The Minneapolis Public Schools Board of Education heard presentations from administrative leaders, principals and educators on the topic of progress monitoring at the November 22 Committee of the Whole meeting.

The district reported that although 74% of schools have committed to utilizing weekly professional learning communities, just 63% of schools had started using PLCs at the end of the first quarter.”

During the August Committee of the Whole meeting, Executive Director Sarah Hunter explained the district’s plan to require schools to utilize formalized professional learning communities that meet weekly to review student assessment data and develop instructional strategies to meet students’ academic needs. This structure is intended to aid educators in meeting the district’s strategic plan goal for improving students’ academic outcomes.

Executive Director of Equity and Climate, Derek Francis, reported that 78% of schools have developed a goal related to school climate as part of their school improvement plan. However, just 58% of schools have communicated that goal to staff and the school community. Nearly two thirds of schools have engaged in “proactive relationship building activities.”

Developing a school climate goal at each school is part of the district’s plan to improve school and district climate as part of its strategic plan.

Due to the need to schedule community engagement sessions related to the search for a new superintendent, Chair Kim Ellison said the board has canceled the December 6 special board meeting related to the superintendent search. 

The board will have its next regular business meeting on December 13. This meeting will be the annual truth in taxation meeting. At regular business meetings, there is time for public comment and the board can take votes.