New superintendent identifies 4 areas for improvement in Minneapolis Public Schools

After reviewing his first 100 days on the job, new Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent Ed Graff outlined four key areas for improvement across the district. 

New Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent Ed Graff reviewed his first 100 days on the job before the school board Tuesday night, laying out his vision for the state’s second largest school district.

Graff says there are many reasons to be proud of Minneapolis Public Schools; the students are ambitious and the staff is committed to seeing students succeed.

But at the same time, Graff says there is a lot of opportunity for growth at schools throughout the city.

After spending the past 100 days with students, staff and families, Graff says he would like to focus on removing the beliefs and practices that result in racial disparities, as well as building more authentic relationships with students, families and staff to ensure all voices are represented in decision-making processes.

“It really is important to look at the whole picture and look at each child holistically,” Graff said on Tuesday. “They are not one size fits all learner, and so we need to make sure we're looking at all aspects of how they engage in their learning.”

The superintendent also identified two other areas for improvement, including accountability and creating conditions for all students to succeed with culturally responsive instruction in the classroom.

4 keys areas for improvement

Achievement: Creating the conditions for all students to succeed, with high expectations and high support, and bringing more rigor and culturally responsive instruction to our classrooms.

Equity: Focusing on removing the beliefs and practices that result in racial disparities in work and decision-making, and working to understand and address implicit biases and the impact they have.

Engagement: Connecting with students and building more authentic relationships with families, staff and communities to ensure all voices are represented in decision-making processes.

Accountability: Establishing a positive culture, doing the best work for students and staff, following up quickly and accurately to requests, explaining decisions, and providing consistent, high-quality services.