Two elementary schools in Grand Forks, North Dakota, have distinguished themselves by ranking in the top 10% of public schools in the state, according to accountability metrics released by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI). Discovery Elementary School and J. Nelson Kelly Elementary School have achieved this recognition through dedicated efforts from both teaching staff and support personnel.
The annual rankings, part of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, evaluate public schools based on various criteria, including student performance, growth, and the overall learning environment. Amanda Peterson, director of educational improvement and support at NDDPI, emphasized that these rankings aim to showcase schools excelling in meeting student needs.
Factors Behind the Rankings
Kelli Tannahill, principal of J. Nelson Kelly Elementary School, attributed the school’s success to the collaborative efforts of teachers, support staff, and families. “We were so excited,” Tannahill stated. “It comes down to the outstanding teachers we have, the outstanding support we have from our families, and our 450-plus outstanding kids who come to school every day and put forth the effort.”
The accountability metrics for K-8 schools encompass multiple factors: state assessment proficiency (30%), state assessment growth (30%), climate engagement (30%), and English learner proficiency (10%). Peterson clarified that the rankings are not solely based on state assessments, as a range of complex calculations contribute to the final standings.
The climate engagement metric, which is derived from an annual survey completed by students, plays a significant role. This survey assesses students’ feelings about their school environment, measuring behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement, as well as their sense of belonging.
Allison Parkinson, principal of Discovery Elementary, highlighted her school’s commitment to fostering individual growth. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all plan,” she explained. Parkinson praised her staff’s dedication, including classroom teachers, special education teams, instructional coaches, and counselors. “It’s just a really exceptional dynamic that happens at Discovery with all of these groups working together to ensure creative ways to make sure that all students are reaching their potential.”
Recognition and Goals
Of the public schools in North Dakota, only 46 achieved a ranking in the top 10%. Peterson emphasized that the purpose of these rankings is not to create competition among schools but to identify those that successfully meet students’ needs.
“We felt it really important to identify those schools that are really doing a fantastic job,” Peterson noted. She added that the focus should be on sharing best practices and understanding the factors contributing to success, including school culture and leadership.
The recognition of Discovery Elementary and J. Nelson Kelly Elementary serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved. As these schools continue to excel, they reflect the positive impact of collaborative efforts in education, ultimately aiming to ensure that every student can reach their full potential.
