The Department of Education paid a visit to Pella Community Schools Tuesday. Lowell Ernst, Director of Instruction for the district says the reviews, which take place every five years, are intended to, among other things, gauge student achievement, understand how the school and community work together to educate students and what the district is doing to reach its stated goals. He says the Pella system usually scores high marks for student achievement, such as test scores. Ernst says the visits are part of a continual process to improve student’s educational experiences and prepare them for the future.