Minnesota Legislature: Education



Should all kindergarten be all-day?

DFL legislators and the governor agree in principle that all-day, every-day kindergarten is good for many students, but funding the program statewide carries a hefty pricetag: $160 million a year. Where should the state focus its education funds? (Midday, 03/05/2007)

Special education is bigger priority at Capitol

Minnesota education groups say their top priority is a bill that would boost special education funding, and the issue has the support of Senate DFL leaders. (03/01/2007)

Immigrants pin hopes on third Dream Act attempt

Supporters of in-state tuition for children of illegal immigrants packed a two-hour hearing of higher education committees from both legislative houses. (03/01/2007)

Achievement gap is "race gap," legislators are told

At a hearing in Minneapolis, lawmakers wanted to hear about closing the achievement gap, but they also got an earful about the challenges facing urban schools. (01/31/2007)

The U president on money, sports and education

University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks discusses University funding, tuition, priorities, research, Big Ten sports and more. (Midday, 01/29/2007)

Higher ed officials say budget proposal doesn't cover inflation

Pawlenty proposes more than $440 million in new spending for state-supported institutions; that's more than a 16 percent hike above current levels. But officials at the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System say the increase fails to meet basic inflationary costs. (01/22/2007)

School funding bump pleases many, but not the strings attached

Under the governor's budget, all public K-12 schools would get a 2 percent funding boost per student in each of the next two years, and Pawlenty would tie some additional spending to school performance. (01/22/2007)

Teacher's union announces its 2007 policy priorities

The teacher's union Education Minnesota announces its "five point plan" for the state's public school system Tuesday. (Midday, 01/16/2007)

Pawlenty pledges more school aid, but with strings attached

Gov. Pawlenty outlined his general proposals for education funding during a speech Friday, acknowledging that school boards need more state money to keep up with rising costs. He also sought to dampen expectations for funding all-day kindergarten statewide. (01/12/2007)

No Child Left Behind at 5: Legislators say it's not working

The law is designed to close the achievement gap between different groups of students, and make all students proficient in reading and math by the year 2014. (01/11/2007)

House GOP leader rips buyouts for U of M coaches

House Republicans are upset that the University of Minnesota will spend $4 million to $5 million to buy out ousted coaches Glen Mason and Dan Monson. (01/09/2007)

Capitol consensus: More money for schools

There's one thing everyone at the Capitol seems to agree on for the 2007 legislative session -- Minnesota's public schools will get more money. But it may not be enough for some parents and education groups, who are calling for an overhaul of the way Minnesota funds schools. (12/27/2006)

Early childhood education could get major funding boost

Advocates of early childhood education are optimistic that the upcoming legislative session will include a major funding boost for programs that prepare children for school. (12/26/2006)

Alternative pay for teachers making slow progress

Minnesota school leaders are moving slowly when it comes to changing the way they pay their teachers. Only 15 school districts have made the switch. (04/25/2006)

Ask the education commissioner

With testing season now upon us, Minnesota Education Commissioner Alice Seagren discusses testing, funding, reform and other issues facing Minnesota schools. (Midday, 04/18/2006)

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