Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools is proposing a shift in its approach to Minnesota’s Achievement and Integration (A&I) program.
The Minnesota Department of Education created the A&I program to promote racial and economic integration, increase student achievement, and reduce academic disparities. The changes are now proposed to be implemented during fiscal years 2027-2029.
Superintendent Michael Thomas said that the state has given the district just under $1 million for the program, which covers about 70% of its funding needs. The other 30% of funding comes from the district’s budget.
A&I program funds are restricted and must be used toward the program’s approved goals. The allowed uses for these funds include instructional supports and interventions, professional learning, family engagement and community partnerships, and integration and
access-related activities with partnering districts, such as Shakopee and Jordan.
Thomas updated the board on the district’s revised goals during the Feb. 23 school board study session. He said that the district wanted to focus its resources on what would have the greatest long-term impact on families. Other reasons for the shift were to move from “doing more” to doing what actually works to ensure that every student has access to high-quality instruction and learning opportunities.
The district also needs to align its A&I goals with Minnesota’s Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness (CACR) framework, as well as the district’s own strategic plan.
One of the proposed changes was to have fewer and clearer goals that focus on the root cause for disparities in the district. Others included having measurable outcomes for the goals, prioritizing kindergarten through grade 3 literacy, and a reframed focus on student attendance.
Thomas pointed out the district’s continued support for advanced placement and career-connected learning. He also shared the district’s plan to work with its partnering districts on experiences tied to engagement, belonging and outcomes. An example of this he provided is language-specific family engagement events.
Finally, the district’s professional training goals will be aligned to its instructional priorities and student results.
To help achieve its current and future A&I goals, the district has hired three student success coaches/academic paraprofessionals. The district’s cultural liaisons, elementary and secondary deans of students, as well as several other staff members have also aided in the the
A&I program. Part or all of their salaries are covered by A&I funding, depending on the position.
Board member Lisa Atkinson questioned the district’s continued achievement gaps seen in certain areas. Thomas said the district is looking at the goals that were not met and what strategies need to be changed, and added those changes will be shared in the updated A&I program plan.
“The dynamics of students and families can change from one month to the next. So, we want to try to meet them where they’re at and find different solutions,” Thomas said. “If the models that we’ve had, which tend to fall more traditionally aren’t meeting the needs, then
we have to look a little differently at this and how we would to approach things going forward.”
The updated A&I program plan will be presented to the school board during the upcoming school board meeting scheduled for March 9 .
