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SHORT-STAFFED: Sports feeling impact of fewer officials PAGE 8
Human rights discussion continues at council meeting BY CYNTHIA SOWDEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
VADNAIS HEIGHTS — The Vadnais Heights City Council heard from residents opposed to the formation of a human rights council at its Aug. 17 meeting. The residents who spoke shared their belief that such a council is not needed. During the meeting open forum, residents asked, “What human rights are being violated? Where are they happening?” Patty Bradway said she had listened to the July 20 meeting where members from Vadnais Heights for Change spoke, then did some research on her own. She found that of the 854 cities and towns in Minnesota, only 39 have their own human rights commission: among them, neighbors Shoreview, Roseville and Stillwater. She also conducted an informal survey of people who visited the Republican booth at Heritage Days. Of the 26 who responded, she said, the majority said Vadnais Heights does not need a human rights commission. Jacqueline Schmidt, who identified herself as “not white,” agreed. “I can speak from experience,” she said. “Nobody in Vadnais Heights has treated me badly. In other parts of the state, yes, but not here.” Craig Conrad said the “real purpose” of Vadnais Heights 4 Change is “to divide us. To make sure we’re at each other’s throats for what we stand for.” Priya Bardal said as a non-white female, she didn’t feel a need for a commission. “What value is that to the city?” she asked. “The state of Minnesota has a human rights commission. If we already have something at the state level, I don’t understand the need.” Mary Langer said, “I appreciate an opposing view, because that’s what democracy is. It’s a balance.” She said her son-in-law, who is not white, is capable of dealing with racism without a human rights commission. At the conclusion of the meeting, Council Member Greg Urban said he was convinced that the city does not need a human rights commission and saw no need for further discussion. Mayor Heidi Gunderson reminded him that if two council members vote to put an issue on the council’s workshop agenda, the council is obliged to discuss it. Council Member Steve Rogers thanked the citizens who spoke. “I respect the fact that you came here and talked today,” he said. “We have people who are interested in city government. I appreciate that.”
Back To School
Filling the Learning Gap It’s that time of year when students are heading back to school. Press Publications asked four school districts, including White Bear Lake Area Schools, about challenges in learning gaps among students in their district and how schools plan to respond to these challenges during the 2021-22 school year.
Q. With the challenges of teaching last year during a pandemic, some are reporting learning gaps of 30% or more in math and possibly other subjects. Do you anticipate learning gaps among students? If so, how will your schools know which students need additional instruction and which students do not? A. Throughout the 2020-21 school year, our building and district leaders engaged in conversations and training around our multi-tiered systems of support. While we have always examined gaps in learning among students, the pandemic has given us an opportunity to accelerate changes in our system to ensure that we are prepared to support our students as we enter the upcoming school year. Each school leadership team conducted a needs assessment. This needs assessment data was utilized as we examined resources
and support structures entering this school year. Educators plan for students learning at different rates every year. We do anticipate that we’ll see larger learning differences. Our initial data assessments, use of data throughout the year, and continued support of educators collaborating together to discuss strategies for our students are of even greater importance as we enter 2021-22. We have a robust academic screening process for students in grades K-8 that was in place prior to the pandemic. All students are screened in reading and math skills three times per year. We use this data, along with information from teachers, to inform instruction both at the classroom level and for students who might need additional support. We continue to gain a deeper understanding of our students and will provide targeted support so all students find suc-
cess. We will continue our K-12 Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to ensure core instruction is rigorous for all students. This enables alignment of supports at each grade level and at each high school campus. Teachers will continue to monitor students for progress, provide support, and extend learning. Q. Is your school district making any curriculum changes as a result? A. We will continue with our curriculum review process as planned prior to the pandemic. Our priority will be on literacy. We will review and align our assessments to ease communication with families on student learning. Also, we will continue to provide teachers with professional learning on the science of reading. We will continue to implement the 2018 Minnesota K -12 Standards in the Arts and Physical Education. Teachers are
Wayne Kazmierczak, Superintendent
working with content experts and leadership to implement the new standards and co-create innovative student experiences. Q. What advice do you have for students or parents to fill in any gaps and make the most of the new school year? A. In the school district, we have a strong focus on literacy. We will continue to partner with families to build reading and writing
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