The 2013 Minnesota Legislature established a 20-member Teacher Licensure Advisory Task Force to make recommendations to the Board of Teaching, the commissioner of education, and the education committees of the Legislature on requirements for teacher applicants to: Demonstrate mastery of reading, writing and mathematics skills through nationally normed assessments, a professional skills portfolio, or accredited college coursework, among other methods … Read More
Teacher Quality
Research clearly documents that the quality children’s educational outcomes depends in large part on the quality of the classroom teacher. Finland is an example of a nation that has invested in its teacher quality for the past 20 years, restricted entrance to teacher colleges, and respects teachers like doctors, lawyers and other esteemed professionals. England is a country that has … Read More
MREA Uncovers Early Learning Issues
The Legislature and current administration are conceiving and enacting policies that students move along a continuum of educational growth and opportunity from early childhood through post-secondary schooling, although not necessarily four year college. In hearings and in hallways, legislators and staffers are using words like “readiness,” “systems alignment,” “workforce development,” “seamless transitions,” and “early intervention” when speaking of education. In … Read More
Three State Task Forces Begin Work
Three of the task forces established by the Legislature last session began work this month. They include the Teacher Licensure, Career Pathways & Technical Education and School Facilities. MREA will monitor and regularly report on the work of this task force for our members. Here’s a look at what’s happened so far: Teacher Licensure The 20-member Teacher Licensure Advisory Task Force … Read More
Heroes for Rural Minnesota Last Session
By Sam Walseth, MREA Lobbyist As the dust settles on the 2013, and there’s a lot of dust to settle, it’s clear that several rural legislators played instrumental roles in advancing public education goals supported by Minnesota’s rural education leaders. They deserve a “thank you” from school leaders. Our Requests MREA members developed a state policy platform last fall that … Read More
MDE Releases Resources on Impact of Session
MDE released Friday new resources, including new lookup table and district run, to help districts better understand how the legislative changes made last session impact them. This run reveals regional centers getting biggest percentage increase over the biennium compared to the base. Get more resources here. Tom Melcher, school finance director for the Minnesota Department of Education, also has been traveling the … Read More
Nominate an Innovative Project
MREA seeks to recognize an innovative program that got results in Greater Minnesota schools this past school year with its annual Profile of Excellence Award. Nominations are due June 14. View the submission requirements. MREA will recognize the 2013 recipient at its Annual Awards Banquet in November at Cragun’s on the Lake in Brainerd. The annual Profiles of Excellence Program aims to … Read More
Legislature’s Game Over: Ball is in our court
By Vernae Hasbargen, MREA Lobbyist The Legislature finished its work a week ago and hit the road to sell the public on what they had done. Republicans pointed to tax increases while Democrats to investments those taxes created, but so far it is not clear which message is resonating with the public. While $2 billion in new taxes can sound … Read More
K-12 Omnibus Bill Passes: Highlights Released
This landmark legislative session came to a close this week with some major wins for Greater Minnesota education. The K-12 Omnibus Bill is packed with changes that will affect school districts in Greater Minnesota. MREA dissected the bill that awaits the governor’s final sign off and outlined highlights related to: Funding 13 major highlights, from the 1.5&1.5 formula with a statewide impact … Read More
Finish Line: Session Ends in Hours
By Sam Walseth Six months ago it was cold outside and a new legislature was about to be sworn in. That new legislature would be lead by a majority of DFL legislators in both bodies. They set out to work with Governor Dayton to accomplish some common agenda items like balancing the budget without “gimmicks” and to raise the revenue … Read More