Constructing a strong future at Staples-Motley School District with the Effective Schools Blueprint
There's a groundbreaking construction project underway across town from the Sourcewell office, but it's not what you might think. There are no bulldozers, cranes, or hard hats in sight. Instead, the Staples-Motley School District is building something far more impactful: their future approach to education, using the Effective Schools Blueprint (ESB) as their guide.
This blueprint isn’t about laying bricks and mortar; it's about building essential structures and practices for a strong educational system. This step-by-step self-evaluation equips district teams with appropriate tools to identify areas of strength and potential areas for growth. The process and related tools assist leaders in transforming their schools into vibrant learning communities that meet the evolving needs of today’s students. Staples-Motley is one of several area districts piloting this three-year process.
What motivated them to adopt ESB?
"We don’t educate kids the same way we did 20 years ago,” said Staples-Motley Superintendent Shane Tappe. “Education is always changing, and we need to change with it. It’s really about reflecting on the data, reflecting on our plan, and moving the needle forward.”
But let's be clear: constructing the future is no small feat. It requires more than reflecting on opportunities and creating a visionary plan; it demands the collective effort, creativity, and dedication of all involved — from the groundbreakers in administration to the carpenters of the classroom.
As Staples-Motley piloted this process, they discovered that some of the most innovative teaching methods and collaborative practices were hidden, like essential tools tucked away in a drawer. By integrating the ESB with their strategic plans, they’ve intentionally started to share these inventive educational techniques, turning individual achievements into collective progress.
“Staples-Motley saw a big win when their team made a concerted effort to integrate their ESB work with the district’s recent strategic planning,” said Eileen Weber, a Sourcewell district strategy partner who works alongside the district team, facilitating critical conversations and preparing resources and reports, and allowing the district team to fully focus and deeply engage in the reflection and planning process.
The district team reviews each component of the ESB, identifying what’s in place within the district. Staff, parent, and student surveys are then utilized to garner feedback on those same components. School leaders then use both sets of data — the district team reflection and survey results — to prioritize areas of improvement.
“We’re able to deep dive into data and reflect on it,” Tappe said. “What is the data telling us? Because there’s a story to be told. And there’s information that can be gathered from that data.”
As Staples-Motley builds towards the future, their story serves as an inspiring model for educational innovation and continuous improvement across our central Minnesota region. The Effective Schools Blueprint isn’t just a set of plans; it’s a movement towards creating schools that are as dynamic, adaptable, and vibrant as the communities they serve.
"The Effective Schools Blueprint really seemed like the next step for us to take,” said Tappe. “It really helps us pinpoint how we want to get better, what we want to do, and how to make sure we’re making decisions that are in the best interest of our kids and their education.”
Learn more about the Effective Schools Blueprint on our website or reach out to your district leadership.
