March 8, 2001 - In 1994, the Pew Charitable Trust gave the state and three counties $1.5 million to use for Children, Families, and Learning. In 1998, they didn't spend all the money. They illegally gave the money to the United Way of Olmstead County as means of a bank account.
March 6, 2001 -
March 6, 2001 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports that educators throughout Minnesota have criticized Governor Ventura's proposed budget as insufficient for public schools, but supporters of the state's Indian Education programs are not complaining. Ventura wants to double the current funding targeted to American Indian students in an attempt to lower one of the state's highest drop out rates.
February 27, 2001 -
February 23, 2001 - The Minnesota Legislature voted three years ago to abolish the state board of education, but now some lawmakers are trying to reverse that decision. At least two bills have been introduced this session to resurrect the board. One would recreate the same type of board that went out of business in December 1999, with the Governor appointing its members. Another proposal would allow voters to decide its membership. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
February 19, 2001 - Through out its 150 year history, the University of Minnesota has struggled with its dueling missions of academic access and academic excellence. The U of M's General College has been at the heart of much of that debate. Some say the General College is an essential entry point for students, who have yet to reach their academic potential. Others argue that role is better served by the state's community colleges. As a part of our week-long series "Universal U," Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports on the fight over the complex and sometimes competing missions of the U of M.
February 19, 2001 - The University of Minnesota was founded seven years before the territory of Minnesota became a state. The U of M is now in its 150th year. Through it's evolution from a preparatory school to a leading land grant, doctoral and research institution, the university has been an enduring fixture throughout Minnesota's history. All this week Minnesota Public Radio marks the sesquicentennial of the University of Minnesota with a series of reports called the "Universal U". Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire has the first of our ten reports.
January 23, 2001 - Ventura says that public education was the winner of his budget a couple of years ago. Now the focus needs to now go elsewhere.
January 15, 2001 - Leaders of a new education lobbying group say they want to advocate a common sense, conservative agenda for school reform. The Minnesota Education League today (Monday) outlined a political agenda that includes private school tax credits, charter school incentives, an easing of teacher license requirements and an overhaul of the Profile of Learning graduation standards. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports...
January 10, 2001 - The push to overhaul teacher pay in Minnesota schools appears to be building momentum, but key lawmakers and education groups disagree on how quickly changes should come and how much money is needed. Advocates for teacher compensation reform say changes are needed soon to help retain quality teachers and attract a new generation into the teaching profession. The Association of Metropolitan School Districts hosted a conference on the issue today (Wednesday) in Saint Paul. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports...