Teaching & Learning
Programs & Services
- Contact
- AVID
- Continuing Education
- Continuous Improvement Plans
- English Learners
- FAPSETA & FEEP
- Gifted & Talented
- District Advisory Committee
Contact
Faribault Public Schools offers a comprehensive Early Childhood through Twelfth Grade curriculum. Each child has different interests, distinctive talents, and a promising future.
The staff at Faribault Public Schools, working in partnership with you, will provide your child the skills needed to build a successful future. We appreciate the significance of you entrusting us with your child’s education. We continue to look at Best Practice teaching strategies that will produce not only quality learners, but educators as well.
Director of Teaching & Learning
507-333-6010 |
The success of every student is obviously of importance to all us at Faribault Public Schools. In addition to the traditional subject areas such as mathematics, reading, science, and social studies, your child can become a quality learner who understands the importance of excellence.
- Your child will learn to work as a team member who applies creative and critical thinking skills to solve problems.
- Your child will also become a self-directed learner understanding responsibility to community and the world.
Kathy Zavoral
Administrative Assistant
507-333-6010 | Email
Joseph Timmer
Online Learning Coordinator
507-333-6029 | Email
Katie Rotvold
Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator
507-333-6012 | Email
Heidi Oanes
Integration Coordinator/AVID
507-333-6009 | Email
Katie Schultz
Student Success Coordinator
507-333-6018 | Email
Casey Rutherford
Director of Educational Technology & Innovation
507-333-6065 | Email
AVID
AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a college readiness system that prepares students for college eligibility and success. Since it began in 1980 in California, AVID has been adopted by more than 4,800 schools and 41 institutions of higher education in 45 states and 16 countries, providing training for more than 30,000 educators each year and making a difference in the lives of more than 700,000 students.
- Teaches skills and behaviors for academic success
- Provides intensive support with tutorials and strong student/teacher relationships
- Creates a positive peer group for students
- Develops a sense of hope for personal achievement gained through hard work and determination
Heidi Oanes
Integration Coordinator/AVID
District Office
507-333-6190 | Email
AVID Mission and Requirements
AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.
AVID's mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. It is designed to ensure all students, especially the least served students who are in the academic middle to:
- Succeed in rigorous curriculum
- Complete a rigorous college preparatory path
- Enter mainstream activities of the school
- Enrollment in college
- Become educated and responsible participants and leaders in their community
AVID REQUIRMENTS & APPLICATION:
AVID is a voluntary program. Upon acceptance into the program, students and parents sign the AVID Student Agreement showing their commitment to the program and their future success. Students choose to be a part of AVID.
AVID Requirements
- In the academic middle (usually GPA 2.0-3.5)
- Average test scores
- May be first generation college
- Good attendance
- Appropriate behavior
- Has individual determination to work hard and succeed
Application Packet
- What is AVID?
- Application
- 2 Teacher Recommendations
- Short Answer Questions
- Interview
Continuing Education
Welcome to the Faribault Public School Continuing Education web page. On this page will find the different clock hour categories, and the renewal requirement grid. Also, there is a generic CEU (continuing education unit) certificate for experiences that may not give a formal certificate but meet requirements for a licensure area. One can have the presenter verify your attendance by signing the form.
CEU applications will only be accepted using the Google Form found on this page. Click on the tab CEU Application Form below, then a new tab will appear below. A form will need to be completed for each CEU certificate since only one upload is allowed per form. There is the option of scanning upto 5 certificates into one upload. Please do not scan more than 5 certificates! CEU certificates will need to be in the form of a pdf or jpeg.
The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) is where to renew all types of existing licenses, track the status of an application, or to view your clock hour record. Here is the link to PELSB
The Continuing Education Committee meets at least four times a year. On the first Tuesday of the month a meeting is held the committee will process any applications and record the CEUs online at the PELSB website.
If you have any questions please email Continuing Education.
Elizabeth Johnston
Continuing Education
507-333-6615 | Email
Requirements for Renewing Teaching License
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:
There are mandatory requirements that must be completed. At least 1 hour is needed in each of the following areas:
Positive Behavioral Intervention Strategies
- Accommodations and modifications
- Reading preparation
- Mental illness in children
- Suicide prevention
- English Language learners best practices
- Cultural competency
Please note that a MN approved state workshop or 8 CEU hours from a variety of experiences are required to meet this requirement.
RENEWING A TEACHING LICENSE:
When renewing a teaching license there are different requirements for the different Tiered licenses:
- TIER 1 & 2: Licenses do NOT need to submit CEU certificates. They must complete the Cultural Competency mandatory requirement.
- TIER 3: Licenses need to submit 75 CEU hours and the mandatory requirements.
- TIER 4: Licenses need to submit 125 CEU hours and the mandatory requirements.
Continuing Education Committee
COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Elizabeth Johnston- Chairperson-Lincoln
Jamie Bente - Administrative Representative
Randa Paschke -Jefferson Representative
Robin Kuball - Roosevelt Representative
Lisa Olson- High School Representative
Elizabeth Johnston - Lincoln Representative
Deb Kittlesen - Middle School Representative
Lisa Engbrecht - McKinley Representative
Candace Knudson - ALC Representative
Janet Brown - Community Representative
Continuous Improvement Plans
World's Best Workforce
Under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.11, school boards are to adopt a long-term, comprehensive strategic plan to support and improve teaching and learning. This plan addresses the following five goals:
- All children are ready for school.
- All third-graders can read at grade level.
- All racial and economic achievement gaps between students are closed.
- All students are ready for career and college.
- All students graduate from high school.
For more information please click on our plan below or visit the Minnesota Department of Education World's Best Workforce site.
What is a Strategic Plan?
A WBWF strategic plan is a multi-year, detailed document that illustrates how a district or charter school will execute its goals or initiatives concerning the five WBWF goals. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) recommends that districts and charter schools develop goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely (SMART).
Achievement and Integration Plan
Literacy Plans
What role does MDE play?
While each WBWF strategic plan is developed and implemented locally, MDE offers direct and indirect support opportunities throughout the academic year.
For example, direct support opportunities include virtual and in-person training, webinars, workshops and orientations. Indirect support includes sharing resources, facilitating networking opportunities between districts and charter school leaders, and more.
English Learners
The Faribault Public Schools' programs for English learners strives to enable students of limited English proficiency to develop their intellectual, cultural, and self-concept skills necessary for success at Faribault Public Schools and for their future. The students will accomplish this development in an atmosphere of understanding, cooperation, and support.
Our school district is committed to offering the highest quality of educational services to all students, including English language learners. The Department of EL Services administers programs for English language learners with the goal of developing English language proficiency and achieving state content-area standards, while simultaneously valuing their native languages and cultural backgrounds.
Katie Schultz
Student Success Coordinator
507-333-6018 | Email
EL Programs
WHAT WE OFFER:
- After School Programming
- Homework Assistance with Peer Program (HAPP)
- Cultural Integration (CI)
- Extended Day at Jefferson Elementary
COLLABORATION WITH COMMUNITY:
- Community School
- Jefferson Site
- Middle School Site
- Understanding Nationalities in Today's Youth (U.N.I.T.Y)
- Lily the Literacy Van
EL Resources
English Learner Program & Forms
The Faribault Public Schools English Learners Program serves K-12 students through a variety of programs.
Over 900 students speaking approximately 12 languages attend our schools. These students add rich diversity and new perspectives to our classrooms.
Continuous Improvement Plans
World's Best Workforce
Under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.11, school boards are to adopt a long-term, comprehensive strategic plan to support and improve teaching and learning. This plan addresses the following five goals:
- All children are ready for school.
- All third-graders can read at grade level.
- All racial and economic achievement gaps between students are closed.
- All students are ready for career and college.
- All students graduate from high school.
For more information please click on our plan below or visit the Minnesota Department of Education World's Best Workforce site.
What is a Strategic Plan?
A WBWF strategic plan is a multi-year, detailed document that illustrates how a district or charter school will execute its goals or initiatives concerning the five WBWF goals. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) recommends that districts and charter schools develop goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely (SMART).
Achievement and Integration Plan
Literacy Plans
What role does the Minnesota Department of Education play?
While each WBWF strategic plan is developed and implemented locally, MDE offers direct and indirect support opportunities throughout the academic year. For example, direct support opportunities include virtual and in-person training, webinars, workshops and orientations. Indirect support includes sharing resources, facilitating networking opportunities between districts and charter school leaders, and more.
EL Forms
Registration Forms
Conference Forms
Refusal and Exit Forms
EL Forms
EL Contacts
Abdi Abdullahi
Cultural Liaison
507-333-6299 | Email
Mohamed Mohamed
Cultural Liaison
507-333-6455 | Email
Zulema Nieves
Cultural Liaison
507-333-6353 | Email
Dora Mata
Cultural Liaison
507-333-6567 | Email
Bashir Omar
Cultural Liaison
507-333-6526 | Email
Kuresha Dolal
Cultural Liaison
507-333-6759 | Email
WIDA Consortium State
FAPSETA & FEEP
The mission of the Faribault Area Public Schools Educational Trust Association (FAPSETA), the Falcon Scholarship Fund and Falcon Educational Enrichment Program (FEEP) is to provide a source of funds to assist in meeting the ongoing educational goals Faribault Public Schools students.
HISTORY:
Established in 1986, the Faribault Area Public Schools Educational Trust Association functions as a separate, tax-exempt entity that works closely with Independent School District 656 in the administration of the Trust's activities. The board of directors is made up of business, education and community members who have a vested interest in the youth of this community.
The annual board meeting of the Faribault Area Public School Educational Trust Association will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at noon via ZOOM.
If interested, please contact:
Heidi O. at hoanes@faribault.k12.mn.us
Jerry R. at profjwr@gmail.com
The Cost of Education Continues to Escalate
Because costs of higher education continue to increase and financial support for K-12 programs lag behind growing needs, FAPSETA seeks to secure funds to help meet these needs. The Falcon Scholarship Funds focuses its activity on granting scholarships for graduating students.
The community unites to help its own and rallies around those seeking higher education to give them a boost and ensure they reach their highest potential.
Students benefit from the recognition and community members share in the pride and excitement of contributing to their future success. Many have contributed generously and we have awarded over $1,246,000 to nearly 1,200 students.
For a contribution of $20,000 or more, contributors may have a named scholarship awarded, as earnings allow.
The Falcon Educational Enrichment Program (FEEP) secures support for specific classroom and learning opportunities that are beyond regular classroom financial support. Teachers may apply for these funds, and a screening committee determines the amount and the programs that will be funded.
Amazon Smile
Did you know you can have a percentage of all your Amazon purchases go to FAPSETA? All you have to do is go to smile.amazon.com and select Faribault Area Public Schools Educational Trust Association as your charitable organization.
For all future Amazon orders, go to the URL smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate 0.5 percent of the price of eligible purchases to FAPSETA.
FAPSETA
Mail your tax-deductible gift to:
The Faribault Area Public School Educational Trust Association
710 17th St. SW
Faribault, MN 55021
For more information contact Brent Peroutka at 507-332-8012
To gift appreciated assets, or for further information contact Treasurer Heidi Oanes at 507-333-6190
FEEP
The FEEP Program Committee will meet to review requests on the first Tuesday of the month (November, February and April). Requests must be received by Kathy Zavoral at the District Office by the 20th of October, January or March each year. Requests may be hard copy or scanned and emailed to Kathy Zavoral. Request forms can be found on the district website under the “Teaching and Learning/FAPSETA and FEEP” tab. Staff completing request applications should plan to present their request to the committee at the quarterly meeting.
If your request is approved, you are responsible for notifying FEEP of any variation from the original grant request. If the approved funds are not used within the fiscal year, they return to FEEP, and the requestor may re-apply the following year. You may be asked to provide follow-up information and/or attend a FEEP sponsored event to present how the grant was utilized, and how it benefited students. Changes may be made to these guidelines and requirements at the discretion of the FEEP Program Committee. FEEP will not fund staff salaries, workshop fees for staff, furniture or property or equipment maintenance or field trips.
FEEP Application
Gifted & Talented
Minnesota Educators of the Gifted & Talented promoting and supporting excellence in Education.
Core Values
- Innovation – forward-thinking and creative approaches in education practices.
- Advocacy and Outreach – access to free and appropriate academic programming for all gifted and talented learners throughout Minnesota.
- Equity – participants in gifted and talented programming mirror the demographics of each district; such as cultural, linguistic, and economic diversity.
- Collaboration and Collegial support – opportunities for professional development, networking, and the sharing of resources.
Director of Teaching and Learning
507-333-6010 |
Faribault Public Schools Acceleration Policy
The Faribault schools has specific policies and procedures in place to ensure we meet the academic needs of our highest learners. If you feel your child would benefit from an accelerated placement, please familiarize yourself with our policy and application process.
If you have further questions or concerns, please contact Kelly Jensen.
Recognizing Giftedness In Children
Are you wondering if your child is gifted? What does gifted really mean? Please see the sections to the right to help you determine if your child is gifted.
- What is the difference between a bright child and a gifted learner?
- NAGC (National Association for Gifted Children) about how to recognize giftedness in children.
- Helpful Links
District Advisory Committee
The purpose of the District Advisory Committee is to bring together a variety of stakeholders including parents, teachers, school district leaders, and community partners, to support the vision and mission of Faribault Public Schools. Our work is guided by the goals of the Cradle to Career model and World's Best Workforce legislation. Together we work to identify strengths and opportunities in order to partner as a school district and community to ensure all of our Faribault students are successful in school and in our community.
If you want to be a part of the Faribault District Advisory Committee, contact Kathy Zavoral at kzavoral@faribault.k12.mn.us. The committee meets virtually on the first Thursday of each month from 3:30-4:30 PM.
Testing & Assessment
MCA Testing
The Minnesota Assessments are designed to measure achievement towards meeting the Minnesota Academic Standards (for the standards-based accountability assessments) and to measure progress towards meeting the WIDA English Language Development Standards (for English language proficiency accountability assessments).
The Minnesota Assessments are criterion-referenced assessments, which means they measure performance against a fixed set of criteria: the Minnesota Academic Standards or the WIDA English Language Development Standards. Criterion-referenced assessments are used to determine mastery of concepts and skills and to measure progress toward goals and objectives. While criterion-referenced tests may provide information about how well students have mastered certain concepts, they alone do not illustrate the whole picture of what a student has learned. These assessments provide one data point that should be considered in the context of additional evidence of student learning like student projects and district and classroom assessments.
Katie Rotvold
Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator
507-333-6012 | Email
- For the standards-based accountability assessments, refer to the Academic Standards webpage and the Frequently Asked Questions about Minnesota’s K–12 Academic Standards for more information about the Minnesota Academic Standards. In addition, the test specifications indicate which strands, sub-strands, standards, and benchmarks will be assessed on the test and in what proportions.
- For the English language proficiency accountability assessments, refer to the English Language Development (ELD) Standards webpage for information about how to connect language development and academic content.
MCA Information
MCA Roles & Responsibilities
Test Monitor’s Roles and Responsibilities for Testing
Updated 12/30/17
The Test Monitor is responsible for the maintaining test security during test administration, including actively monitoring test sessions and keeping test materials secure. The following information also applies to ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS Test Administrators except as noted below.
Test Monitor’s Responsibilities before Testing
- Complete or attend any required test-specific or district trainings annually to confirm your understanding of, and intention to implement, policies and procedures applicable to your role to ensure test security and test score integrity.
- For MCA, complete the applicable required Test Monitor Training course.
- For ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS, complete the online Training Courses and Quizzes on the WIDA website for the tests being administering, in addition to required MDE trainings in the Training Management System.
- Ensure you have received information on district policies and procedures for testing.
- Review the Directions for Online Administrations and/or Directions for Paper Administrations for the responsibilities and step-by-step instructions for each test administration. For ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS, review the Test Administrator Scripts.
- Know how to contact the District or School Assessment Coordinator during testing if any test- related issues or questions arise.
- Know where to pick up secure test materials on the day of the test.
- Know the school’s plan for keeping test materials and test content secure between test sessions when students are taking an assessment over multiple days or taking a break on the same day.
- In conjunction with District or School Assessment Coordinator, know which students are to be provided with appropriate accommodations and/or linguistic supports and any related specific test administration procedures.
- Remove or cover any instructional posters or graphics, including strategy techniques or methods, in the testing room or on student desks. This step can be taken shortly before testing begins.
Test Monitor’s Responsibilities on Testing Days — Before Students Arrive
- Receive secure test materials from the District or School Assessment Coordinator and keep them secure until the test session.
- Make sure there are enough computers/devices or paper accommodated test materials for the number of students taking the test.
- For online testing, make sure you have the student testing tickets for the students in your test session. Ensure all allowable materials for students (e.g., scratch paper, pens, or pencils) are ready to distribute to students as needed
- Check paper test materials to verify that all the test materials listed on the Test Monitor Test Materials Security Checklist or the ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS Security Checklist are in the test materials you receive.
- Use the Test Monitor Test Materials Security Checklist or the ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS Security Checklist to assign numbered test booklets to individual students.
- Fill in appropriate information on a new Writing Response Booklet or paper accommodated test booklet for a student for ACCESS or Alternate ACCESS, if directed to do so by the District or School Assessment Coordinator. Ensure that all hand-bubbled information matches MARSS.
- Record extra test materials on the Test Monitor Test Materials Security Checklist or the ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS Security Checklist.
Test Monitor’s Responsibilities on Testing Days — During the Test
- Verify that students are logged in and taking the correct test.
- For ACCESS, verify that the students testing with the paper accommodated test materials are using the correct grade-level and tier test booklet.
- Follow the script in the Directions for Administrations exactly. For ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS, follow the Test Administrator Scripts exactly.
- Follow the district policies and procedures for restricting student access to cell phones and other devices during testing.
- Stay in the room and actively monitor during the entire test session.
- Know what to do and whom to contact if an emergency or unusual circumstance arises (e.g., a student gets sick, the fire alarm goes off) so that you can continue to actively monitor the students who are testing.
- Know what to do and whom to contact if technology issues are encountered during an online test administration so that you can continue to actively monitor the students who are testing.
- Do not review, discuss, capture, email, post, or share test content in any format.
- Ensure all students have been provided the opportunity to independently demonstrate their knowledge.
- Fully cooperate with MDE representatives conducting site visits or audits, as applicable.
- Document students who require a scribe or translated directions or any unusual circumstances and provide the information to the District or School Assessment Coordinator.
- Notify the District or School Assessment Coordinator of any possible security breaches as soon as possible.
Test Monitor’s Responsibilities on Testing Days — After the Test
- Follow the Directions for Administration exactly. For ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS, follow the Test Administrator Scripts exactly.
- Collect all student testing tickets, scratch paper, and other materials provided during testing (e.g., formula sheets) and keep them secure after each testing session. When testing is completed, return these materials to the District or School Assessment Coordinator or securely dispose of them, if instructed (no more than 48 hours after the close of the testing window).
- Use the Test Monitor Test Materials Security Checklist or the ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS Security Checklist to verify receipt of all test books from the assigned students before they leave the testing room.
- Enter student responses from MCA paper accommodated test materials online, or return test materials to the District or School Assessment Coordinator if the district enters data centrally.
- Keep paper test materials secure after the test session, and return them to the District or School Assessment Coordinator or to a secure location, as directed.
Immediately notify the District or School Assessment Coordinator if any test materials are missing.
Test Administrator Resources
Technology
Parent Resources
Required Test Training
Link to MCA Testing
Pearson Training Management System
If you are monitoring any state test, (WIDA, MTAS, MCAs) you will need to complete the modules on Training Management System- Pearson at the following link: You will be prompted to enter your email-you do not need a password. View all of the modules listed under your role.
Assessment
Assessment Resources
Measuring Student Growth Within The District:
Assessment is an integral part of instruction, as it determines whether or not the goals of education are being met. Assessment affects decisions about grades, placement, advancement, instructional needs, and curriculum. Today's students need to know not only the basic reading and arithmetic skills, but also skills that will allow them to face a world that is continually changing. They must be able to think critically, to analyze, and to make inferences. Changes in the skills base and knowledge our students need require new learning goals; these new learning goals change the relationship between assessment and instruction. Our teachers take an active role in making decisions about the purpose of assessment and the content that is being assessed. To learn more about State mandated testing please visit MDE TESTING 123 website.
Katie Rotvold
Assessment & Curriculum Coordinator
507-333-6012 | Email
Assessment Resources
Parent Resources
- Health & Safety Guidelines for Faribault Public Schools Assessment Administrations
- Parent/Guardian Guide and Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Testing
Health & Safety Guidelines for Faribault Public Schools Assessment Administrations
Parent/Guardian Guide and Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Testing
Assessment Information
FPS Comprehensive Assessment Information
Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.31, subdivision 4a, requires the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to publish a form for parents/guardians to complete if they refuse to have their student participate in state-required standardized assessments. It includes some basic information to help parents/guardians make informed decisions that benefit their child and their school and community. The form to meet this legislative requirement is available at the link below; it was updated in May 2018. When completed, it must be returned to your student's district; your student’s district may require additional information. To opt out of statewide assessments, the proper form must be completed by the parent/guardian.
Assessment Plan
FastBridge Benchmarks
MCA/MTAS Assessment Resources
Standards-Based Accountability Assessments:
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) and alternate assessment Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards and also meet federal and state legislative requirements. Students take one test in each subject. Most students take the MCA, but students who receive special education services and meet eligibility requirements may take the alternate assessment MTAS instead.
The list below shows tests by subject and the grades they are given:
- Reading: MCA or MTAS (grades 3-8, 10)
- Mathematics: MCA or MTAS (grades 3-8, 11)
- Science: MCA or MTAS (grades 5, 8, and once in high school)
Procedures Manual
Directions for Online Administrators
Falcons Online Academy
Learn More!
Contact:
Beginning this fall, all students in grades K-12 are invited to enroll in Faribault Public Schools through our new Falcons Online Academy.
Education is not one-size-fits-all and there are many paths to student success. The COVID-19 pandemic accentuated this as we saw some students who benefitted from face-to-face instruction and collaboration while others thrived when given more opportunities to learn through virtual options.
By establishing the Falcons Online Academy, we are responding to the needs of our students and families by providing an educational option that offers more flexibility and allows for a more customized learning experience.
Falcons Online Academy is not the same as the distance learning model. Additional staff and resources will ensure that each student has the support they need to be successful online learners.
Advantages of Falcons Online Academy:
- Students in grades K-5 receive regular live, online interaction with a Faribault Public Schools teacher who has training and experience in teaching in schools and online.
- Students in grades 6-12 have greater flexibility in a learning model that blends live teaching and independent work.
- Students in grades 9-12 have more class choices through Edgenuity.
- Students are supported by a team of teachers who are dedicated to online learners and act as mentors, coaches and facilitators.
- Students are provided with an iPad and backed by a technology support system that gives them the tools they need to be successful.
- Students have access to support services (RISE, social workers, counselors, EL services) to meet their individual needs.
- Parents stay involved through regular, scheduled online check-ins with a teacher.
- A quality education through Faribault Public Schools is available to anyone, anywhere.