New data from the state’s Department of Education show student math scores have dropped for the fifth consecutive year and reading scores have dipped as well. In addition, very little progress has been made to close Minnesota’s persistent achievement gaps. ...
Continue reading
Over the course of a recent two-day period (August 30-31), the Star Tribune ran at least four stories or editorials dealing with racial disparities. “Disparities in Maternal Deaths ‘Staggering,’” by Marissa Evans. “Math and Reading Scores Drop,” by Erin Golden and MaryJo Webster. “Spotlighting Racial Disparities,” by Patrick Condon. “Face Up to Gaps in Student Test Scores,” an unsigned editorial. Nothing said by anyone in the news stories was out of the ordinary. Same with arguments in the editorial. But that’s a major reason why the very real problems cited won’t get much better, as there wasn’t a single reference, or...
Continue reading
This September resignation window is about what’s right for you, your students, and your family. And remember, you are not alone! Many educators have decided union membership is not the best choice for them....
Continue reading
Consistently low test scores and lack of academic growth paired with unruly behavior and lack of discipline have driven thousands of Minneapolis Public Schools' students to charter schools and neighboring school districts—and the latest numbers show this flight is continuing....
Continue reading
A U.S. magistrate judge has ruled that Aaron Benner, a former St. Paul school teacher, can pursue punitive damages from the district when his case goes to trial in federal court this October. ...
Continue reading
The teachers’ union is quick to scare teachers into thinking that outside of union membership, they can’t get protection. This is false. ...
Continue reading
Education Minnesota President Denise Specht once again used her column in the union’s magazine to call out the Center. "Our union and our vision...
Continue reading
Discipline reform efforts are pushing schools to cut back on suspensions and expulsions and prodding them toward alternative discipline policies that often leave teachers to manage behavior issues on their own. Teachers—who are tasked with carrying out the discipline reforms—feel the policies are creating unsafe educational environments....
Continue reading
Outside of the union, there are several organizations that offer job protection and legal counsel. These alternative organizations don't get caught up in partisan politics and instead focus on kids and serving teachers. ...
Continue reading
Just as educators encourage their students to be independent thinkers and hold true to themselves, so too should educators be trusted by their colleagues to make decisions regarding union membership that are best for them and their families. Unfortunately, not all of those in the education field exhibit this respect and instead succumb to name-calling. ...
Continue reading