Northfield presents updated American Indian education plan, sets attendance and graduation targets

Northfield Public School District officials on Jan. 27 presented an updated American Indian Education Program submitted to the Minnesota Department of Education that sets new attendance, graduation and academic goals and describes family outreach and cultural supports.

The plan, built from family feedback gathered during district outreach, seeks to raise year-to-date attendance for identified American Indian students from about 76.2% toward a 90% goal and to increase graduation rates toward 95%. It also sets proficiency targets (70% proficient in reading and math by the ends of third, sixth and eighth grades, as measured by MCAs) and calls for tutoring and postsecondary support for students identified as at-risk.

Hope Langston, director of instructional services, and Sybil Bitten Singer, the district’s indigenous family cultural liaison, described the program’s mission and…