RELEASE: Commissioner Cassellius, State Educators Highlight Governor’s Budget as Critical for Closing State Achievement Gaps

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 11, 2013

CONTACT: Keith Hovis, MDE
651.582.8275
keith.hovis@state.mn.us

Commissioner Cassellius, State Educators Highlight Governor’s Budget as Critical for Closing State Achievement Gaps

ROSEVILLE – Today, Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius stood with educators and advocates to discuss how strategic investments made in Governor Dayton’s budget will advance current efforts and be critical in closing achievement gaps. The Commissioner was joined by Farmington Superintendent Jay Haugen, Mary Cecconi from Parent’s United, Phyllis Hill from ISAIAH and Vina Kay from the Organizing Apprenticeship Project.

Despite strong test scores, Minnesota is widely recognized as having one of the largest achievement gaps in the nation. In crafting his recommendations, Governor Dayton took a comprehensive look at the education of a child, from birth to career. The result is an unprecedented $640 million investment in K-12 and Higher Education that ensures our schools have the resources they need to provide equal opportunities every day for every child.

“If we’re going to address Minnesota’s significant achievement gaps, we need bold vision and leadership, which is exactly what we see in Governor Dayton’s budget,” said Commissioner Cassellius. “The investments take a strategic approach to meeting the needs of every student, especially those who come to us needing more, and position Minnesota to aggressively close the gaps that are some of the worst in the nation.”

The group addressed current success, while acknowledging the need for investments like those made in the Governor’s budget to close achievement Gaps. The Governor’s budget would provide:

• $8.9 Million for English Language Learning. The Governor’s budget extends funding for ELL from 5 to 7 years to help students who are learning English additional time to develop language skills that will help them meet high academic expectations.
• $125 Million for Special Education. The Governor’s budget invests in special education reform designed to better meet individual needs of students with disabilities.
• $119 in Integration Aid. The Governor’s budget reinstates funding to promote integrated and stable schools and increase achievement among students of color.
• $44 Million for Early Childhood Education Scholarships. The Governor’s budget provides scholarships that help 10,000 more children attend high quality child care and preschool so that they enter kindergarten with the skills needed to succeed. Research has shown that investments in high quality early learning provide return on investment of up to $16 for every $1 invested.
• $40 Million for All Day Kindergarten. The Governor’s budget invests $40 million to help Minnesota school districts provide optional All-Day K to students free of charge. Research shows that children with access to all day kindergarten have better educational outcomes over time.
• $7.4 Million for Mental Health in Schools. The Governor’s budget includes funding for school based mental health grants that will help ensure students with mental health issues have the necessary supports to meet both their academic and mental health needs.
• $4.5 Million for Regional Centers of Excellence. The Governor’s budget establishes six new Regional Centers of Excellence to help the state’s most struggling schools, with a focus on Greater Minnesota. With this support, schools will be able to implement meaningful reforms to better support students and increase achievement for every child.

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