Dual Credit Focus of Nov. 5 Meeting

mreaadmin2016 Legislative Issues, 2017 Legislative Issues, Career and College Readiness

Minnesota parents and educators – some of whom are deeply frustrated about obstacles being created for students who want to take dual-credit courses – are meeting 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 5 in St. Paul. Register to attend. The free meeting, co-sponsored by 25 education, community and business groups, will bring together people seeking ways to overcome resistance and … Read More

Springfield Students Increase ACT Scores

DIANE VOSENAchievement Gap, Career and College Readiness

Springfield High School seniors who took the ACT test as juniors last spring increased their scores in all four areas of the popular U.S. college admissions test. The second time they took the test in the spring they averaged a composite score of 22.6, 2.6 points higher than the national ACT average. The ACT, originally an abbreviation of American College Testing, … Read More

Last Chance to Register for MREA Conference

DIANE VOSEN2017 Legislative Issues, Career and College Readiness, Early Learning, Teacher Development, Teacher Shortages

MREA’s 2016 Annual Conference “Making Teaching Matter” is just three weeks away. This week is the last chance to register before procrastinator rates kick in November 1 and registrants pay a late fee when registering. Top Reasons to Register Be part of MREA’s signature annual gathering of 350 education professionals to share knowledge, gather resources, and network. Choose from more than 35 … Read More

New Developments in Concurrent Enrollment Change

mreaadmin2017 Legislative Issues, Career and College Readiness

MREA applauds Minnesota State for advocating with HLC on the scope of the extension deadline. Minnesota State announced last week in a memo to college presidents that it had engaged with senior HCL staff on the status of teachers who are added to concurrent enrollment agreements after the extension application deadline of Dec. 15, 2016 and prior to the end of the … Read More

A School Video Program Worthy of Replication

mreaadminCareer and College Readiness

There’s a good chance this could go viral. After recognizing a trend in video consumption, leaders at Little Falls Community Schools implemented a program that produced over 250 newscasts and 100 events in the last year. Students, faculty, parents and community members now enjoy high-quality, well-produced events and news from the entire school district. This innovation, collaboration and widespread adoption earned … Read More

MREA Announces 2016 Profiles of Excellence

mreaadminAchievement Gap, Career and College Readiness, Facility Fallout

MREA announced today the 2016 Profiles of Excellence Award recipients honoring the best practices and programs in schools in Greater Minnesota. Little Falls Community Schools received the 2016 Exemplary Award for its Flyer Media Productions video program. Deer River Public Schools earned the 2016 Honorable Mention for its community-minded execution of its bond referendum. “These programs highlight the ingenuity and … Read More

HLC Confirms Meaning of Extension, Meeting Scheduled

mreaadmin2016 Legislative Issues, Career and College Readiness

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) confirmed Friday that its specific and restrictive definition of “extension” does not mean that colleges and high schools can continue “business-as-usual” beyond December 15, 2016 in regard to adding new teachers or courses. The extension applies only to dual credit faculty engaged as of the date of the institution’s extension filing, according to Steve Kauffman, Public … Read More

Conference Sessions to Address Student Success

DIANE VOSENAchievement Gap, Assessment and Accountability, Career and College Readiness, Early Learning, Opportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues

As we move through today’s educational evolution, how can you best plan the path of changes needed for your students’ success? Start by planning to attend MREA’s 2016 Annual Conference: Making Teaching Matter. Breakout session presenters will share how to improve opportunities for our students to succeed in their classrooms, schools, and lives. Making Teaching Matter will offer nearly 40 sessions in total and provide ample networking and … Read More

MDE Hosting Meetings on ESSA, State Plan

DIANE VOSENAchievement Gap, Assessment and Accountability, Balance Local Control, Career and College Readiness, Early Learning, Opportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues

The Minnesota Department of Education will host regional meetings throughout the state to discuss the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Commissioner Brenda Cassellius and staff want to learn and hear thoughts about ESSA and the vision so far for Minnesota’s state plan. ESSA, the nation’s latest pre-kindergarten through grade 12 education law, was signed into law in December 2015. It’s the newest version … Read More

State Decisions Put Concurrent Enrollment At Risk

mreaadmin2017 Legislative Issues, Career and College Readiness

Concurrent enrollment programs across Minnesota are at grave risk due to three recent decisions made by Minnesota State, formerly known as MnSCU. Those decisions came without input from the Minnesota school districts that offer concurrent enrollment programs to students. Maintaining this dual credit option for students will require teachers, administrators, school board members, parents and other education advocates to raise … Read More