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Residents of Robbinsdale Area Schools will soon receive a copy of the District Report Card, developed by the System Accountability Committee in accordance with Minnesota statute.

The committee is comprised of parents, community members, teachers and other staff who meet monthly from January through August to evaluate every curricular area, program and service operating within the division of Teaching and Learning.

The System Accountability Committee probably knows more about the big picture of teaching and learning in Robbinsdale Area Schools than any other group of individuals. They are uniquely qualified to ensure that the community is informed and that the district is accountable for teaching and learning.

Their report will show that college-bound students from the class of 2006 posted top scores on the ACT college entrance exam, took a record number of Advanced Placement exams, produced five National Merit Scholarship finalists and four winners, and qualified 13 students for the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma.

It will also describe the fascinating new biotechnology equipment that was purchased from grant funds awarded to the district. The new equipment will provide a "wow" factor for students in the high school Biology and Anatomy and Physiology courses, stimulating their desire for further learning and helping them learn about career opportunities that might someday fulfill a dream. Other highlights include information about a new direction for the district's program for English Language Learners.

The report also provides the results of the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA-II) for each school in the district. The easy reference helps community members make sense of an otherwise complicated array of details. It shows how the achievement gap is in effect upon entrance to kindergarten, and highlights the importance of early education so that every child enters kindergarten ready to learn. It reveals that students who attend school every day, and remain in their school from one year to the next, perform well, making at least one year's academic growth each year.

Some of the new initiatives that are in the early stages of implementation in the Robbinsdale Area Schools, such as all-day, everyday kindergarten; the renewed technology and language focus at Robbinsdale Middle School; and reform efforts at the high schools, are also noted.

These programs, and more, will be examined further during the upcoming year when the committee reconvenes in January. Also up for review include the desegregation and student integration program, the secondary English curriculum, library and media services and high school mathematics.

I encourage residents to read the Annual Report Card and then consider joining our team. Application forms are available on the district web page at www.rdale.k12.mn.us

Service on the System Accountability Committee is an excellent way to learn about the district, and to monitor its effectiveness.

Gayle Walkowiak is executive director of Teaching and Learning for Robbinsdale Area Schools.
 
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