Coming Together for Concurrent Enrollment

mreaadmin2016 Legislative Issues, Career and College Readiness, Opportunity Gap

When faced with a complex problem in public administration that requires a solution, management experts advise nearly unanimously to “get the stakeholders together in a room and work out solutions.” Minnesota Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius has said the department’s working groups have been successful because they get bright people together who are committed to solving the problem. Protecting Early College through … Read More

3 Reasons Rural Counties Are Vibrant

mreaadminOpportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues

An analysis of Minnesota’s population trends released by MREA today shows the classic picture of the glass is half empty, the glass is half full. While the number of people is declining in many of the state’s rural counties, they are rated among the best places to grow up and the vitality and potential remain vibrant. Half Full Three pieces … Read More

Conference Procrastinator Rates Start Sunday

mreaadminAchievement Gap, American Indian, Broadband Access, Early Learning, Opportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues, Quality Teachers, Teacher Development, Teacher Shortages

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

New Grant Supports MN Behavioral Health Clinics

mreaadminOpportunity Gap

Minnesota was recently awarded over $980,000 to support Community Behavioral Health Clinics. The grant was awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and announced October 20 by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken. The investment in planning efforts will “strengthen community-based mental and substance use disorder clinics,” according to a press release from Klobuchar. Klobuchar  introduced … Read More

MDE Hosts Early Learning Listening Sessions

mreaadminAchievement Gap, Early Learning, Opportunity Gap

The Minnesota Department of Education, in partnership with the Minnesota Initiative Foundations and Minnesota’s Future, is holding regional community listening sessions to learn how they can be more effective in linking policies, programs and practices to ensure every child in Minnesota has a high-quality early education. Information and themes that arise will be shared with the Minnesota Departments of Education, … Read More

Limited Spots Available for Conference Registration

mreaadminOpportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues

Time is running out to register for MREA’s Annual Conference Nov. 15-17 at Cragun’s Resort. Register for Limited Remaining Spots A limited number of spots are still available for Great Beginnings: When Learning Starts Early, Inspires and Applies. Register now before it’s too late or before procrastinator rates kick in. The conference starts on a weekend so participants can arrive late … Read More

Voices and Views on Concurrent Enrollment

mreaadminBalance Local Control, Opportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues

Inside Higher Ed Article (October 20, 2015) Sen. Franken’s Letter to Higher Learning Commission Grand Forks Herald Editorial Star Tribune Article Watchdog.com Article Minnesota Senator Carla Nelson’s Letter in Rochester Post-Bulletin Education Week Article (October 1, 2015) Education Week Article (October 13, 2015) MREA Executive Director Fred Nolan’s Letter to Star Tribune Center for School Change Joe Nathan’s Opinion Editorial Joe Nathan: College … Read More

MREA Announces 2016 Board Vacancies

mreaadminOpportunity Gap

MREA is now accepting nominations for six seats on the MREA Board of Directors, effective Jan. 1, 2016. Only individuals from MREA full membership districts in the corresponding zone may apply to serve and represent school districts in rural Minnesota. Submit your nomination.* Nominations must be submitted online and need to include a Statement of Interest that will accompany the ballot mailed to … Read More

MREA Welcomes New Members

mreaadminOpportunity Gap

MREA is continuing to grow new members as it advocates for Greater Minnesota education and prepares for the 2016 legislative session. Join us in welcoming these 12 new ISD and Associate members: New ISD Members Buffalo Lake-Hector Esko Public Schools Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Public Schools Wrenshall Public Schools New Associate Members ACT Foster, Jacobs & Johnson, Inc. Hiller Commercial Floors Marnita’s Table PreciouStatus Riverport … Read More

Nominate Innovative School Programs

mreaadminOpportunity Gap

Is your school innovating to improve services or reduce the cost of local government? If so, share your innovation for a chance to win $5,000 and a professional video highlighting your effort in the 9th Annual Local Government Innovation Awards. The Local Government Innovation Awards, sponsored by the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, will recognize the creative ways counties, cities, … Read More