August is a good time to contact Minnesota’s members of Congress regarding reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), School Nutrition, and other Federal topics affecting schools and students. The National Rural Education Advocacy Coalition (NREAC) has released a comprehensive update of pending federal legislation and advocating for rural schools. Learn more. Here is contact information for Minnesota’s Congressional … 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
MREA Hosts Area Meetings on Key Topics
MREA will host 10 Area Meetings this fall to gather input on the issues that matter most to Greater Minnesota schools. Information from these meetings will be used to build MREA’s platform for the 2016 legislative session. The 2015 Area Meetings will be held in August and September at schools across the state, from Blue Earth to Thief River Falls. Teachers, … Read More
MREA Analysis of MCA Tests Reveal Striking Results
MREA released today a regional analysis of the 2015 MCA test data in math, reading and science from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Among the most striking results is rural Minnesota severely lags in science achievement. The analysis also revealed that one Greater Minnesota region is leading the state in overall achievement. Students in the school districts located in … 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
Conference Early Bird Discount Extended to Friday
The Early Bird conference registration discount for MREA’s 2015 Annual Conference has been extended through Friday, August 7. Save with Early Bird Registration MREA members can register a team of 3 individuals from the same organization for Great Beginnings: When Learning Starts Early, Inspires and Applies, for only $495. This is a $150 savings off the regular team registration rate. The team rate after Friday will … Read More
Facility Maintenance Funding Webinar Available
Staff from the Minnesota Department of Education detailed in a July 23 webinar the planning process and requirements for the new Long-Term Facility Maintenance (LTFM) funding program. Nearly 100 school district officials participated in the webinar hosted by MREA. The panel of presenters was lead by MDE staff Dale Sundstrom, Terri Yetter, and Lonn Moe along with Cromwell-Wright Superintendent Ron … Read More
Facility Maintenance Process and Timeline Released
Tom Melcher, MDE’s School Finance Director, sent a memo July 10 to school district administrators that provides an overview of the Long-Term Facility Maintenance Revenue Program and the new 10-year plan process and timelines. New LTFM Law Laws 2015, 1st Special Session, Chapter 3, Article 6, sections 1–4 and 14 (2015 Education Act), establish a Long-term Facilities Maintenance Revenue Program … Read More
July Vacancies Announced for State Boards
The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon this week released the July 2015 notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils and committees. Minnesotans are encouraged to apply and serve in demonstration of public service. Current education-related vacancies include the Online and Digital Learning Advisory Council, which has six vacancies. The Online and Digital Learning Advisory Council (ODLAC) is … Read More