Steady Improvement on MCAs
The Minnesota Department of Education released the results of the 2014 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) on Tuesday, August 26. These yearly tests, required by state and federal law, are used as one tool to help schools gauge students’ progress in meeting expectations on Minnesota state standards for reading, math and science.
"We are seeing steady improvement in student achievement. The trend line is up, and that’s progress,” Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius said. “This kind of change is exactly what we hope to see as our teachers master how to best teach our tougher standards, so each student approaches the test confident and fully prepared.
Read news release.
Students Outperform Nation on ACT
Minnesota's high school seniors are top in the nation on the ACT for the ninth year in a row! They achieved an average score of 22.9 on the college entrance exam, compared to the national average of 21. Kids are doing better in English, Reading, Math and Science as well; 39 percent of Minnesota students met the benchmarks, compared to 26 percent nationally. "It is an incredible achievement that would not be possible without Minnesota’s dedicated teachers and students," Commissioner Brenda Cassellius stated.
Read news release.
Visit ACT's website to view Minnesota's report.
Paying for College!
Check out Paying for College: How Minnesota families make it happen. This video, from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education in partnership with the Minnesota Private College Fund and Twin Cities Public Television, is packed with advice and helpful suggestions from local experts about financing your education. Learn about the variety of ways Minnesota families can cover the cost of a college education. Hint: Start planning by ninth grade.
Introducing KnowBullying -- Put the Power to Prevent Bullying in Your Hand
Parents and caregivers who spend at least 15 minutes a day talking with their child can build the foundation for a strong relationship, and help prevent bullying. KnowBullying, a new mobile app by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), encourages dialogue between you and your children and helps you start a conversation. KnowBullying by SAMHSA includes: tips on preventing bullying, identifying warning signs, information about social media, a section for educators and more.
Available for Android™ and iPhone®, visit the SAMHSA website and put the power to prevent bullying in your hand.
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All-Day Kindergarten Begins for Minnesota School Districts
When the school bell rings soon starting a new year, school districts across the state will kick off a new era for kindergartners. Watch KEYC-TV video.
Where the STEM Grows: Owatonna Program Includes More Than Science Fields
There’s buzz in education circles about changing the format of education. It’s a question of how teachers can convey information to students, moving away from the idea that subjects like math and reading should be taught in separate spheres. Read Owatonna People's Press for more.
Minnesota Students Ace ACT Tests, Tops in Nation
Minnesota’s high school students are again tops in the nation on the ACT, the test that gauges how well students are prepared for college. Read more at MPR/Perham Focus.
High-Quality Charter Schools Best Practice Competition – Vote Today!
The first Best Practice Mini-Contract Competition for High-Quality Charter Schools (HQCS) is now underway! Three of the state’s high-quality charter schools applied and are in the running to receive $2,000-4,000 to create replicable materials that will be used to make their identified “best practices” available to all public schools in Minnesota. Voting is open until midnight on September 5, 2014. So, vote now and spread the word!
Read more on BloggED.
Read-It Applauds Blue Ribbon Readers
Visit the Minnesota Department of Education booth at the State Fair in the education building on Cosgrove. Write down the title of a favorite book and pose for a picture in our Blue Ribbon Reader's station.
Planning for Students’ Successful Transition to Postsecondary and Employment – Toolkit Training
The Minnesota Department of Education and the Regional Centers of Excellence are pleased to invite middle and high school teams to participate in a free half-day workshop focused on implementation of the Planning for Students' Successful Transition to Postsecondary and Employment legislation (Minn. Stat. § 120B.125).
The toolkit provides resources and recognized strategies and partnerships to assist with implementation. The training will provide opportunities to discover what elements schools already have in place and what needs to be addressed. Several schools will present information about the strategies that they are using.
For more information contact Angie Johnson or contact Beth Barsness.
Special Education Directors’ Forum
The first Special Education Directors’ Forum for this school year is set for Friday, September 5, 2014, in Conference Center B at the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Topics will include a legislative update, information on changes to statewide assessment, professional development from the Compliance and Assistance Division and information on activities related to the State Performance Plan. The forum will be offered over the Internet for those who want to attend virtually. For more information, contact Joan Breslin Larson at 651-582-1599 .
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