>Understanding the Minneapolis Public Schools: Current Condition, Future Prospect< >>>>> Chapter Four (Part One, Facts) >>>>> Academic Program of MPS Superintendent Ed Graff

In this chapter I present the essence of the Graff program focused on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL);  Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS);  Literacy;  and Equity.

Graff has served as MPS superintendent for two years and seven months.  He inherited Strategic Plan Acceleration 2020  but is now working with his staff on a new strategic plan.  He and Chief of Staff Suzanne Kelly are also working on a Minneapolis Public Schools Comprehensive District Design, to be implemented in phases that by 2022 features the goal of delivering a well-rounded education to all students, for whom multiple pathways to success will be provided. 

In the meantime, the Graff program has focused on four goals:  Social and Emotional Learning (SEL);  Multi-Tiered System Support (MTSS);  Literacy;  and Equity. 

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) focuses on respect for oneself and others as necessary preparation for receiving academic instruction.  Graff won an award from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, Emotional Learning (CASEL).  The CASEL approach emphasizes five areas for personal and social development:  self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills.

 

Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is projected to give individual students the array of services, including counseling and targeted academic intervention, that they need to be successful.  The program has only gained very partial implementation.

Literacy concerns the development of reading skills with the Benchmark curriculum that was adopted soon after Graff became superintendent in Minneapolis. 

Equity as perceived in the Graff administration follows the Equity and Diversity Impact Statement (EDIA) and the Educational Equity Framework.