Kearney Public Schools earns 'Great' classification from state

KEARNEY, Neb. - The Nebraska Department of Education has released AQuESTT Classifications for all public schools in Nebraska. AQuESTT (Accountability for a Quality Education Today and Tomorrow) is the state accountability system that measures all schools in six “tenet” areas.  The Kearney Public Schools district was ranked as “Great.”

The six tenets are based on common factors contributing to a quality public school. The tenets that are examined include 1) Educational Opportunities and Access; 2) Transitions, 3), Positive Partnerships, Relationships, and Success; 4) Educator Effectiveness 5) Student Achievement and Growth; and 6) Postsecondary, Career, and Civic Readiness.

AQuESTT is a broad look at each school with a critical eye to not just assessment scores, but also a variety of other factors that impact a student’s success at their school and a school’s overall effectiveness. Schools are rated in one of the following four classifications: Needs Support, Good, Great, or Excellent.

The following ratings were provided to KPS schools:

Excellent:
Bryant, Buffalo Hills, Central, Meadowlark, Park, Windy Hills

Great:
Glenwood, Kenwood, Northeast, Sunrise Middle School, Horizon Middle School, Kearney High School

Good:
Emerson 

Needs Support:
None

Horizon Middle School received a rating of “Great” and is designated for Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) in English Language. Horizon will concentrate professional development activities on English Language to obtain the top overall rating of “Excellent.”

“These results illustrate many great things are happening in Kearney Public Schools with some room remaining for growth,” said Jason Mundorf, KPS Superintendent.  “We look forward to maintaining excellence while improving our performance throughout the district and will work tirelessly to continue to provide the best education possible for all students!”