WINONA, Minn. — For the first time in five years the graduation rate from Winona public schools has exceeded the state average. New data from the state Education Department puts Winona High School at 90% in 2022, up from 87% the year before. The state average: 83%. For the nontraditional Learning Center, the rate rose dramatically to 60% from 34%. Other data from the state report:
> Black students. 54%, off from 69%.
> Hispanic-Latino students. 81%, up from 72%.
> Mixed race students. 70%.
> Students who qualify for free and reduced lunches. 72%, up from 60%.
> Students in special education. 68%, up from 62%.
New programs
The district attributes the improvement in part to two new programs:
> Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. A framework that supports continuous improvement,and family engagement.
> Advancement Via Individual Determination. A professional development program for inclusive teaching methods based on social-emotional learning goals.
Verbatim
Annette Freiheit, superintendent: “This is a sign that the collaborative work of teachers, staff members and administrators to make systemic changes to support individual needs is paying off. We will continue to set lofty but achievable goals. We believe in the systems we are putting in place, and we know that we will continue to see positive results in the future.”
Verbatim
Kristie O’Brien, director of learning and teaching: “There is more work to be done, but we are clearly making progress. We believe that every student can achieve to the best of their ability, and we will continue to use data and the latest research to drive our work to give our students what they need to thrive.”