Hamilton, Morris Bye and Monroe share “Beat the odds” strategies with Minnesota Senate
(02/20/2020) What can be learned from elementary schools in Coon Rapids and Brooklyn Park that can impact learning for students across Minnesota?
Principals from Hamilton, Morris Bye and Monroe elementary schools were invited to share strategies that “beat the odds” on academic performance at a Feb. 19 hearing of the Minnesota Senate Education Committee.
The Anoka-Hennepin education leaders joined ten other elementary schools from across the state that highlighted “best practice” solutions to outpace expectations for student achievement based on factors such as free and reduced lunch, special education, english learners and demographic considerations.
Anoka-Hennepin highlighted a strong focus on research-based core curriculum, a system of aligned interventions to lift struggling students and and a culture of coaching and collaboration to support teachers. Principals Missy Monson, formerly at Hamilton and currently at Oxbow Creek, Janel Wahlin of Morris Bye and Amy Oliver from Monroe joined Superintendent David Law in the presentation.
The strategies shared with the committee are in operation at all 26 Anoka-Hennepin elementary schools and have led to results. Anoka-Hennepin has experienced seven consecutive years of increased or maintained performance in reading proficiency, one of the only districts in Minnesota to hold this distinction.