Note: These responses were crafted in response to the SF 453 and SF 978 delete all omnibus bills moved by Committee Chairs Senator Wiger and Senator Torres Ray. MREA made every attempt to track all the amendments, but this may not be all inclusive. Click here to track this bill, but ignore the introductory version from February. MREA supports the direction … Read More
Biggest Political Fight: Testing Shake Up
By Vernae Hasbargen, MREA Lobbyist In a year when the legislature is putting together $8.5 billion in education spending, the biggest political fight is not about how it is spent, but rather on whether high school students should have to pass a single test to earn a diploma. Eliminate GRAD A task force, co-chaired by MREA’s Executive Director Fred Nolan, … Read More
Testing Overhaul for Students & Teachers
By Vernae Hasbargen, MREA Lobbyist After years of debating the merits of statewide tests continually redesigned to measure ever changing standards, the legislature appears ready to make significant changes. Retiring GRAD? An MDE Working Group on Assessment and Accountability, co-chaired by Fred Nolan, MREA’s executive director, has recommended replacing the high states tests in reading, math, and writing with ACT exams for all students. … Read More
Major Education Policy Reforms Survive First Bill Deadline
Last Thursday the House and Senate Education Policy committees put together omnibus education policy bills. Several major reforms made it into those House and Senate policy bills. There are always differences between House and Senate policy positions, but this year those differences are more nuance than substance. Here’s a look at what the current bills would mean: Grad Tests High-stakes … Read More
In Committee: Assessments, Licensure Exams and Integration
There are any number of education policy issues that could consume a vast amount of committee time. This session, however, it appears that assessments, licensure exams and integration aid are going to be the focus of discussion. Both the House and Senate Education Policy committees have started digging into these issues. It’s unclear where they”ll end up. Here’s where they … Read More
Education Policy Reforms Emerge at Capitol
Two education policy reforms are emerging at the State Capitol. A new bill was introduced to repeal a law made last session related to Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exams (MTLE) and the Senate Education Policy Committee on Tuesday will address recommendations from the Assessment and Accountability Working Group. Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exams The House Education Policy committee reviewed recent changes made … Read More
Final Assessment & Accountability Report Released
The Assessment and Accountability Work Group, formed by the Minnesota Department of Education, released its final report. Assessment and Accountability for College and Career Readiness is recommended reading between now and when school resumes in January. The report lays out the context, 11 recommendations, and a summary of eight significant reports on HS-College transition for a major reform effort in Minnesota’s … Read More
Major Assessment Reform Effort Launched in Minnesota
The state Assessment and Accountability Working Group voted last week to recommend dropping Minnesota’s GRAD exam and replacing it with new college-ready assessments designed to hold schools accountable for making sure every student graduates well-prepared for college or career. Commissioner Cassellius announced on the Minnesota Department of Education website on Friday that she plans to forward the final draft of … Read More
Aune Shares Where Standards Come From
Academic standards have become prevalent and detailed in Minnesota’s public schools. So, where do standards come from and why do we have them? Beth Aune, director of academic standards for the Minnesota Department of Education , gave attendees of the 2012 MREA Conference an inside look at the evolution, process and purpose of standards. She is passionate about standards, waking up … Read More
MDE Recommendations on Key Education Issues Expected by Year-End
November 7-January 5 will be a very active political season. The political ads will disappear, but victorious candidates and the Minnesota Department of Education Working Groups will have busy and consequential schedules. It will be important for you and your district to be engaged. Call up your new or returning legislator and arrange a meeting, have them come to your … Read More