A combination of a need to create a highly educated workforce to maintain Minnesota’s edge in economics and the political necessity to not be seen as weak on accountability with the elimination of the GRAD rule, House K-12 Education Finance Chairman Marquart authored pursued with the determination to get the World’s Best Work Force (WBW) enacted into law. Where do … Read More
High School to Post Secondary Transition
Where do we stand? Minnesota enacted in 2013 systemic changes designed to make Minnesota’s young adults career and college ready and have as much as possible of that work accomplished before they graduate from high school.While the popular focus was on repealing the GRAD rule, the policy changes are twofold: Align the K-12 system with post-secondary college and career readiness … Read More
MREA Uncovers Early Learning Issues
The Legislature and current administration are conceiving and enacting policies that students move along a continuum of educational growth and opportunity from early childhood through post-secondary schooling, although not necessarily four year college. In hearings and in hallways, legislators and staffers are using words like “readiness,” “systems alignment,” “workforce development,” “seamless transitions,” and “early intervention” when speaking of education. In … Read More
Three State Task Forces Begin Work
Three of the task forces established by the Legislature last session began work this month. They include the Teacher Licensure, Career Pathways & Technical Education and School Facilities. MREA will monitor and regularly report on the work of this task force for our members. Here’s a look at what’s happened so far: Teacher Licensure The 20-member Teacher Licensure Advisory Task Force … Read More
MDE Announces Task Force Appointments
The Minnesota Department of Education has announced appointments to the Schools Facilities Working Group. The members include: Joe Arthurs – Minnesota Educational Facility Management Professionals Earl V. Athman – Minnesota Association of School Business Officials Mark Bollinger – Open Appointment Paul Bourgeois – Minnesota Association of School Business Officials Greg Crowe – Open Appointment Kim Eisenschenk – Minnesota Association of School Business Officials Kevin Hildebrandt … Read More
Apply for State Task Forces by July 23
MREA encourages you to be the Voice of Greater Minnesota Education and raise your hand to participate in one of the five statewide education task forces created as a result of this past legislative session. The application deadline is July 23. It is essential that rural Minnesota’s voice be present on each of these advisory and decision making bodies. In … Read More
Heroes for Rural Minnesota Last Session
By Sam Walseth, MREA Lobbyist As the dust settles on the 2013, and there’s a lot of dust to settle, it’s clear that several rural legislators played instrumental roles in advancing public education goals supported by Minnesota’s rural education leaders. They deserve a “thank you” from school leaders. Our Requests MREA members developed a state policy platform last fall that … Read More
MDE Releases Resources on Impact of Session
MDE released Friday new resources, including new lookup table and district run, to help districts better understand how the legislative changes made last session impact them. This run reveals regional centers getting biggest percentage increase over the biennium compared to the base. Get more resources here. Tom Melcher, school finance director for the Minnesota Department of Education, also has been traveling the … Read More
Nominate an Innovative Project
MREA seeks to recognize an innovative program that got results in Greater Minnesota schools this past school year with its annual Profile of Excellence Award. Nominations are due June 14. View the submission requirements. MREA will recognize the 2013 recipient at its Annual Awards Banquet in November at Cragun’s on the Lake in Brainerd. The annual Profiles of Excellence Program aims to … Read More
Sign up for State Education Task Forces
The legislature established seven education task forces with the adoption of the E-12 Omnibus Bill this past session. MREA encourages members to serve on these important task forces. Please submit nominations to MREA by emailing the name, title, school district and task force name to mrea@mnrea.org. View the details of all of seven groups at outlined by law or learn more about … Read More