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Beth Hawkins

Beth Hawkins writes Learning Curve, a blog about education, for MinnPost and also covers a variety of other public policy topics. She loves writing for an audience that’s hungry for context and analysis and willing to indulge her many curiosities. Hawkins is the recipient of numerous national and regional awards, including several first-place Society of Professional Journalists Page One awards for investigative reporting and feature writing. Her work has appeared in More, Mother Jones, Minnesota Monthly and many other publications.

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South High
Learning Curve

South High lunchroom brawl timely talking point for Monday's Safe Schools Youth Summit

By Beth Hawkins | 02/15/13

Students said the roots of the altercation are simmering racial tensions involving the school’s Somali population, 8 percent of the student body.

capitol rotunda
Politics & Policy

Rally kicks off campaign to legalize same-sex marriage

By Beth Hawkins | 02/15/13

But support from the legislative leadership this session has been tepid.

Matt Kramer
Learning Curve

Matt Kramer named co-CEO of Teach for America

By Beth Hawkins | 02/13/13

Currently president of TFA, Kramer, of Edina, and COO Elisa Villanueva Beard will take over the position now held by founder Wendy Kopp.

Pope Benedict XVI
Politics & Policy

Papal resignation launches Church into uncharted waters, Minnesota's Vatican watchers say

By Beth Hawkins | 02/11/13

Although no pope has stepped down in six centuries, the explanation Benedict gave for his decision suggests they may now routinely retire, some believe. 

Student holding FAFSA document
Learning Curve

Minneapolis' 'FAFSA February' helps families perform act of 'bravery'

By Beth Hawkins | 02/11/13

Students who don’t fill out the intimidating financial aid form are 70 percent less likely to go to college.

Rybak with Hashim Yonis
Learning Curve

STEP-UP youth program returns the love to 'chief cheerleader' Mayor Rybak

By Beth Hawkins | 02/08/13

Several students whose lives were transformed by their participation honored the mayor, recognizing his role as one of the program's founders.

Frank Vennes
Politics & Policy

Frank Vennes and the Petters Ponzi scheme: a long, mysterious tale

By Beth Hawkins | 02/04/13

On Friday a final chapter in the Tom Petters saga skittered to an anti-climactic close when Frank Vennes pleaded guilty.

Minnesota’s law schools feel the pain as student applications decline
Learning Curve

Minnesota’s law schools feel the pain as student applications decline

By Beth Hawkins | 02/01/13

Several schools scramble to develop new programs and make other radical changes.

student art from higher ground
Learning Curve

Culture-conscious Higher Ground Academy serves largely East African student body

By Beth Hawkins | 01/31/13

The K-12 academy in St. Paul has twice been named one of the best high schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

pflag panel
Learning Curve

You Can Play project seeks to end bullying in sports

By Beth Hawkins | 01/30/13

The effort has gained the support of the major pro leagues, and players have recorded videos. Its Minnesota voice is Wild forward Cal Clutterbuck.