Northwest Public Schools, A Culture of Excellence

An exceptional community of learners committed to continuous growth.

We will: 

• keep student growth as the primary focus of all school-based decisions

• meet the needs of diverse learners in a safe, supportive environment

• hold our community of learners to high expectations

• model and teach the qualities of good character

• help students become problem solvers

• engage, challenge and respect

District Improvement Goal

We will provide a safe, supportive, and collaborative culture where all students demonstrate growth in academic performance in order to be ready for the next stage of their lives.

What is Continuous School Improvement?

School improvement is an ongoing process that involves analyzing achievement data, finding strengths and weaknesses, setting goals and implementing a plan to improve student learning.  

The goal of school improvement is to improve learning.

How does it work?

Our staff analyzes data from multiple levels including performance data from classroom-based assessment (unit and chapter tests), screeners/predictors, Fastbridge, norm-referenced assessment (NWEA MAP), ACT, and state tests (NSCAS ELA/M/S) .  Along with perceptual data from surveys, observations, and anecdotal records.  This data is used to draw conclusions regarding areas of strength and need.  We review subgroups and patterns over a period of years to determine what is working well and where we need to make significant changes.  From these findings, our teachers, collaborating with their PLC team and administrators develop goals.  These goals are set at all levels including the classroom, school, and district.  The goals are monitored by individual teachers, PLC teams, school data teams, the district steering committee, and our school board.  These goals and the actions, strategies, and programs we put into place make up the heart of our school improvement process.  To help ensure that Northwest Public Schools is maintaining a strong an effective continuous school improvement process we participate in the Nebraska Frameworks review process every five years.  This process brings in a team of experts from other districts within our state to meet with students, teachers, parents, administrators, and other stakeholders.  During their visit, they review our entire plan, processes, and how it is affecting our school system and the community.  At the end of their visit they will provide feedback that will aid in our long- term growth as well as offer support should we need it.