Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness (CACR)

Overview

The World’s Best Workforce (WBWF) initiative—established in 2013 under Minnesota Statutes 2023, section 120B.11—was designed to ensure that public school districts and charter schools in Minnesota strengthen student achievement through comprehensive teaching and learning supports. Each district and charter school board must develop long-term, strategic plans that address the following statewide goals:

1. All children are ready for school.
2. All racial and economic achievement gaps between students are closed.
3. All students are ready for high school, and beyond, a career and college.

(Note: As of the 2023–24 school year, “Third Grade Reading” is no longer a WBWF goal area.)

Transition to Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness (CACR)

In 2024, the Minnesota Legislature renamed WBWF to Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness (CACR). This updated framework recognizes that academic excellence alone is insufficient without preparing students to be engaged, informed, and responsible members of society.

Beginning in the 2024–25 school year, CACR emphasizes a dual focus:

• Academic Achievement: Supporting every student’s mastery of essential skills and knowledge within the pre-K through 12 continuum.
• Civic Readiness: Cultivating students’ sense of responsibility, agency, and community engagement beyond graduation.

The new fifth CACR goal expands upon the previous four WBWF goals:

1. Prepare students to be lifelong learners.

SciTech Academy’s CACR Strategic Plan

SciTech Academy’s CACR Strategic Plan serves as a multi-year roadmap outlining how the school will pursue each state-defined goal through specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely (SMART) objectives. The plan aligns with SciTech’s mission as a STEM-Certified National Campus, empowering students to achieve academic excellence, critical thinking, and global competence through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.

Key focal areas include:
Early Learning Readiness: Ensuring kindergarten students finish school with foundational literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills.

• Closing Achievement Gaps: Implementing data-driven interventions, differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive teaching practices.
• College and Career Readiness: Integrating STEM-based problem-solving, digital literacy, and project-based learning aligned with future workforce needs.
• Beyond Elementary & Middle School: Preparing students for successful transitions to high school, postsecondary education, and the workforce.
• Lifelong Learning and Civic Engagement: Encouraging critical inquiry, community service, and leadership through experiential and civic learning opportunities.

Annual Report and Public Meeting Requirements

While the CACR plan is strategic and long-term, annual progress reporting remains essential for accountability and transparency.

• The 2024–25 Annual Report is due November 30, 2024, submitted via the Minnesota Education Grant System (MEGS) as part of the ESEA Consolidated End-of-Year Report.
• Reports will summarize local progress, strategies, and outcomes related to CACR goals.
• SciTech Academy will host an Annual Public Stakeholder Meeting, inviting participation from teachers, families, support staff, students, and community partners to review progress and provide feedback on the data and strategies.

Governance and the Role of the SciTech Academy Board

Per Minnesota Statutes 2023, section 120B.11, the SciTech Academy Board ensures a community-engagement committee is established to:

• Provide input and recommendations on academic standards and student achievement goals.
• Reflect the school’s diverse student population and community composition. 
• Facilitate open participation in the planning and review process to maintain equity and inclusion in decision-making.

Measuring Success at SciTech Academy

Progress toward CACR goals will be monitored through multiple data sources, including:

• Kindergarten Entry Profile assessments and local readiness measures.
• State and local academic assessments in literacy, math, and science.
• College and career readiness indicators, including high school placement and postsecondary success.
• Community and civic engagement metrics, including participation in service-learning and leadership initiatives.

MDE Support and Alignment

While CACR strategic plans are locally designed and executed, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) provides ongoing professional development, technical support, and resources through training sessions, webinars, and orientation workshops throughout the year.

For general inquiries or support, contact:
  mde.worldsbestworkforce@state.mn.us

SciTech Academy’s Commitment

SciTech Academy remains steadfast in its mission to empower, educate, and equip every learner to succeed academically and serve meaningfully in their community. Through the Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness framework, SciTech continues to integrate rigorous STEM instruction, equity-focused practices, and civic empowerment, ensuring that every child not only learns but also leads.