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
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
MREA Announces 2017 Board Openings
MREA will have three seats open on its Board of Directors beginning January 1, 2017. Individuals interested in representing school districts in rural Minnesota are encouraged to apply. Applications must be submitted online and need to include a written Statement of Interest indicating interest and ability in fulfilling the director responsibilities. The deadline for nominations is 5 pm, Wednesday, October 19. MREA’s Board of Directors is … Read More
Educator of the Year Models Creativity, Community Connection
Mrs. Jackie Chwialkowski has developed extended learning programs that reach beyond the school walls at Stephen-Argyle Central. These programs involve making blankets for homeless shelters, sending care boxes to military personnel overseas and a horticulture curriculum where students grow and sell garden plants. Throughout her 39-year teaching career, Mrs. Chwialkowski has made an effort to individualize her teaching efforts by … Read More
Nominations Open for Government Innovation Awards
Up to 20 local government entities will be recognized as award winners for the Local Government Innovation Awards that recognize the creative ways counties, cities, and schools are making Minnesota better and doing things differently. Minnesota faces the reality of an aging population, rising health care costs, and increasing demand for government services with reduced revenue. Yet many counties, cities, townships, … Read More
State Decisions Put Concurrent Enrollment At Risk
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
Educator of Excellence Ignites Learning Outdoors
Rain and straw bale gardens. A school vineyard. A DNR-approved school forest. Those are just a few of the interactive learning environments that Rockford Middle School students have the opportunity to explore thanks to the leadership and innovation of a teacher. Mr. Jamie Madson believes learning doesn’t just happen inside the four walls of a traditional classroom and has made … Read More
MREA to Host Virtual Meetings on Rural School Issues
MREA will host a series of On-Point virtual meetings in the next few weeks to gain feedback on specific issues currently impacting our Greater Minnesota schools: Concurrent enrollment and other post-secondary options, funding student needs, and small schools funding. Member feedback from the meetings will form the basis to build MREA’s Legislative Platform for the 2017 legislative session. Teachers, board members, and … Read More