Recognizing Schools that are Closing the Achievement Gap
Conversations between education leaders and the Partnership's Education Policy Committee prompted the Partnership to establish the "Minnesota's Future Awards" in 2006. The Award recognizes two public elementary schools – one metropolitan school and one in greater Minnesota – that are closing the academic achievement gap between white, minority and low-income students. Eligible schools serve a high percentage of low-income and/or minority students and are closing the achievement gap based on MCA-II reading and math scores. Each school is recognized at the Partnership’s Annual Dinner and receives a $10,000 grant and two new computers, thanks to support from MBP member companies. The 2009 awards are sponsored by Ceridian, IBM, Qwest, Red Wing Shoe Company and Vision-Ease.
2009 Minnesota’s Future Recipients
Dayton’s Bluff Elementary, St. Paul
| At Dayton’s Bluff, 89% of students come from low income families and 85% are students of color. Overall, Dayton’s Bluff students posted solid performances in reading and math compared to statewide averages for all students. African-American and low-income students at Dayton’s Bluff substantially outperformed their peers on a statewide basis. In 2009, African-American students, which comprise 42% of the school, outperformed African-American students statewide by 21 percentage points in reading and 26 percentage points in math – and were closing the gap on statewide averages for all students. Similarly, low-income students at Dayton’s Bluff outpaced low-income students statewide by 12 percentage points in reading and 22 points in math – and were closing the gap on overall statewide averages. |
King Elementary, Deer River
| Overall, King Elementary students posted reading and math scores that were on par with or above the statewide average for all students. Native American students (33% of the school) and low-income students (63% of the school) demonstrated substantial improvement over the past three years.
In 2009, Native American students at King outpaced Native American students statewide by 18 percentage points in reading and 29 points in math – and were on par with the overall statewide average. Similarly, low-income students at King outperformed low-income students statewide by 13 percentage points in reading and 26 percentage points in math – and were on par with the overall statewide average in math and approaching the statewide average in reading. |
Previous Minnesota's Future Award Recipients
- 2008: J.W. Smith Elementary, Bemidji, and Ames Elementary, St. Paul.
- 2007: Kelliher Elementary, Kelliher, and Farnsworth Aerospace Elementary, St. Paul.
- 2006: Nettleton Magnet School, Duluth, and Sheridan Elementary School, St. Paul.