getting training & the new curricula have been offered for only one year. This year we are adding trained volunteers for reading interventions.
- Goal 1, all children are ready for school – 70% met grade level benchmark (kindergarten), which was our goal. The assessment instrument was changed this year to Fastbridge, so we are waiting to see if these measurements are accurate. Northfield is outperforming national percentiles in literacy, but underperforming in math readiness.
- Goal 2, closing racial & economic gaps – Goal is assessed by measuring attendance. We are working with cultural liaisons, and providing family support. We are also participating in a state attendance pilot.
- Goal 3, all students are ready for career and college – 8th graders tested at 59% reading proficiency, 66% math proficiency. There was a slight decline in ACT scores for the class of 2024.
- Ben Miller asked a specific question on interpreting percentages in ACT scores. Ms. Langston listed actions with impact to keep kids on track with ACT preparation and other measures.
- Goal 4, all students graduate from high school – District’s goal was 95%. Last year 93% for the whole district, 97% for NHS. ALC graduation rates have been increasing since 2021.
- Progress was reported on all goals progress, but several were not completely met. Legislative changes have moved WBWF to CACR (Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Plan); this is very similar except it eliminated 3rd grade reading, and added lifelong learners plan.
- Opportunity for Community Feedback – none
- Adjournment at 5:55 p.m.
