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
Members Provide Input on 2017 Legislative Issues
More than 120 MREA school board members, administrators and teachers participated in MREA’s Fall Member Meetings over the last month to provide input on issues likely to arise in the 2017 legislative year. The four major issues discussed were: Early Learning Rising early learning needs and attention Quality Teachers Increasing difficulty attracting and retaining quality teachers Funding Student Needs Meeting student needs across the state … Read More
Conference Sessions to Address Student Success
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
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
Explore Professional Growth at Annual Conference
More than 10 breakout sessions at MREA’s 2016 Annual Conference: Making Teaching Matter will explore different strategies for educators’ continuing professional and personal growth. Making Teaching Matter will offer more than 35 sessions total and provide plenty of networking and development opportunities for teachers, administrators, school board members and other education professionals. Learn more and register. “Professional Development and Support” Sessions These sessions will focus … Read More
Voluntary Pre-K Funding Supports MREA Members
Forty-two MREA member districts will receive funding for the new Voluntary Pre-K starting this fall. Another 70 MREA member districts applied for funding approved last session by the Legislature and were not sufficiently eligible to receive funding. In all, this program will provide 3,302 Minnesota four-year olds access to free, voluntary pre-kindergarten. The 2016 Legislature reserved 41 percent of the $25 million … Read More
184 Districts Apply for New Voluntary Pre-K Program
The Minnesota Department of Education released a report that 184 school districts and charter schools have completed applications for the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program. MREA member districts represent 63 percent of that total with 115 applying. Applicants will be notified by MDE of their funding status by August 1. View MDE list of Voluntary Pre-K applicants. Funding and Selection Criteria The Legislature approved $25 … Read More
Early Bird Workshops Announced for 2016 Conference
Five early bird sessions will be offered at the 2016 MREA Annual Conference to feature timely education and dialogues on everything from shifting conversations about teaching and learning to managing stress before it interferes with learning. “Making Teaching Matter” kicks off Nov. 13 with 90-minute workshops that give participants a deeper understanding of the topic as well as dialogue and engagement with … Read More
MDE Releases Application for New Voluntary Pre-K Program
The application process for the new Voluntary Pre-K program has begun with a deadline of July 1. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) just released the application and details on the program that focuses on helping rural schools. MDE will notify successful applicants by Aug. 1. View the program application and Q&A. MREA and MDE also have updated the Program Impact Estimator Tool to … Read More
Governor Signs Supplemental Budget Bill
Gov. Mark Dayton on Wednesday afternoon signed the Supplemental Budget bill that contains a variety of appropriations spanning many areas of state government including E-12 education. This bill establishes a new pre-K pilot program and provides additional funding for rural school districts. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) will provide applications for the PreK funding soon. View the potential on your school districts with … Read More