2 South Washington County Schools Added To State 'Accountability' List

SOUTH WASHINGTON COUNTY, MN — Following a statewide decline in student test scores, a total of 371 public schools in Minnesota have been identified as needing additional support, the state's Department of Education announced Thursday.

Among those schools are two schools in South Washington County:

• South Washington Alternative High School
• Access

The schools added to the accountability list were chosen based on low graduation rates and test scores, among other measures.

In an effort to improve student achievement, these schools will receive coordinated support and training from the state over the next three years, as a part of Minnesota's "North Star accountability system."

"These statewide assessment results reinforce what we already know – our students, families, school communities and educators need us to continue to meet this moment," said Education Commissioner Dr. Heather Mueller in a news release.

"As education colleagues, MDE remains committed to providing support, through COMPASS, to every school in Minnesota as they strive to meet the academic, social-emotional and mental health needs of each and every one of their students."

As students work to regain normalcy after the pandemic and shutdown-related disruptions, test scores are down across the state.

The number of Minnesota students who meet the standards in math, reading, and science over time has declined since the pandemic, according to state data.