Minnesota May Change How It Grades School Performance

ST. PAUL (AP) - Minnesota officials have drafted a plan that would change how the state evaluates school performance.

Reports say the plan calls for evaluating schools on state test scores, how many students move up a level on state tests, graduation rates, progress for students learning English and school attendance.

Many of the metrics remain the same under the new plan. However, schools won't receive a single overall grade.

Officials say the changes will raise achievement and get rid of disparities. But critics say the new measurements will lower the bar.

Low-performing schools would be flagged and required to create an improvement plan that the state would monitor.

The state Department of Education is expected to have a public comment period and then seek federal approval for the plan in September.