Each summer my Dad would plan a family vacation……by car. He picked a destination, set the number of travel days, planned a budget and away we would go - six kids, our dog Gus, a roadmap, along with a daily logbook to keep track of the miles and expenses. The trip was always “evaluated” on the number of miles in a day, how few stops were required and if we reached our destination on time and under budget. It was a great family trip, but I always felt we missed some interesting places to explore along the way.

Sometimes, I feel that Roseville Area Schools is on a “hurried” trip to achieve the District goals and master the Federal No Child Left Behind mandate. In our zeal to reach our destination, like my family trips, I believe we sometimes miss many of the staff and student triumphs that occur along the way.

I know that my Dad felt responsible to get his family to the right vacation spot, on time, on budget while not leaving any of his children behind. I feel the same way as Superintendent of Schools. I want Roseville Area Schools to reach our goals, on time, on budget and not leave any child behind.

Our Annual Report on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Achievement is like my Dad’s roadmap. It shows our learning family is making significant progress on the journey. It also makes it clear that there are additional miles to go before we reach our final destination.

Below are a few of the academic success stories on our educational journey.

* Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). This computerized assessment is employed to assist our staff in providing direct and meaningful instruction to our students.  The results, especially in mathematics, are extremely gratifying.

* Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA II). This State of Minnesota assessment shows that Roseville students are performing above the State average in both mathematics and reading.

* Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). The AVID program is a structured program designed to improve academic performance and provide direct support to students who are typically underserved.

* ACT Results. The current ACT results are well above the Metro, State and National level.

* Increase in Advanced Placement Offerings. Not only is Roseville Area Schools expanding the number of AP options, but student enrollment in AP courses has also increased.

* Increase in Pre-Advanced Placement Offerings. Pre-AP offerings are now available in all core subject areas at Roseville Area Middle School and Parkview Center School.

* Basic Skills Tests (BST). The Class of 2009 was the last group required to pass the Basic Skills Test. More than 99% of the students passed the BST in all three subject areas.

* Building Reports. Included in the document is a revealing overview of the building goals, progress toward those goals and other building activities.

When I recall our family vacations, the destination wasn’t the most important thing. It was the trip itself with many family interactions and the interesting things I learned along the way. I believe the same is true with our Roseville students. While the destination is important, it is the experiences and successes along the way that make it a true educational journey.