Cindy Nordstrom

Intermediate School District 917 is committed to providing high-quality, equitable, and specialized programming for all students in partnership with member districts. The plan envisions an innovative culture with diverse pathways, equitable practices, and highly trained staff serving students and families. Key strategic directions include increasing student achievement and engagement, supporting staff through continuous improvement, deepening stakeholder engagement via communication, enhancing social-emotional learning for students and staff, and boosting support through inclusive practices.

The document outlines the foundational elements of Intermediate School District 917, focusing on its mission to provide high-quality, equitable, and specialized programming for all students in partnership with member districts. Its vision is to foster an innovative culture with diverse pathways, serving students and families through equitable practices and highly trained staff. This is underpinned by core values including collaboration, empathy, innovation, stewardship, communication, integrity, personalization, equity, and diversity.

The literacy plan for Intermediate School District 917 focuses on enhancing literacy proficiency for all students, ensuring progress toward grade-level reading standards. Key strategies include implementing MDE-mandated screening protocols for grades K-3, adopting new ELA curricula such as EL Open Up and UFLI, and awaiting MDE guidance on intervention protocols. The plan emphasizes supporting students receiving special education services in achieving individualized reading goals and integrating culturally responsive practices into curriculum selection and professional development. It also details the use of literacy aid funds and continuous improvement efforts for the 2025-26 school year, including refreshing PLC implementation.

Intermediate School District 917 partners with member districts to deliver high-quality, equitable, and specialized educational programs. The district envisions an innovative culture with diverse learning pathways, serving students and families through equitable practices and highly trained staff. Core values include collaboration, empathy, innovation, stewardship, communication, integrity, personalization, equity, and diversity. Strategic directions focus on increasing student achievement and engagement, supporting staff through continuous improvement, deepening stakeholder engagement, increasing social-emotional learning, and increasing support for all students through inclusive practices.

This Local Literacy Plan for Intermediate School District 917 outlines a developmentally appropriate framework for literacy assessment, instruction, and intervention for kindergarten through transition-age students. It uses data from a Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) to inform district and site continuous improvement plans, addressing opportunity gaps between white students and students of color and other historically marginalized groups. The plan details a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) using universal screening, diagnostic assessments, and progress monitoring to identify and address student needs. Core curricula (Superkids, ReadyGen, My Perspectives) are supplemented by evidence-based interventions delivered in small groups or 1:1. Parent and community engagement is emphasized, including partnerships with the Dakota County Library. The plan includes ongoing professional development for teachers.