The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association (MESPA) announces that Prairie Elementary in Worthington has been named a Minnesota School of Excellence (SOE), one of only six schools in the state to receive this designation for 2024.
The Minnesota School of Excellence program, designed and implemented by MESPA, is a rigorous school improvement process that aligns with national and state standards for quality and effectiveness. Schools awarded the SOE designation have undergone a comprehensive self-study, driven by input from staff, students and the community, and have demonstrated exceptional dedication to enhancing educational practices, fostering a positive school culture and promoting continuous improvement.
The Minnesota School of Excellence program combines the findings of current research on effective schooling with the practical on-site experience of working principals and education staff. Prairie Elementary, according to a press release, stood out because of its inclusive and effective family outreach. As the school reflected in its application, “We continually have [conference] attendance hovering around 95%. We believe conferences are so highly attended because we have created a welcoming space for all families and make every effort to communicate with each and every one of them, regardless of language barriers. Our school also understands the importance of communicating with diverse populations by having onsite interpreters available every day, sending home information in multiple languages, and striving to make sure that all families have the ability to receive information.”
Said Prairie Elementary Principal Heidi Meyer: "The staff at Prairie Elementary embrace a focus on student-centered continuous improvement. Each year, our leadership team conducts a comprehensive needs assessment, which informs our strategic plan for the year. The six standards identified in the School of Excellence process aligned perfectly with our priorities. The leadership team accepted the challenge and rigor of the SOE’s evaluation protocols, gathering information and analyzing the data from the stakeholder surveys. In many ways we were validated for the amazing work we do every day — while also providing a road map for what we can do to strengthen and improve.”
Continued Meyer: “Receiving the SOE award is a testament to a highly talented and dedicated staff. We have worked diligently to establish a team-centered culture of collaboration. Our teams rely on each other to find innovative ways to meet the needs of all students. Their dedication goes beyond the walls of our school; they also know that connecting with families and the community is imperative to student success. We are grateful for the SOE recognition and will continue to be motivated to be the best we can be.”
The SOE program evaluates schools across standards:
1. Learning-Centered: Balance management and leadership roles to lead schools in ways that place student and adult learning at the center.
2. Diverse Communities: Set high expectations and standards for the academic, social, emotional and physical development of all students in an environment that acknowledges, fosters and celebrates diversity.
3. 21 st Century Learners: Demand content and instruction that ensure student achievement.
4. Quality Instruction: Create a culture of continuous learning for adults, tied to student learning and other school goals.
5. Knowledge and Data: Manage knowledge and data to inform decisions and measure the progress of student, adult and school performance.
6. Community Engagement: Actively engage the community to create shared responsibility for student performance and development.
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