During a September 23, 2024, work session, the Wayzata School Board reviewed the 2023-24 World’s Best Workforce (WBWF) report, which focused on the district’s progress toward kindergarten readiness and literacy goals. The report, presented by Dana Miller, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, and Stacey Lackner, Ph.D., Director of Research & Evaluation, highlighted key legislative changes, student performance, and ongoing efforts to ensure all students are ready for school and reading at grade level.
The WBWF report detailed the district’s commitment to its strategic goals, emphasizing the importance of early childhood education as part of the “Successful Learner Equation.” The district’s efforts align with the Minnesota Department of Education’s initiative to support the social-emotional and academic needs of young learners. Through the “Connect at 3” initiative, the district has increased outreach to children ages 0-5 to prepare them for a smooth transition into kindergarten.
The district also highlighted its use of the FastBridge reading assessment tool, which provides valuable data on student learning and growth. According to the report, FastBridge assessments have been implemented across grades K-8 to identify students who may need additional support. In the 2023-24 school year, 65% of kindergarten and first-grade students scored in the “low risk” range for reading, indicating they are on track to meet grade-level targets.
Notably, the district is addressing achievement gaps among students from diverse racial, economic, and educational backgrounds. For example, 52% of Black or African American kindergarten and first-grade students were performing in the “low risk” range, while the percentage for Hispanic or Latino students was 52%. Efforts to close these gaps are a central focus of the district’s strategic plan.
The report also discussed upcoming legislative changes. The 2023 Reading to Ensure Academic Development (READ) Act removed the previous requirement for all students to be reading by third grade, instead shifting the focus to ensuring students read at grade level. Wayzata Public Schools will continue to report literacy results in alignment with the READ Act.
