The Teacher Evaluation Task Force dug in over the summer and conducted research on key elements behind creating a new evaluation model based on law requiring all teachers to be evaluated beginning in the 2014-15 school year. The group has focused on gaining the growth and evaluation cycle, student achievement and student engagement data, implementation and LEA support, performance standards, … Read More
ACT and General Mills Provide Insight
The Assessment and Accountability Work Group last week gained input from one of the state’s leading employer on what the company seeks in BS and Masters level graduates. The information provides perspective as the group considers requirements for a HS diploma and the current GRAD test. Sara Beaty, who is responsible for annually recruiting to General Mills 450 permanent new … Read More
Stage is Set for Nov. 6 General Election
Update — Stage is Set for Nov. 6 General Election Congressional Race Highlights With the primary election behind us, the path is now clear for the general election on Nov. 6. All eight Minnesota congressional seats are up for grabs this year, and two districts saw prolonged and often heated primary fights to take on incumbents. In both cases, candidates … Read More
Teacher Evaluation: What's Happened, What's Needed
During the 2011 legislative special session, a statute requiring all teachers to be evaluated beginning in the 2014-15 school year was part of the overall compromise that ended the government shut down. The law has many specific provisions and directed MDE to create a model that will become the default process for every school district that does not have a teacher evaluation … Read More
Identifying GRAD Testing Issues and Benefits
The Assessment and Accountability Working Group gained insight on the background of the GRAD exam, how standards and benchmarks are developed, as well as the requirements in current statute related to graduation requirements at its recent meeting. There was also a very brief description of the Access Report, which was the 2009-2010 effort to reform Minnesota’s Graduation Assessments. The group began … Read More
NEW SERIES: Educational Advocacy Players
MREA is the only advocacy organization for rural Minnesota that puts children first, but it is one of many educational advocacy groups in St. Paul. Some have been around a long time, while others are just emerging. MREA is launching a series of articles to help members better understand the groups working on educational issues in the state. The purpose … Read More
Melcher Shares Property Tax Analysis
The Education Finance Work Group continues to gather and review information needed to draft an effective model for the state. At the July 31 meeting, the group heard two key reports from Tom Melcher and the Integration Task Force. Susan Von Mosch, Assistant Commissioner for Tax Policy, also spoke on the recent changes in homestead benefits. This discovery phase has … Read More
Bullying Task Force Releases Recommendations
The Task Force on the Prevention of School Bullying completed its work this month and released a full report on its findings and recommendations on Wednesday. Governor Mark Dayton established the task force in February. Since then, task force members considered written and public comments from students, parents, and citizens as well as professionals in relevant fields throughout the state … Read More
Education Funding Falls 17% in 17 Years
Education funding in Minnesota has fallen 17 percent in the past 17 years, according to Price of Government data from the Minnesota Office of Management and Budget. The analysis of data of education funding as a percentage of total personal income shows a decline of 0.84% from FY’95 to FY’13, worth $2.1 billion. In other words, if Minnesota today was … Read More
Revenue Commissioner Speaks on General Education Funding
Governor Mark Dayton has made tax reform a priority. Revenue Commissioner Myron Franz had made over 100 presentations across the state to generate interest. He has been speaking on how tax reform affects general education funding and future formulas. See what the Revenue Commissioner is saying.