Continuous Improvement Visit Showcases Successes in Math, Reading, and School Culture

Last week, SBPS received its Continuous Improvement Visit.  The visit is a review process conducted as part of Nebraska’s Accountability for a Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow (AQuESTT) framework. The visit is designed to help schools and districts evaluate their performance, highlight strengths, and identify opportunities for growth. The process focuses on collaboration and providing feedback that supports long-term improvement in student achievement and school effectiveness. Reviewers analyzed five years of district performance data, observed classrooms, and conducted interviews with students, staff, administrators, board members, and parents to gain a well-rounded understanding of district practices and outcomes. This multi-layered approach allowed the review team to assess instructional practices, improvement efforts, and overall district performance.

The review highlighted strong progress toward district goals focused on improving student achievement in mathematics and reading. In mathematics, the district was commended for measurable achievement and growth, strong staff buy-in, and data-driven processes for selecting instructional materials. In the reading section, reviewers praised the district’s use of data to identify learning gaps and its adoption of the Magnetic Literacy program to support instruction. Recommendations for both content areas included implementing common engagement strategies across classrooms, strengthening alignment between curriculum and assessments, incorporating cross-curricular instructional opportunities, and developing more systematic implementation processes.

Overall, Scottsbluff Public Schools was recognized for maintaining a strong, caring culture centered on supporting every student, aligning decision-making with the District's 5-year strategic plan, and valuing staff as a critical investment. The district also demonstrates a shared sense of pride among students and staff. Moving forward, reviewers recommended improving consistency in instructional expectations and student ownership across buildings and continuing to address chronic absenteeism through stronger community partnerships and targeted school-based solutions. A detailed final report is expected to provide additional guidance for continued improvement.

Photo: Members of the Continuous Improvement Team including staff from NDE as well as leaders from school districts across the state who gave their time to visit our schools and meet with our students, parents, and staff.