APS Local Literacy Plan

Goals for Reading Proficiency

Austin Public Schools' mission, or core purpose, is to Inspire. Empower. Accelerate. Through this work, Austin Public School’s vision is to create systems that are continually Preparing all learners to make a difference in the world.

In order to advance its mission and vision, Austin Public Schools is dedicated to the following core values which are the drivers of our words and actions. Austin Packers will be:

• Responsible: Demonstrates accountability to self and others
• Resilient: Develops perseverance and self-control
• Learner: Challenges self to think critically
• Communicator: Listens actively and shares learning and experiences
• Contributor: Engages as a productive member of the community and global society

To accomplish this, Austin Public Schools has created Strategic Directions to drive our continuous improvement.

1. Support and resources to ensure a safe and welcoming learning environments
2. Packer Profile for all students
3. District-wide multi-tiered systems of supports for all learners
4. Excellence in resources management

As a part of our Packer Profile for all students, it is our goal to have all students reading well by third grade to help ensure readiness for a successful future. This goal is aligned with the mission, vision and values of the Austin Public Schools.

District Resources

Click on the APS Local Literacy Plan to learn more about our goals for reading proficiency, assessment process, student data, parent involvement, early intervention, professional development, and scoring rubrics.
APS Local Literacy Plan

Reading well by third grade is one of many developmental milestones in a child's educational experience. Providing quality curriculum, instruction, and assessments is the foundation for developing comprehensive systems of support for all learners. Click here to learn more about the Reading Well by 3rd Grade initiative.

By June 1, 2012, all public schools must submit data on reading proficiency for all students in Kindergarten through Grade 2 as identified in Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.12. Click here to learn more from the MDE web site.

Literacy Incentive Aid

The proficiency aid for each school is equal to the product of the school's proficiency allowance times the number of third grade pupils at the school on October 1 of the previous fiscal year. A school's proficiency allowance is equal to the percentage of students in each building that meet exceed proficiency on the third grade reading Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment, averaged across the previous three test administrations, times $530. Growth aid will be calculated using only fourth grade pupil counts at the same rate.

MDE Contacts

Bobbie Burnham, Program Manager: bobbie.burnham@state.mn.us
Tom Melcher, School Finance Director: tom.melcher@state.mn.us
Kari Ross, Reading Specialist: kari.d.ross@state.mn.us