In a community that has opened its doors to immigrants, refugees and displaced Americans, District 742 has set its sights on creating a reality where all students are welcome, safe and "belong." Contrary to a recent MPR story suggesting minimal efforts of the school district to ease cultural tensions, district teachers and administrators point to the pursuit of reading and math achievement for every single student; increased participation in advanced placement (AP) courses, honors classes, extra-curricular activities and gifted and talented opportunities for students of color; adoption of inclusive curricula and on-going efforts to increase staffing diversity.
The district's core value of excellence is founded on the pursuit of highest standards of rigor and relevance for all students, including students of color. The district's strategic plan clarifies our vision of closing the achievement gap between groups of students and precisely measures our annual progress toward that goal.
District 742's core value of learning focuses on providing opportunities to learn, think and succeed in different ways for different students. Jumpstart programs, Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) strategies, Responsive Classroom strategies, Cultural Navigators, inclusive curricula, professional development through equity retreats, inventories of personal intercultural development and student cultural awareness panels are all examples of district "learning" to improve both learning and practice.
District 742's core value of leadership requires courageous action and collaboration with all constituencies to make equitable decisions involving programs, policies and procedures. Advisory Councils, Leadership Teams, Parent and Student decision-making groups actively seek to reflect the cultural diversity of our school district.
District 742's core value of partnership and interdependency requires engagement with student, staff, family and community stakeholders. Partnerships with community businesses and non-profit organizations, local colleges and Common Ground inter-district groups set the stage for building trust, sharing resources and mutual understanding.
District 742's core value of respect is evident at the Welcome Center, in the 9th grade Respect Retreat, Link Crews, and Student Listening Sessions. Working together, depending upon one another and supporting each other are integrated into instructional practices and extra-curricular activities to solidify respect for one another.
District 742 will continue to improve in strengthening relationships among all cultures. We invite our community - our neighbors, parents, businesses and organizations to join us in these efforts to speed our progress.
