Minneapolis focuses on 13 struggling middle and elementary schools

The Minneapolis school district is implementing short-term, intense student interventions at more than a dozen schools in hopes of improving student performance.

Minneapolis school leaders say they're focusing greater resources in 13 elementary and middle schools to help struggling students: Andersen, Anthony, Anwatin, Bancroft, Bryn Mawr, Folwell, Jefferson, Nellie Stone Johnson, Pillsbury, Sanford, Seward, Sullivan and Whittier.

Educators are customizing core instruction based on student needs and sending more math and literacy specialists to the schools to work with students in small groups.

Students who are projected to fall short of proficiency on state assessment tests are being enrolled in a Saturday school.

And students short of the classes they need to graduate will get more opportunities to make up those credits.

Minneapolis school officials have expressed concern over the district's low high school graduation rate. Only half of students get their diploma in four years. The statewide graduation rate is 76 percent.