New accountability ratings released from the Minnesota Department of Education announced that seventeen schools previously identified as “priority” or low performing schools would no longer carry the status.  Additionally, ten schools designated as “focus” schools would no longer carry the designation due to substantial achievement improvements among all students.

Department of Education Commission, Brenda Cassellius, noted that the step-change is evidence that the state is closing its achievement gap:

“Today’s release is about the hard work taking place every single day in our schools to ensure the success of each child.  It is because of the inspiring commitment, dedication and collaboration of teachers, support staff and school leaders that we are seeing improvements in our Priority and Focus schools.”

State’s 2013 Accountability Results Show Significant Progress for Priority and Focus Schools