High-Quality Pre-Kindergarten this Fall!
Commissioner Cassellius joined Governor Mark Dayton to announce that beginning this fall, 3,302 Minnesota 4-year-olds in 74 school districts and charter schools will attend voluntary pre-kindergarten, free of charge. These programs will save families thousands of dollars, while preparing our youngest learners for success in school and life.
See the press release on the Governor's website.
Visit MDE's voluntary pre-K web page.
Our Website Refresh is Coming August 15
Starting Monday, August 15, website visitors will see an improved organization of our site. The look will be very similar, but there are significant changes to navigation. We hope you will take the time to familiarize yourself with the new site.
Read the overview of the main changes.
Short Film Showcases the Power of Music Education
"Hallelujah" follows New York City elementary music teacher Peter Mancini and his students as they prepare for a big concert. Watch EdWeek on air video.
Testing Accommodations
Students with disabilities (including those with individualized education programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans) may be eligible to receive accommodations on post-secondary entrance exams, such as the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), American College Testing (ACT), or ACCUPLACER. Be sure to plan ahead! It can take several weeks for an accommodations request to be approved. For example, September 16 is the deadline to submit requests for accommodations regarding October ACT testing dates.
Visit CollegeBoard website or
the ACT website to learn more.
Helpful Welcome to English Learners
As staff gear up to welcome Minnesota’s growing English Learner population back to school, consider sharing the article "Starting the School Year with English Learners." The author provides practical tips for creating a welcoming environment that is conducive to academic and language learning. Read Erick Herrmann's article on the MultiBriefs website.
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Minnesota School Districts Receive Funding for Free Pre-K Programs
Starting this fall, approximately 3,300 4-year-old children in 74 Minnesota school districts will attend voluntary pre-kindergarten, due to a $25 million investment secured this legislative session. Read full story in the DailyNews.
Parents Welcome News of Free Pre-K
“What a great use of money, helping with early childhood education,” parent Josh McRae said.
The state of Minnesota apparently thinks so, too. Full story at ABC News.
It's Back to School (Early) for Shakopee Students
While most students in Minnesota start school after Labor Day on Sept. 5, Shakopee students will start about two weeks earlier, on Aug. 22... read more in the Shakopee Valley News
School Bus Safety Poster Competition Winners Recognized
This year’s poster contest theme is “Stop on Red.” It challenged students to think about safety concepts for students and drivers around school buses. Video and story at Eyewitness News.
Summer Learning; The Family that Learns Together…
Twenty-five years ago I aged out of a corps named Phantom Regiment. As tradition holds, I left my marching shoes on the 45-yard line of the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. I believed I was saying goodbye not just to my shoes, but also to the most formative experience of my life. Drum Corps not only provided me the opportunity for creative performance, it provided a sense of belonging, challenge, test of moral character, personal perseverance and independence. I prayed that one day I would watch my kids join a Drum Corps... Read Aug. 10 guest post to learn what happened next.
Afterschool Experiences and Digital Literacy Kick-Off Event
In communities across Minnesota, organizations are working to build bridges between in-school learning and afterschool experiences for students of all ages. Key players in this effort are 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) and public library’s afterschool and summer programs. Get to know valuable partners and learn more about 21CCLCs at a special kick-off event at the St. Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN). Register online today; space is limited. (morning session is for 21CCLCs only.)
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