Ember Reichgott Junge confronts seven myths and misconceptions about charter schools
The former DFL state senator and author of the nation’s first chartering law reminds both sides of the movement’s bipartisan roots.
Beth Hawkins
Beth Hawkins covered education and other public-policy topics for MinnPost from its launch in 2007 to October of 2015, when she left to write for Education Post, a nonprofit based in Chicago.
Amid fun and food, African fellows’ visit to Boys Totem Town erases misconceptions, creates bonds
A game of “rounder,” an open exchange of ideas, and an incomparable feast make for a memorable day for the teens and a group of visiting Humphrey fellows.
Exiting teachers-union leader Julie Blaha talks of tenure, retention — and improv
The outgoing president of the Anoka-Hennepin School District’s teachers union is crazy-smart, and is possibly the funniest woman in education leadership circles in the upper Midwest.
Even during the ‘summer break,’ educators are making news
Wilderness Inquiry’s Greg Lais is honored; future of St. Cloud’s Roosevelt Education Center is debated; StudentsFirst is pulling up stakes; and more.
Duncan to enforce teacher-placement equity rule, but achieving results will be tricky
States learn that they have until April 2015 to come up with a plan for equitably distributing talented teachers among schools.
‘Seed, feed and weed’: Advice on turning around underperforming schools
MinnPost talks with Chris Barbic, Tennessee’s expert in turning around underperforming schools, about how to create a high-performing environment, especially with charter schools.
‘Boatloads of research’ on the value of arts in schools
Research also shows crushing disparities in access to arts curricula, education writers learned at a “Kids Got the Beat” panel discussion.
Impact of green light for California’s conversion-therapy ban will likely be felt in Minnesota
A bill that would have prohibited health-care professionals from trying to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of anyone under 18 failed in the 2014 Legislature.
Chad Dayton and Wilderness Inquiry aim to expand the reach and impact of student outdoor experiences
Dayton is the point man on a three-year effort to dramatically increase Wilderness Inquiry’s ability to integrate place-based education into Twin Cities schools.
MPS special-ed audit results seen as ‘a real opportunity … that can only make us stronger’
The audit recommended a series of changes that would allow special educators to focus on remediation while reading specialists focus on literacy.
MPS lacks capacity to provide basics to special-ed students, external audit finds
Conducted by the Boston-based District Management Council, the audit found that yawning shortfalls in literacy instruction throughout the district compound the challenges facing its special-ed population.
At Roosevelt High School, a quiet cultural revolution is taking hold
An arrangement with the University of Minnesota to create co-teacher partnerships (of veterans and novices) is creating “a real buzz” and getting real results.
Complex, nuanced report is out on teacher-prep quality
In this year’s report, six Minnesota institutions earned “top ranked” status, a distinction bestowed on 107 institutions across the country.
In Minnesota schools, is teacher tenure really the problem?
This perennial argument doesn’t do anything to keep our eye on the prize, says Education Minnesota President Denise Specht.
Could California’s teacher-tenure lawsuit come to Minnesota?
“We need transformational change,” says Minneapolis attorney Mike Ciresi in a Q&A, “and we need it with a sense of urgency.”
Venture Academy: coaching kids to navigate college — and the world
Virtually all of the school’s students are impoverished minorities. Most have struggled in other programs, and many face daunting challenges at home.
Teachers’ workday choice: Classroom time or professional development?
A new study finds Minneapolis’ teacher attendance rate is one of the best in the nation.
Rock-star researchers on early ed to talk at U of M event
Art Rolnick, Aaron Sojourner and Libby Doggett will present their findings and views in a panel discussion on Thursday.
MPS springs ahead on hiring new teachers, striking when the time is right
Of all the changes in the latest district-teacher union contract, the earlier hiring timeline is perhaps the most revolutionary.
Kicked out of school: Disparities are a looming crisis for all districts
Last week’s contentious meeting before the St. Paul School Board brought the issue of expulsions and racial disparities to the forefront.