September 2, 1997 - As the new school year begins, Latino/Chicano parents in St. Paul are pressuring school district officials to do a better job educating their children. Many of those raising concerns are the same parents who sued the district 21 years ago over learning inequities. They claim there's been little improvement for Latino students since the case was settled. School district officials say they remain committed to their court-ordered obligations to Latino students, and the special programs are helping. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
September 2, 1997 - As students and teachers head back to class today, one of the state's best-known teachers will be staying home. Jon Hassler, the author of novels like "The Dean's List" and "Staggerford", has retired after 42 years teaching high school and college. Hassler recently spoke with Mainstreet Radio's Leif Enger about teaching, and being taught.
September 3, 1997 - Minneapolis school officials say the first day of new schedules went smoother than expected. The state's largest school district changed start times for all high schools and middle schools and many elementary schools. Elementary schools are starting earlier than last year and high schools start later. Supporters of the new start times say students will learn better, but some students say they want their old schedule back. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
September 8, 1997 - School administrators throughout Minnesota are deciding how to spend the money they've received to help poor students get better grades. The state will give schools $180-million this year to improve academic achievement, a $50-million increase from a year ago. For the first time, the money is going to individual schools, rather than school districts. Educators say the getting the money, and the responsibilities that go with it, is a giant step forward for local control and site-based decision-making. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
September 8, 1997 - Fifth graders across the state this week are deciding which instruments they'll play in band and orchestra classes. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports professional musicians in Rochester are helping students make what can be a life-changing decision. (sound..clarinet) In a room filled with squeaks and whistles, clarinettist Richard Halleen zeroes in on Sasha Case's first few notes.
September 18, 1997 - Just a few months after flooding irreversibly changed thousands of peoples' lives in the Red River Valley...some are telling their stories for posterity. MPR's Hope Deutscher spoke with two people who are gathering individual stories of struggle, despair and recovery...for very different reasons.
September 19, 1997 - A new non profit organization has been formed to promote conservation on Minnesota’s rivers and streams. The Rivers Council of Minnesota meets this weekend at the Moorhead State University Regional Science Center to plot strategy. The goals of the organization include more water quality monitoring, and a stronger voice for rivers in environmental policy discussions. Minnesota Public Radio’s Dan Gunderson reports.
September 30, 1997 - Student Aishah Jackson, external president of the Black Liberation Affairs Committee at Macalester College, comments on Macalester administration's reaction to racial incident on campus.
September 30, 1997 - The small campus of Macalester College in St. Paul is reeling from an alleged racist incident and its aftermath. A couple of weekends ago, a black female student reported that someone wrote on her dorm room door's message board: "We hate you, we hate you. Hugs and kisses. The KKK." A nearby poster of Tiger Woods was similarly defaced. In response, there were dorm meetings, a letter to all students from the college president condemning the attack, and a convocation yesterday attended by 450 students. Roberto Ifell is special assistant for Diversity and Campus Community at Macalester.
October 2, 1997 - The accounts of torture and murder being heard by South Africa's Reconciliation Commision are a grim reminder of past life under the country's white minority government. The end of apartheit brings hope, but also a new set of problems. A South African singing group called "The Christian Explainers" is on a U.S. tour to call attention to the rise of drug violence that is afflicting the country. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson has more ANNCR TAG: The Christian Explainers' first Twin Cities performance is Thursday evening (tonight) in St. Paul at the Minnesota History Center auditorium. Eddie Jacobs is alternately hopeful and fearful about the future fo