Two elementary schools in Grand Forks, North Dakota, have achieved notable recognition by ranking in the top 10% of public schools across the state, according to state accountability metrics. Discovery Elementary School and J. Nelson Kelly Elementary School have demonstrated impressive performance, attributed largely to the dedication of their educators and staff.
Recognition Based on Comprehensive Metrics
The rankings were released by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) under the Every Student Succeeds Act, a federal initiative aimed at addressing achievement gaps in education. This annual assessment evaluates all public schools in North Dakota based on several key factors, including student performance, growth, and the overall learning environment.
According to Amanda Peterson, director of educational improvement and support at NDDPI, the purpose of highlighting these top-performing schools is to showcase exemplary practices. “We want to identify schools that are doing really, really well,” Peterson stated.
The evaluation criteria for K-8 schools like Discovery and J. Nelson Kelly include state assessment proficiency (30%), growth (30%), climate engagement (30%), and English learner proficiency (10%). Peterson emphasized that the rankings are not solely based on assessment scores, but involve a complex set of calculations that reflect various aspects of student engagement.
Celebrating Teacher and Staff Contributions
Kelli Tannahill, principal of J. Nelson Kelly Elementary School, expressed pride in her school’s achievements. She credited the success to the hard work of teachers, support staff, and the active involvement of families. “We were so excited,” Tannahill noted. “It comes down to the outstanding teachers we have and the support from our families and our 450-plus exceptional students who show up ready to learn.”
At Discovery Elementary, principal Allison Parkinson highlighted the commitment of her staff to ensure personalized educational experiences. “Every staff member is dedicated to continuous growth for every single student,” she remarked. Parkinson pointed out that the collaborative efforts among classroom teachers, special education teams, and other support staff contribute significantly to the school’s success.
Both schools are among only 46 in North Dakota recognized in the top 10%. Peterson clarified that the intention behind the rankings is not to foster competition among schools but to promote a shared goal of helping all students reach their full potential. “We aim to identify schools that are effectively meeting students’ needs and to share best practices,” she explained.
Peterson also elaborated on the importance of the climate engagement metric, which is derived from an annual student survey assessing their feelings about their school environment. This metric measures behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement, offering insights into students’ overall experiences and sense of belonging.
The recognition of Discovery and J. Nelson Kelly Elementary Schools exemplifies the hard work and commitment of educators in promoting a positive learning atmosphere and ensuring the success of their students. As schools continue to navigate challenges and strive for excellence, these rankings serve as a reminder of the significant impact that dedicated staff can have on student achievement.
