Early-ed advocates look at Dayton’s preschool plan and wonder: Why?
It was all so simple back when there was no money. Funny how $2 billion can come between even the closest of allies.
Learning Curve
Beth Hawkins writes about education in Learning Curve. Hawkins has covered a variety of subjects for MinnPost since its launch in 2007, but has a particular passion for reporting on education. In addition to her conviction that education is one of today’s most pressing issues on a policy level, she’s motivated by her experience advocating for her two sons in great schools and not-so-great ones.
MinnPost's education reporting is made possible by a grant from the Bush Foundation.
Talking tests & teaching: What’s new in helping students and teachers progress?
Exploring cutting-edge thinking about testing students, and considering new research on how to help teachers hone their skills.
The education proposals you haven’t heard about this session
In a year where education headlines have focused on a couple of big bombshell provisions, there’s a lot of potential policy that has received remarkably little ink.
Test anxiety: Is it the kids or the teachers who are driving opt-outs?
In Minneapolis, at least, it appears not to be the kids who are outraged over the MCAs.
Soon-to-open Flex Academy, with ties to for-profit K12, excites some, raises eyebrows in others
The model — local teachers, aides and administrators working closely with a company that provides “turnkey” management and academic services — is new to the Twin Cities.
Dayton’s testing idea has ed world wondering: Why?
The governor’s proposed reduction goes further than recommendations issued by a Department of Education task force — and further than his commissioner has gone.
With grit and girded by College Possible, young immigrant makes his way
When he is done with college Walid Abubakar would like to go back to Ethiopia to help. But he’d like to make something of himself here first.
Legislators want Minnesota’s education programs to publicly disclose how well they’re preparing future teachers
A bill under consideration at the state Legislature would require teacher training programs in Minnesota to release information on graduation and licensure rates.
Robbinsdale’s amazing bus app is a life-changer
This is going to do more to help working families deal with school than anything in recent memory.
Minneapolis school officials respond to controversy over slavery game
MPS acknowledged that the computer game is the subject of a national debate, and said the Social Studies Department would review its appropriateness.
Why the Legislature is trying to fix a teacher-licensing problem it fixed four years ago
Lawmakers are considering making it easier for teachers from other states to get licenses to work in Minnesota. Funny thing: the Legislature passed a similar law four years ago.
Early ed is hot at the Capitol, but with a rift: Focus on all kids or at-risk kids?
The philosophical divide is driving a wedge between members of the education community who are typically allies.
It’s back: Bill would empower MPS board to unseat any of its members
Drafted in 2010, the bill would allow the board to take a majority vote to unseat any of its members “for proper cause.”
More than 25% of students at Minnesota’s colleges must take remedial classes
Between 2006 and 2012 at least 1 in 4 graduates of Minnesota public high schools who went to Minnesota colleges/universities had to take remedial courses.
From funding choices to teacher licensing: hot education issues at the Capitol
What’s the difference between the current legislative session and the one that followed Dayton’s first inauguration? In a word: money.
Dual credit programs are pushing low performing students to complete high school — and college
Research shows that impact of taking dual-credit courses is especially profound for students who are low performing or come from low-income backgrounds.
Bernadeia Johnson reflects on her MPS legacy, her family, and her future
On leaving MPS: “Making this decision was tough for me, but it was also easy. I did not want to be in a position where it’s stressful on the job and it’s stressful at home.”
West metro integration district may reinvent itself, spinning off 2 schools in the process
Without the two FAIR schools to run, WMEP would reinvent itself as the go-to resource on race equity issues for its 11 member districts.
Kline and Senate ally launching new push for NCLB overhaul and less federal oversight
The plan contemplated by Rep. John Kline and his Senate counterpart, Tennessee’s Lamar Alexander, would essentially do away with federal oversight of schools.
Teen’s computer-privacy tussle with his Wayzata school goes viral
Nathan Ringo authored a first-person account that was published in the popular online magazine BoingBoing.
