Apple Valley High School expands BARR program to improve student success

The Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School Board meeting on February 10, 2025, highlighted the successful implementation and expansion of the Building Assets and Reducing Risks (BARR) program at Apple Valley High School. Principal Drew Mons, along with Assistant Principals Pete Biscans and Bill Blatzheim, presented the program's positive impact on student relationships and academic performance.

The BARR program, which focuses on fostering strong relationships and utilizing data to support student success, has been in place at Apple Valley High School for two years. Starting next fall, it will expand to the district's other three comprehensive high schools. Principal Mons emphasized the program's effectiveness in creating a supportive learning environment, stating that it disrupts traditional schooling models by promoting collaboration among teachers and holistic discussions about students.

The presentation included testimonials from students who shared how BARR has helped them build confidence and improve their academic performance. The program has led to higher course completion rates, improved attendance, and a decrease in behavioral issues. Assistant Principal Biscans detailed the structure of the program, which includes weekly meetings for teachers to discuss student progress and strategies for support.

Data presented during the meeting showed a significant reduction in failure rates among ninth-grade students at Apple Valley High School, particularly among minority groups. The school reported a 5% decrease in failure rates for all ninth graders and even larger reductions for specific demographics, indicating that BARR is effectively closing the opportunity gap.

The board members expressed their appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the staff involved in the BARR program. They acknowledged the importance of such initiatives in addressing educational challenges and improving student outcomes across the district. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue supporting the program and exploring further funding opportunities to ensure its sustainability and expansion.