Two elementary schools in Grand Forks have achieved remarkable success, ranking in the top 10% of public schools across North Dakota based on state accountability metrics. Discovery Elementary School and J. Nelson Kelly Elementary School have both been recognized for their outstanding performance, which school leaders attribute to the dedication of their teachers and support staff.
The rankings are part of the annual evaluation conducted under the Every Student Succeeds Act, a federal initiative aimed at reducing achievement gaps and identifying schools that need additional resources. The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) released this year’s rankings to emphasize schools that are excelling in student performance, growth, and creating a positive learning environment.
Indicators of Success
Amanda Peterson, the director of educational improvement and support at NDDPI, highlighted the intent behind the rankings. “We want to showcase schools that are doing really, really well,” she stated. Both schools were excited about their rankings, which reflect a comprehensive evaluation rather than solely relying on state assessments.
Kelli Tannahill, principal at J. Nelson Kelly Elementary, expressed her pride in the school’s achievement, attributing it to the hard work of teachers and the support from families. “We were so excited,” she said. “It comes down to the outstanding teachers we have, the support from our families, and our over 450 exceptional students who come to school every day and strive for success.”
For K-8 schools, accountability metrics include state assessment proficiency (30%), state assessment growth (30%), climate engagement (30%), and English learner proficiency (10%). Peterson clarified that these rankings involve intricate calculations and are not solely based on test scores. The climate engagement metric, which constitutes a significant portion of the ranking, is derived from annual surveys where students assess their feelings about their school environment.
Commitment to Individual Growth
Allison Parkinson, principal of Discovery Elementary, emphasized her school’s commitment to fostering continuous growth for every student. “It’s about differentiating for what each student needs — not a one-size-fits-all plan,” she said. Her pride extends to all staff members, including classroom teachers, special education and multilingual teams, instructional coaches, and counselors, all of whom contribute to the school’s success.
Only 46 schools in North Dakota made it into the top 10% this year. Peterson noted that the purpose of these rankings is not to create competition among schools but to ensure that every institution and student can realize their full potential. “We felt it was essential to identify schools that are doing a fantastic job of meeting students’ needs,” she explained.
Peterson further elaborated on the importance of recognizing effective practices. “It’s not just about curriculum; it’s the culture of the school, the leadership, and the relationships teachers establish with students that contribute to success,” she said. The aim is to set high standards and create an environment where all students can achieve those standards.
The recognition of Discovery and J. Nelson Kelly Elementary serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication within the Grand Forks educational community, showcasing a model of success that other schools may aspire to follow.
