‘It’s an ever-moving target’: Minnesota’s rural school districts make plans — and prepare to pivot
In-person learning, a hybrid or distance learning? Districts are carefully watching county coronavirus numbers as they get ready to be nimble.
Education
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Districts to choose their own back-to-school approach in Minnesota, with some key guidance from state officials
Here’s what you need to know about the baseline criteria set by the state.
Minnesota’s social studies standards are up for review — and BIPOC committee members seek major reforms
This process only happens once every 10 years, and it kicked off earlier this month.
How other countries reopened schools during the pandemic – and what the U.S. can learn from them
A look at what happened in four countries: Israel, Sweden, Japan and Uruguay.
How do substitute teachers fit into back-to-school plans? Demand could spike — or plummet.
If some form of in-classroom learning resumes, the need for substitute teachers could spike. If this fall includes a return to full-on distance learning, the need for subs could plummet.
Minnesota students, alumni, launch anti-racist education reform campaigns
Petitions have been circulating on social media the past month or so, demanding school reforms in Minnetonka, Eastern Carver County, Rochester and elsewhere.
Social distancing on a school bus? Industry leaders in Minnesota explore options for a safe return
“Social distancing on a school bus, we feel, is going to be a challenge,” said Shelly Jonas, executive director of the Minnesota School Bus Operators Association, adding she and her colleagues are more interested in having students wear masks and in enhancing cleaning routines.
Despite pandemic fears, fall enrollment for Minnesota higher ed looks relatively steady
The hit to fall enrollment that some were predicting has so far not materialized.
No police in schools? This Minnesota district committed to an alternative four years ago
“When an officer responds to a situation, their mindset is they want to control it. That’s not what we do here. We don’t control young people,” said Theon Jarrett at ISD 287. “We do our best to support, listen to them, validate them, give them a voice, then get them back to class.”
Despite new calls to fix Minnesota’s educational disparities, major policy reforms aren’t guaranteed in 2020
State legislators came close to passing an omnibus education policy bill during the regular session’s final moments, but it didn’t happen. Now two bills are being considered in the House.
Minnesota’s 2020 graduates take nontraditional ceremonies in stride
This past weekend marked the final wave of regularly scheduled high school graduation ceremonies in Minnesota.
Young kids need to be part of conversations about racism, early childhood educators say. Here’s why.
“Really, the early childhood years are pretty critical for laying some groundwork in equity and justice,” said Amy Betz, an early childhood specialist at the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Child Development.
For some students with learning disabilities, distance learning has been a disappointment
Distance learning can be a particular challenge for students with learning disabilities, especially students with ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, said Martha Moriarty, executive director of Learning Disabilities Association of Minnesota.
State efforts to close internet gap hampering distance learning aren’t being expedited — at least for now
“This is as important as school buses, as textbooks, as teachers,” said Fred Nolan, executive director of the Minnesota Rural Education Association. “This has become an essential part of providing education, daily, for students throughout the state.”
Will the coronavirus transform or destroy higher education as we know it?
A new book from a Georgetown University expert is filled with ideas for change, but even with reforms the poor may fall even further behind.
How COVID-19 has interrupted — and modified — teacher licensure in Minnesota
State lawmakers passed a six-month extension for all teacher licenses that were set to expire after June 30.
After hearing praise and pleas to hit pause, Minneapolis Public Schools board OKs district redesign plan
As board members listened to more than 100 supporters and opponents in a virtual meeting, critics held a drive-by protest outside district headquarters. In the end, the vote to approve was 6-3.
Minnesota school-district leaders grapple with new financial uncertainties amid pandemic
The shift to distance learning has prompted districts to invest in technology, prepare and deliver meals to students and incur other COVID-related expenses even as fee-based programs have been canceled.
Minnesota schools may now host on-site assessments that can’t be done remotely
Assessments related to bilingual and multilingual seals that cannot be proctored at home are now allowed to take place on school grounds. So can certain hands-on course completion requirements.
‘I am very confused, to be honest’: Minnesota students, parents and educators reflect on four weeks of distance learning
Many have settled into a new school-at-home routine. Others are questioning whether this new format is sustainable, or even effective. And many are still stuck in limbo — waiting on devices and reliable internet connections.
