Dakota Prairie meets classroom proficiency targets after science-of-reading rollout, superintendent says

Superintendent Dr. Summer Schultz said Dakota Prairie elementary met a classroom proficiency target across all K'3 classrooms after the district implemented science-of-reading practices, a result she described as "unheard of." The district discussed the outcome during a schoolboard meeting and in her Brookings Radio interview.

Dr. Schultz explained the district's use of tiered instruction, where Tier 1 refers to general classroom teaching provided to all students. "Once 70% of them have [proficiency] you consider then that Tier 1...instruction is working," she said. At Dakota Prairie, she said, "every classroom, every grade, K through three at Dakota Prairie met that classroom proficiency target. That is unheard of."

She framed the result as evidence that research-based practices work when teachers and administrators commit to them and when students and staff buy in. The superintendent said the district monitors growth with progress monitoring in addition to annual report-card assessments and that Dakota Prairie's result will inform efforts to expand practices to other buildings.

The district also hosted a recent visit from state education secretary Dr. Joseph Graves, who observed early-childhood classrooms and life-skills areas at the middle school and saw literacy practices in action. Dr. Schultz highlighted the district's licensed all-day preschool program and praised staff, including "Miss Hammond," who showcased students' learning during the visit.

Next steps: Dr. Schultz said the district will work to replicate effective literacy practices in other buildings and continue monitoring student growth.