Minnesota Graduation Rates Rise
 In 2014, 81.2 percent of Minnesota students graduated from high school, up from 79.8 percent in 2013. In addition, every student group showed an increase from the previous year. “It is incredibly heartening to see our graduation rates continue on an upward trend,” Commissioner Cassellius said. “Over the past four years, we have doubled down on our efforts to better support students on their path from K-12 to career and college, and these data show it is working." A wonderful testament to all of the dedicated and hardworking teachers in our state.
Read news release.
Who's That Mystery Reader?
 Ms. Radtke's sixth-grade class let her know they were missing read-aloud time. So she came up with an innovative solution. Throughout February ("I Love to Read" month), she invited a variety of mystery guests to read to her students. The students were happily surprised to meet Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius -- described by their teacher as the boss of all bosses in the world of Minnesota education. The students had many questions, which the commissioner was happy to answer -- but then quickly settled into two great stories with surprise twists and turns that kept the students guessing right up to the unexpected endings.
A Positive Approach to Discipline
Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius joined educators from across the state for a roundtable highlighting new statewide disciplinary data and discussed intervention efforts that are showing success. “Over the past four years, we have made a conscious effort to address student behavior in a way that will not disrupt a child’s learning, and it is exciting to see we are making progress,” Commissioner Cassellius said. Since 2010, there have been nearly 12,000 fewer suspensions in Minnesota schools, a 20.4 percent decrease.
Read news release.
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Smart Proposals to Help Minnesota's Indian Students
A “miigwech” and “pidamaya” — Ojibwe and Dakota for “thank you” — is in order for Minnesota Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius and a working group of American Indian leaders and educators... Read Star Tribune editorial
Excellent Educator: Senor Jamil Salaam Of Richfield Dual Language School
It’s rare to find Salaam speaking English in his classroom at Richfield Dual Language School. For five years, he’s been working his dream job teaching fifth-graders — all subjects in Spanish. Read CBS Minnesota article.
Learning Through Practice
A partnership with a local high school is helping U social work students gain experience. Read Minnesota Daily story.
New Ideas, Attitudes, Opportunities for Students
That was a central theme at the Feb. 6 “Pathways to Postsecondary” conference, cosponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Read more at Forest Lake Times.
Graduation Rates Increase in Albert Lea Across Demographics
A goal of a 90 percent graduation rate may not be too far off for students at Albert Lea High School. Read full story in Albert Lea Tribune.
Breakfast to Go!
Thanks to a very successful breakfast program, Westview Elementary School students step through the school entrance doors, join the line at the school’s breakfast cart and pick up cereal, milk, a fruit smoothie and an apple or banana before heading to their classrooms. Read March 3 BloggED.
Explore Careers in the Construction Trades
High school students are invited to a free career information event in Duluth, Tuesday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hosted by Construct Tomorrow, a consortium of apprenticeship skills instructors, prime and sub-contractors, public sector representatives from workforce development and labor will be on hand to make students aware of apprenticeship training opportunities and careers in the construction industry. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is a sponsor. For more information, contact Rhonda Rutford, Duluth WorkForce Center, 218-302-8406.
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