The 2022-2023 school year is nearly upon us, and as usual for this time of year, things are picking up around the hallways of our buildings! Also usual for this time of year is the public release of MCA data from last year. Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment, or better known as MCAs, are statewide assessments given to students in grades 3-11 in the areas of reading, math, and science. This assessment measures students’ knowledge of the Minnesota State Standards, and produces a snapshot for schools to use to measure student achievement in these three areas. As with all data, there are positives, patterns, and areas for improvement to review. While schools are given this data in June each year, it does not become public until the state releases the embargoed data in late August of each year. While our scores may not be where we want them to be, we also know that we saw growth in several areas from the prior year, and we are continuing to focus our efforts on professional development that supports increased achievement, which is no easy feat. The last two days, BEA was proud to host Dr. Kim Gibbons, an expert in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), which helps districts refine their approaches to universal instruction and support. Our support of this process and commitment to ongoing improvement is evident with the year-long process BEA completed last year of researching, reviewing, piloting, and finally, selecting a new K-12 Math curriculum, which is just one example.

But this process does not happen by focusing on instruction alone. As Dr. James Comer said, “No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship.” And, BEA has been focusing on this for many years, as written in one of my first blogs as BEA Superintendent in August 2019 - August 30, 2019 - It's hard work, but it's also heart work, and will continue to do so. We have reinforced this belief by having invited guests - Joe Beckman and Curt Slater - visit our schools to speak about the importance of human connection. We participate in the Minnesota Student Survey every three years that asks students their feelings about school and if they feel welcome and safe. And, it’s stated in our Strategic Roadmap as an area of focus - that we want everyone to feel like they belong here at BEA. In fact, we continue to look for additional ways to meet the needs of every learner who comes through our doors. That’s why we are so excited about our newest staff member - Frankie, our new Therapy Dog. If you haven’t yet heard nor read about Frankie, take a peek at this short video as Ms. Albright, Frankie’s handler, introduces Frankie to the community!

But we cannot do this hard work alone. Like the old saying goes “It takes a village…”, we are excited to extend opportunities for our village - our community - to cultivate those relationships with our students and our schools by offering a plethora of volunteer opportunities. BEA Schools believes in this approach so strongly that we have hired a Community Engagement Coordinator whose purpose will be to connect and strengthen our engagement opportunities and relationships between our community and school. A simple way to get those opportunities kick-started is by creating opportunities for volunteers to get into our classrooms and schools. Whether you have an hour, a day, or more, we want you to get involved! Simply click on this link Volunteer Form to get started! Or, if you want to learn a little more about our opportunities, simply email [email protected] to get started!  

Whether it be instruction, social emotional health, mental health, or professional development, BEA Schools is ready for another great year with our students!