on April 22, 2020

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Harvard law professor wants to ban homeschooling, calls it “dangerous”

Aside from the unsettling cover image that shows a sad homeschooled girl trapped inside a house with prison bars over the window while other kids play outside, the article “The Risks of Homeschooling” is filled with assumptions and mischaracterizations of parents who teach their children at home. Professor Elizabeth Bartholet argues that families who homeschool violate children’s right to a “meaningful education” and their right “to be protected from potential child abuse."...

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on April 21, 2020

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More accountability needed for nearly $600 million aimed at low-performing students

Written by Catrin Wigfall

in Education

Nearly $600 million a year ($551 million in fiscal year 2018) is sent directly to school districts, charter schools, and other educational organizations across Minnesota to pay for the educational needs of students who do not meet performance standards appropriate for their age. But according to a 2020 evaluation report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor, the statewide impacts of the revenue are unknown. ...

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on April 20, 2020

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Adding more nature to distance learning

Written by Catrin Wigfall

in Education

For families looking to supplement an at-home science class, exploring wildlife through birdwatching is a great way to help children discover nature in a new way. And thanks to round-the-clock livestreams, it is an activity that can be done even while we quarantine. ...

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on April 18, 2020

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Homeschooling: A ‘blessing in disguise’ for some amidst a health care crisis

Written by Catrin Wigfall

in Education

Yes, having everyone at home all day long can get crazy, but for some parents, this time together is giving them a chance to enjoy new relationships with their children that full-time work and day care did not previously allow....

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on April 16, 2020

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Education survey for MN parents

Written by Catrin Wigfall

in Education

The coronavirus crisis has temporarily changed the education landscape. As Minnesota parents adjust to home learning, we want to hear from you about what is working and what has been challenging....

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on April 16, 2020

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Abigail Thernstrom, R.I.P

Written by Mitch Pearlstein

in Education

One of the highlights in doing research for a book of mine published in 2014 was interviewing political scientist Abigail Thernstrom and her historian husband Stephan Thernstrom at their home outside of Washington, DC. The book was Broken Bonds: What Family Fragmentation Means for America’s Future, and I had been particularly interested in talking to them about the educational implications as well as racial aspects of so many young people growing up mostly or exclusively with one parent, not two. Thanks to my American Experiment life, I’ve been lucky to become friends over the years with insightful, fearless, and essential scholars. ...

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on April 14, 2020

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Parents and students react to homeschooling during coronavirus

Written by Catrin Wigfall

in Education

Parents and kids interview each other about what it’s like to learn from home during the coronavirus....

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on April 13, 2020

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Coronavirus school closures provide opportunity to rethink our education system

Written by Catrin Wigfall

in Education

In response to this crisis, policymakers have an opportunity to address education disparities and shake up the status quo....

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on April 07, 2020

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TOMORROW: How good are Minnesota’s public schools, really?

Written by Kathryn Hinderaker

in Education

Everyone assumes Minnesota's public schools are the best in the country. But is it true? Next up in our online Master Class series, Catrin Wigfall dives into the data to give you a true picture of how our state compares to the rest of the nation, how school districts within Minnesota compare to one another, and which students are being left behind. (The answer will shock you.) Sign up HERE! Wednesday, April 8th at 12:00 PM After her presentation, Catrin will answer your questions in a live audience Q&A. Submit your questions in advance by clicking here! Upcoming Master Classes: April 15: Isaac Orr on Everything wrong with the...

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on April 06, 2020

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Patience needed as distance learning experiences glitches

Written by Catrin Wigfall

in Education

For hundreds of thousands of Minnesota students, distance learning is entering its second week. It will take time to adjust to this new way of learning, not only for students but educators and parents as well. And it will also take time to work out the kinks experienced during the first week....

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