 | MESPA Home > Professional Development > Minnesota School of Excellence Program > Testimonials | | | Why should you pursue MN School of Excellence validation? | | “Utilizing the self-study process provides instructional leaders
with the data, knowledge and tools to increase the capacity of collaborative
data driven decision-making with an outcome of increased academic achievement.
When my school undertook this school improvement process, our staff was able to
determine specified areas of improvement directly aligned to the needs of all
learners. The increase in collaborative conversations among staff improved our
already strong, cohesive, effective teaching teams and their focus on student
learning. Lastly, the MESPA School of Excellence Program recognition brings an
entire school community together for purposeful celebration of the wonderful
accomplishments taking place in schools across the great state of Minnesota.”
Laura Pierce, Chair
Minnesota School of Excellence Program
Principal, Akin Road Elementary, Farmington
previously Principal, Gideon Pond Elementary
Burnsville-Eagan-Savage District
endorsed as MN School of Excellence in 2009-2010
"The MESPA Minnesota
School of Excellence Program takes schools on a meaningful analytical
endeavor, engaging staff and community in purposeful conversations
about their school. It is the premier way to identify current strengths
and areas needing improvement for a school. The reward of the analysis
is two-fold: first, it takes measure of where a school is at and reveals
where it needs to go; second, is the wonderful celebration that happens
upon
validation of becoming a Minnesota School of Excellence. It offers a
great opportunity to celebrate with the community all the
accomplishments of the school. I highly recommend the program!"
Matthew
Dorschner, MESPA President-Elect
Past Chair, MN School of
Excellence Program
Principal, Chanhassen Elementary School
Schools of Eastern Carver County
previously Principal, Moose Lake
Elementary School
Moose Lake School District
endorsed as MN
School of Excellence in 2004-2005
“Applying
for and receiving endorsement as a Minnesota School of Excellence
brought renewed excitement to our staff and parents, as others validated
our commitment to educating each child to their full potential.”
Dr.
Gail M. Swor, Principal, Poplar Bridge Elementary, Bloomington
Public Schools
endorsed as MN School of Excellence in 2003-2004
“In
a small community, where the school is the hub of activity, everyone
stands a little taller knowing they have somehow played a part in the
school's success."
Jolene Landwer,
Principal, Greenway Elementary Schools, Greenway Public Schools
endorsed as MN School of Excellence in 2005-2006
“The
school improvement process was rigorous, comprehensive and very
valuable. The self-assessment helped us take an in depth look at how our
school was meeting the needs of the children, staff, and community. We
were able to clearly identify our strengths and areas for improvement.
The process helped to solidify an already unified and collaborative
staff.”
John Ahern, Principal, Edgerton
Elementary School, Roseville Area Schools
endorsed as MN School of
Excellence in 2006-2007
“We had always believed we
offered our students quality programming, but our staff benefited
greatly from the validation of the self-study. The community celebration
was a joyous event that drew positive attention to the school!”
Lorene
Force, Principal Cokato Elementary & D-C
Curriculum Director, Dassel-Cokato School District
endorsed as MN
School of Excellence in 2004-2005
“The Minnesota School
of Excellence validation process is an extraordinary experience that
has tremendous benefits to schools. The components of the application
process highlight the following areas:
--expands positive
communication and public relations,
--creates school and community
pride,
--assists in the recruitment and retention of talented
teachers and staff,
--enhances shared leadership,
--affirms high
academic standards for students,
--focuses on quality coherent
instruction and curriculum,
--provides reflection on the importance
of professional development and its impact on student and adult
learning,
--allows the review of effectiveness in the use of data to
drive school and instructional decisions for continual improvement, and
--engages the community in the decision making process.
The
MESPA office is amazing in their dedication and support through the
entire School of Excellence application. The MESPA Minnesota School of
Excellence validation process is meaningful and advantageous for
students, employees, school, district and community.”
Kathy
Carl, Principal, Northview Elementary School, Rosemount/Apple Valley/Eagan School District
endorsed as MN School of
Excellence in 2006-2007
“The SOE process was a great
validation of all the many wonderful things we were already doing at
Plymouth Creek and helped us identify specific areas for school
improvement. The involvement of staff, parents, students, and community
was a real unifying experience. The celebration was talked about for
months.”
Dr. Karla Thompson, Principal,
Plymouth Creek Elementary School, Wayzata Public Schools
endorsed as
MN School of Excellence in 2006-2007
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Recommendation_from_Comm_Seagren.pdf
MN School of Excellence Program recommendation from MN Commissioner of Education Alice Seagren, nominating the program for the Brock Prize in Education)
Gideon_Pond_Recommendation.pdf
MN School of Excellence Program recommendation from Laura Pierce, Principal, Gideon Pond Elementary, ISD 191
Isle_Recommendation.pdf
MN School of Excellence Program recommendation from Michael Conner, Superintendent, ISD 473
Greenway_Recommendation.pdf
MN School of Excellence Program recommendation from Jolene Landwer, past Principal, Greenway Schools, ISD 316
Kimball_Recommendation.pdf
MN School of Excellence Program recommendation from Jonathan Clark, Principal, Kimball Elementary, ISD 739
Lake_Park_Audubon_Recommendation.pdf
MN School of Excellence Program recommendation from Sam Skaaland, Principal, Lake Park Audubon Elementary, ISD 2889
LEtoile_Recommendation.pdf
MN School of Excellence Program recommendation from Dr. Fatima Lawson, Principal, L'Etoile du Nord French Immersion School, ISD 625
Oxbow_Creek_Recommendation_.pdf
MN School of Excellence Program recommendation from Rolf Carlsen, Principal, Oxbow Creek Elementary, ISD 011
Pinewood_Recommendation.pdf
MN School of Excellence Program recommendation from Bill Book, Principal, Pinewood Elementary, ISD 621
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| Letters of Recommendation | Minnesota Commissioner of Education Alice Seagren said: “As Commissioner, I see, too often, temporary quick fixes that are never sustained. This program has brought the sustained practice of professional development around the analysis of student need resulting in improved academic achievement.”
The Minnesota School of Excellence Program was nominated for the 2010 Brock International Prize in Education. To read letters of recommendation for the program from Commissioner Seagren and principals across Minnesota, scroll down.
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| Is the Minnesota School of Excellence Program for you? | "Perhaps you have
been intrigued by the thought of trying the MESPA Minnesota School of
Excellence Program at your school. Involvement with this school
improvement
process is one of the best decisions I have made as a principal," said Jon Millerhagen, MESPA President. Read Jon's entire article "Excellence is a Journey" (from the May 2010 MESPA Advocate) in the MESPA Press Room.
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