 The Walker Hackensack Akely School District is making history. It was chosen to become a certified high reliability school. A five-step program is making the grade. Hady Clodder has the story. Walker Hackensack Akely will soon be known as a high reliability school. It'll be one of two schools in the state of Minnesota, along with Verndale to receive the certification. The school auditorium was the site of the announcement. Heard about the grant through NJPA, their educational division, which is a phenomenal program. Wrote the grant, applied for it, and we're blessed that we were able to get it. WHA was chosen by the National Joint Powers Alliance because it demonstrated a commitment of growth and continuous improvement. The goal is to have better instruction, more accountability, and a culture climate of learning. The three-year process will improve the effectiveness of student learning and is achieved in five levels. Once mastered, the school is considered a high reliability school. In order to become certified, all five levels must be completed in order. Level one is a safe and collaborative culture, which focuses on the day-to-day operation of a school. The first part conducts a survey. That data from that survey will kind of inform what next steps they need to take. And then they will work with Marsana Research to identify some areas to work on. The program will not interfere with current practices, but shows a way to develop students and set up their future. The staff and faculty are hopeful on what the new program will bring to students. It's just making sure that everyone's getting exactly what they need, that we're reaching all students at all levels and making sure that they're prepared to be successful. Dr. Robert J. Marzano and his 40 years experience in education research created the concept of the program. Level one and two will take WHA into the next school year, and level three will start at the end of next year. In Walker, Haiti-Claude, Lakeland News. And any school can participate in becoming certified. Pequot Lakes is also working toward certification. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.