GradNation State!
A collaborative effort designed to put Minnesota on track to achieve a 90 percent graduation rate by 2020 --The GradMinnesota initiative, co-chaired by Lt. Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon and Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius -- will connect our state to a nationwide movement focused on closing achievement gaps and raising graduation rates. Minnesota is already making important progress. Preliminary data released this week shows that over the last two years graduation rates have started to increase for every subgroup, with greatest gains in Hispanic, African American, and Asian students. Read press release on the Governor's website.
Recognizing Outstanding Teachers
Governor Mark Dayton and Commissioner Cassellius met with the 2012 Milken Educator award recipient and Highland Park Elementary teacher Steve Abenth to congratulate him for his incredible service and exemplary work as an educator. Mr. Abenth, a fourth grade teacher, brought his family and school principal to the reception room for the occasion. Visit St. Paul Public Schools website. Vist the Milken Foundation website.
Closing the Achievement Gap
Commissioner Cassellius stood with educators and education advocates to discuss how strategic investments in Governor Dayton’s budget will advance current efforts to close Minnesota's achievement gaps. Despite strong test scores, Minnesota is widely recognized as having one of the largest achievement gaps in the nation. Governor Dayton took a comprehensive look at education from early childhood through postsecondary and proposed $640 million in new investments in K-12 and Higher Education. Read news release.
Special Education Roundtable
As part of a series of school visits across Minnesota, Commissioner Casselliuswill host a roundtable on special education in St. Cloud today. The Commissioner, St. Cloud Superintendent Bruce Watkins and area teachers and administrators will talk about the current state of special education. The Office of the Legislative Auditor recently released a report that affirms the need for increased funding and special education reform, two substantial components of Governor Mark Dayton’s budget. Read Media Advisory. Visit the Governor's website.
Providing Access to Data for All
The Minnesota Department of Education-Organization Reference Glossary (MDE-ORG) provides data on schools and organizations in one easy-to-use site. The system provides open access for all to the wealth of information we collect from Minnesota schools, districts, early learning providers and more. Create your own databases, contact lists and more. Start using MDE-ORG now!
