on May 16, 2018

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One Year Alternatives to College: Educational institutions for the “digital age”

Students who want to avoid college debt, while developing highly prized job skills, are increasingly turning to a new sort of educational institution—one that bills itself as a “college alternative for the digital age.” In a year or less, these schools train students in in-demand skills that lead to well-paying high-tech jobs. Students generally leave the program debt-free. They pay a low tuition either using money they earn during apprenticeships or from earnings after they obtain a job....

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on May 16, 2018

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An Expansion of Educational Opportunities Formerly Hard to Envision

Written by Mitch Pearlstein

in Education

In searching the other day for updated, albeit mundane college data I came across, as the statistical gods sometimes allow, truly remarkable enrollment data I had never seen before. (Before going any further, I understand if your interest in reading any more of this is tepid, but I would urge you to do so, as the numbers show that lower-income students are making more progress in at least starting college than is commonly assumed. This is good news.)...

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on May 14, 2018

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True Teacher Appreciation: Restoring educators’ voice and choice

Written by Catrin Wigfall

in Education

Teachers were celebrated last week during National Teacher Appreciation Week. But even though the five days of nationally honoring educators has come and gone, teachers can and should continue to be recognized and supported outside the second week of May. In order to acknowledge what they really need—and deserve—we need to listen to their voices and restore respect for their choices. A new project called Educated Teachers MN will equip teachers with resources and knowledge to help them better understand issues they have asked for more voice on—from student behavior and paperwork to union membership and pension plans. It will...

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on May 12, 2018

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Educated Teachers Project Launches Statewide Information Campaign

Written by Tom Steward

in Education

A new project launched on National Teacher Appreciation Day, Educated Teachers MN aims to inform and empower Minnesota K-12 educators by raising awareness of a U.S. Supreme Court case widely expected to end the forced payment of union dues and fees by teachers and other government employees as a condition of employment. In 2016-2017 Education Minnesota collected over $50 million in dues and fees from 75,000 teachers statewide that were used for collective bargaining, lobbying and advancing the union’s political agenda. But Education Minnesota, AFSCME-5 and other statewide public employee unions are already bracing for the potential loss of thousands of members...

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on May 10, 2018

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Inside the Hornets’ Nest: Edina’s 5-hour school board meeting over the word “frightening”

Written by Catrin Wigfall

in Education

The hornets’ nest was stirred up again Tuesday evening when the Edina School Board met to discuss possible disciplinary action against its Vice Chair Sarah Patzloff over a social media post. Around 150 parents and community members—from kids to grandparents—gathered in the hallway of the Edina Community Center to show overwhelming support for Sarah who has served on the school board for six years....

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on May 10, 2018

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Letter to GOP Leadership: No Pre-K Expansion; Preserving the K-12 Mission

Written by Kim Crockett

in Culture, Education

Dayton is campaigning hard for $138 million “emergency” school funding but he might just settle for more pre-K funding instead. The governor has, in the past, successfully expanded pre-K programs in exchange for getting GOP K-12 education or other priorities passed. We understand that, like children who do not get their way, Gov. Dayton holds his breath until he turns blue, but for the sake of our small children, and the K-12 mission, please deny him this final victory. ...

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on May 08, 2018

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Teacher Appreciation Day: Fun Facts on Average Salaries

Written by Kim Crockett

in Education, Unions

Minnesota secondary teachers have an average wage of $62,590 plus benefits. Don’t forget that salary is just one part of the equation. You need to add in the cost of providing retirement savings like 403(b), pensions, or both--and then health care. ...

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on May 08, 2018

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National Teacher Appreciation Day: Thank you, teachers!

Written by Catrin Wigfall

in Education

National Teacher Appreciation Week kicked off yesterday, but the biggest day for educators is today, May 8, as National Teacher Appreciation Day. On this day, students, parents, and communities around the country get to celebrate teachers and honor all they do. And while showing our appreciation shouldn’t be limited to this week and day, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on how teachers and staff go above to help students go beyond. ...

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on May 04, 2018

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Memo to Legislature: Resist Dayton’s Push for Expansion of “Free” Pre-K

Written by Kim Crockett

in Culture, Education

The Dayton administration continues its relentless demand for Minnesota to adopt universal Pre-K for all four-year-old’s. There is no danger the legislature will pass universal pre-K this session but GOP leaders might be tempted, as they have in past negotiations, to expand existing programs, adding a few more million here and a few more million there, just to get their K-12 education priorities passed....

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on May 03, 2018

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A message to high school seniors: College is one choice, but it isn’t the only choice

Written by Catrin Wigfall

in Education

For many high school seniors, graduation is less than a month away. There are a lot of emotions that come with this realization: Shock. Panic. Surprise. Excitement. Accompanying such anticipatory angst is the often-dreaded question, “What’s next?” For some, a college education is the next logical step after high school. But it may not be the appropriate path for all students. Nor is it the only way to succeed. ...

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