New Report Highlights Need for Public Preschool Options in Minnesota
A new report issued by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) shows that Minnesota ranks last out of the 41 states with pre-K programs for access for 4-year-olds. The report also showed that despite this dismal ranking, the state gets high marks for having set rigorous preschool quality standards. The report comes as Governor Mark Dayton continues his push to expand access to preschool for every 4-year-old, free of charge; and expand eligibility for the state’s early learning scholarship program.
According to the report, only about 1 percent of the state’s 4-year-olds are currently being served by a public pre-K program. One major factor acting as a barrier to families being able to enroll their children in pre-K is cost. The report noted that Minnesota has the third most expensive child care costs in the nation.
Read news release.
Visit NIEER website to read the report.
Top 25 Innovations in Government
The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, recognized Minnesota’s Regional Centers of Excellence as a Top 25 program in the 2015 awards competition. Through a combination of professional development, on-site technical assistance, and ongoing support, the centers use student data to help narrow achievement gaps, increase students' progress toward career and college readiness, and increase graduation rates. Read news release.
Share Your College Acceptance Stories
Attn: High school students - We want to hear from you every Friday in May! Tell us what college/s you applied to, where you've been accepted and/or why you chose to continue your education after high school. #whycollegeMN
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May 11, 1858, Minnesota was admitted to the Union.
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May 14, 1804, Lewis and Clark began their trip up the Missouri River.
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May 15, 1918, First regular U.S. airmail service began.
- May 20, 1932, Amelia Earhart made her first solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
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U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Gov. Dayton visit Richardson Elementary
With a projected budget surplus of nearly $2 billion and just a few weeks remaining in the 2015 legislative session, Gov. Mark Dayton is pushing to earmark millions for universal early childhood education in Minnesota. Read full Lillie News story.
Excellent Educator: Plymouth Middle School’s Benjamin Drexler
Drexler teaches 8th grade math at Plymouth Middle School. He was nominated by his students! Read story at WCCO-CBS Minnesota.
Area Teacher Receives National Award for Excellence in Education
Kim (Smisek) Jirik, a speech language pathologist at the Lakeville Area Public Schools was recently chosen as the Minnesota representative for the National Education Association’s Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence. Read Lonsdale Area News-Review feature.
Early Childhood Learning Plays Key Role in Future of Minnesota
From 2008 to 2011, Duane Benson spent much of his time being an advocate for the state’s youngest residents, pushing for quality early childhood learning. The former state senator and Lanesboro area farmer was the executive director of the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation (MELF) at the time. Read opinion in the Bluff Country Newspaper Group.
Improving the Cafeteria Experience for Students and Staff
Lizabeth Randall, School Nutrition Specialist of Wayzata Public Schools, has earned national recognition from the School Nutrition Association (SNA). The SNA selected Randall to receive the Manager of the Year Award based on her dedication to improving the cafeteria experience for students and staff. Read May 11 post.
STEM Forum and Expo, May 20-23
Last Chance to Register! National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is hosting their national STEM forum in Minnesota. A unique, STEM-focused event where educators gather to share tools and resources that contribute to the successful implementation of STEM education into schools and communities. Register online.
Gifted & Talented Education Symposium - June 8-11, 2015
Join us for the seventh annual Hormel Foundation Gifted and Talented Education Symposium. Educators, counselors, administrators and parents will gain greater understanding of the unique needs of gifted and high potential learners. Enjoy in-depth sessions focusing on foundational knowledge, creativity, curriculum strategies, and more provided by the field’s finest regionally, nationally and internationally recognized presenters. View additional event details. Register online.
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