Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Alc School Performance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Northfield ALC reports higher credit completion, attendance gains and perfect student connectedness
Summary
Area Learning Center Director Daryl Keller told the Northfield Public School Board that credit completion, attendance and student connectedness improved in 2024–25, and outlined goals to raise credit completion to 80% in 2025–26.
Daryl Keller, director of the Area Learning Center, told the Northfield Public School Board on Sept. 8 that the ALC posted year-over-year gains in credit completion and attendance and reported unanimous agreement on student connectedness measures.
Keller opened the presentation with the district vision and the ALC’s mission: “We prepare every student for lifelong success by developing critical thinkers who are curious and ready to engage in our society,” and then described last year’s results and goals for 2025–26.
Keller said 342 students took 567 Advanced Placement exams in 2025; 78% of those tests scored 3 or higher. He highlighted credit completion growth from 71% in 2023–24 to 78% in 2024–25 and said the program met or nearly met its per-period goal (75%) in six of eight grading periods. Keller characterized last year’s performance as “knocking on the doorstep” of higher targets and said the ALC will aim for an 80% credit completion rate in 2025–26.
Keller also reviewed attendance, noting the ALC’s average attendance rose from 80% in 2023–24 to 84% in 2024–25. He said three of eight grading periods met the 85% attendance goal and described sustained attendance growth as a step toward a longer-term 90% target.
On student connectedness, Keller reported results from a multi‑year use of the Student Engagement Instrument: “Teachers are there for me when I need them,” “Adults listen to students at my school,” and “I feel safe at this school” were among statements with near‑100% agreement in recent surveys, a result Keller called “very, very inspiring.”
Keller described tactics the ALC uses to increase credit completion, including flexible programming to reduce the number of students who finish a grading period with zero credits and targeted support to convert near‑passing coursework into credits. He said the ALC will continue to emphasize sustained engagement through breaks and will study calendar and activity strategies to reduce midyear dips in performance.
Board members asked questions after the presentation. Amy (Board member) praised the 100% connectedness score and asked about the falloff in specific grading periods; Keller explained the fourth and seventh grading periods frequently coincide with winter and spring breaks, which disrupt sustained momentum. Ben (Board member) asked whether the credit gains were a rebound from COVID disruptions; Keller said the program is returning to pre‑COVID trends and credited flexibility and targeted interventions for the improvement.
Keller’s presentation included a set of specific, measurable short‑term goals (80% credits earned target for 2025–26) and described ongoing tactics for parent communication and activities to keep students engaged.
Board chair and superintendent comments framed the presentation as part of districtwide strategic commitments to learner outcomes, people and communication. Keller concluded by thanking staff and students and noting upcoming recognition of AP achievers on district social channels.
