Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig High School on Leech Lake Indian Reservation in Bena, Minnesota will receive nearly $12 million for repairs and improvements. The support will help the school make critical repairs and create a safer learning environment for students on the reservation. Not originally designed or constructed to house a high school, the school funded by the Bureau of Indian Education serves as an example of … Read More
Proposed Achievement and Integration Rules Drew Two Days of Intense Testimony
Minnesota’s revision of the Integration Rules drew a full house at the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) last week for two days of intense testimony. MREA joined a group of articulate and passionate testifiers ranging from law professors, high school students and advocates to parents, teachers and administrators. Among the issues raised were: Should the primary goal be achievement … Read More
Conference Procrastinator Rates Start Sunday
There’s still time to register for MREA’s 2015 Annual Conference, but do it soon — procrastinator rates kick in Sunday. Starting November 1, registrants will pay a late fee to register for the conference. In just three weeks, more than 350 education professionals from across Minnesota will gather at Cragun’s Resort for Great Beginnings: When Learning Starts Early, Inspires and Applies. The event is three days of … Read More
Share Voice at Area Meetings
MREA invites all its members to attend an Area Meeting this August and September to share their voice on issues important to their school district. Area Meetings start Tuesday in Walker and Wednesday in Virginia. Every fall MREA’s advocacy staff hits the road to gather input from MREA members. We review outcomes from the last legislative session, preview upcoming issues, and help members understand how their districts are impacted. Check out … Read More
MREA Hosts Webinar on American Indian Funding
MREA hosted a webinar August 13 to help member school leaders learn about the new American Indian (AMI) education aid funding formula. This funding legislation, passed during Minnesota’s 2015 legislative special session, makes 61 MREA member districts eligible for new, increased, or stabilized AMI aid formula funding. Read more about the AMI funding passed in the legislative special session. The online meeting was lead by Dennis Olson, … Read More
MDE Releases MCA Test Data
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) released an overview of the 2015 MCA test results. The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are state tests in mathematics, reading and science that meet the requirements of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). They are given every year to measure student performance against the Minnesota Academic Standards that specify what students in … Read More
Early Bird Workshops Announced for Annual Conference
The five early bird sessions offered at the 2015 MREA Annual Conference features timely education and dialogues on everything from early learning standards and teacher job satisfaction to engaging students with technology and American Indian education. Learn more about each session below. Great Beginnings: When Learning Starts Early, Inspires and Applies kicks off Nov. 15 with 90-minute workshops that give participants a deeper understanding … Read More
AMI Students Win in Special Session
American Indian Students (AMI) were big winners in Minnesota’s 2015 special legislative session E-12 bill, Success for the Future (SftF). All districts, charters, and Bureau of Indian Education schools with over 20 AMI students will receive $20,000 base funding plus $358 per AMI student over 20. The 2014-15 Success for the Future grantees are held harmless at their FY ’15 funding. In all, … Read More
New, Improved E-12 Bill Unveiled
On Friday, a new and improved $525 million E-12 bill emerged for approval during an upcoming special session. This bill includes 2&2 on the formula, more money in existing early learning programs like scholarships and school readiness and a major expansion of American Indian Education funding. Statewide access to an equalized levy for deferred maintenance funding stayed in the final … Read More
Compare the Education Bill and Governor's Proposals
After Governor Dayton said Tuesday in a press conference he would veto the E-12 bill, MREA updated its side-by-side comparison of the omnibus education finance and policy bill HF 844, tax bills, and Governor Dayton’s budget proposals. View the comparison.