As you may be aware, MCA test scores across the state have flattened, but we will continue to strive to achieve more in St. Louis Park. Though the scores are not quite where we would like them to be, there are bright spots that highlight the progress we are making. These areas of achievement give us confidence that the steps we are taking are moving us in the right direction. If you are interested in learning more about the scores, you can view the Minnesota Report Card, and see a brief synopsis of our scores can be found on the website.

Leading into this school year, the district has put in place several important strategies for our continued growth. 

• New Structures for Staff Professional Development: We have enhanced our professional development opportunities by providing "Just in Time" professional development at sites and during our full district PD days. These sessions offer choice to educators based on their area of expertise and interest. For example, in August Educators were able to select from sessions that included: Unpacking and Accessing State Standards, Depth of Knowledge (DOK), Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Collaborative Classroom and sessions on Allyship or BIPOC affinity groups.
• Improved Instructional Coaching Model: We have adjusted our instructional coaching model to provide teachers with more collaborative student focused coaching cycles. Instructional coaches have had regular meetings to build alignment and understanding. 
• Data Reviews and Learning Walks: In addition, we are conducting regular data reviews and learning walks, which help us see what’s working in classrooms and where we can improve. During these monthly meetings, site leaders connect with members of the Instruction and Learning Team to connect their data to their school Continuous Improvement Plan, and get a closer look at the experiences students are having in their learning spaces.

Another intentional step we’ve taken is to pause on our 3-year curriculum review process. This allows us to stay grounded in our work and prevents the “goal post” from shifting for our teachers. This pause gives us the time and space to fully implement our plans and provide adequate support for staff as they bring them to life.

I’d like to remind our community that while our scores may show opportunities, it is important that we continue to see the brilliance of ourselves and others. This is not light work, and we are incredibly proud of our teachers and the dedication they bring every day. I am seeing the great efforts of our teachers and staff, many stepping up to the plate to create strong and consistent learning experiences for students. Additionally, our students continue to show us their achievements in and out of the classroom. These results remind us that while there is still much work ahead, we are on a path of promise and progress.

Lastly, I’d like to invite you to share your feedback. Throughout October and November, I will be holding listening sessions for families. Below are the dates and times. Information about where these sessions will be located will be posted on the website.

• Reunión Para escuchar Sus Opiniones - Oct. 13 | 5 – 6 p.m.
• Listening Session for Somali Families - Oct. 22 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Listening Session for African American Families - Oct. 28 | 5 – 6 p.m.
• Listening Session for Native American Families - Oct. 27 | 5 - 6 p.m.
• Listening Session for Asian Families - Oct. 30 | 5 - 6 p.m.
• Listening Session for LGBT Families - Nov. 6 | 5 - 6 p.m.
• Listening Session for St. Louis Park Families - Nov. 11 | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
• Q&A Session - March 17, 2026 | 5 – 6:30 p.m.

Thank you for your partnership and continued belief in the brilliance of our students.

Sincerely,
Dr. Carlondrea Hines
Superintendent