Duluth Public Schools take steps to support student learning recovery

By Kathleen Kaufman
Recent assessment results for Duluth are similar to those statewide, showing declines in the number of students meeting or exceeding grade level standards compared to 2019, the last time students took statewide assessments.

Duluth school officials say they’re prepared to support student learning recovery heading into another school year with investments in student academic, social emotional and mental health needs.

Superintendent John Magas said Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) federal funds are being invested in those local student recovery efforts.

The Minnesota Department of Education today released results of the 2021 statewide assessments, which include the MN Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs), MN Test of Academic Skills (MTAS), ACCESS for ELLs (English language learners) and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs. Statewide results for 2021, including those for Duluth, show declines in the number of students meeting or exceeding grade level standards.

“Recent statewide test results confirm what we already knew, that the pandemic has impacted students in Duluth,” said Magas. “Using survey information from families, students and staff, we began taking steps over the summer toward building up our ability to support student recovery, primarily through federal emergency relief funds.

“The new funding is being used in our schools to increase access to reading and math interventionists, mental health services, social emotional support, professional development, and family and student outreach. Although we have a robust head start on addressing these needs, it is important that we continue to use all data sources to further fine tune our efforts to meet the learning needs of each and every student we serve.”

“While some districts have reduced staffing, we have invested deeply in maintaining and enhancing our staffing levels to serve these student needs,” said Magas. “Examples of these staffing investments include: four secondary counselors, nine elementary school reading or math specialists, two middle school reading specialists, two mental health positions, and seven elementary school instructional and behavioral deans.”

Assessment results for Duluth are similar to those statewide, showing declines in the number of students meeting or exceeding grade level standards compared to 2019, the last time students took statewide assessments.

“National and state results also show opportunity gaps widening for underserved students, and this is true for our local data as well,” said Magas. “It is of paramount importance that we lift together to close these gaps as we serve all students.”

Of the students who took the reading MCA and MTAS, 56% met or exceeded grade level standards, down 6 percentage points from 2019.

In math, 45% of students in grades 3-8 and 11 who took the MCA or MTAS met or exceeded grade level standards, down 10 percentage points from 2019.

The science MCA and MTAS are administered for students in grades five and eight and once in high school. In 2021, 52% of students who took the assessments met or exceeded grade level standards, which is a 5 percentage point drop from 2019.

In addition to ramping up local support for students, Magas said the district is also encouraged by the Minnesota Department of Education announcement of a new system to support learning recovery, COMPASS, which stands for Collaborative Minnesota Partnerships to Advance Student Success. COMPASS is aimed at meeting students’ needs as schools continue to navigate the pandemic.

“We look forward to continued partnering with our students, families, and communities, as well as the Minnesota Department of Education in supporting student growth and success,” said Magas. “We are committed and we are hopeful going into the new school year.”