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  All public school children must have equal access to a high quality education regardless of where they live in Minnesota.
Legislative Update
A Communication for Parents and Education Supporters in SEE Districts		February 4, 2011
If this is your first Legislative Update from SEE - Welcome!
For those who have been with us through the years - Thank you!
 SEE publishes this Legislative Update weekly during the legislative session.

Brad Lundell, Executive Director for SEE, writes a blog on almost a daily basis.  For up-to-date information about what is happening at the capitol visit Brad's Blog.
In This Issue
Data-driven Decision Making
Education nNews
Other Activity at the Capitol
Negotiating Teacher Contracts
Other Activity at the Capitol
What can you do?
SEE Website
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 Data-driven Decision Making 

As private industry has long known, continuous improvement requires data-driven decision making.  In education, decisions tend to be based more on the political winds than what has been proven to work. 

 

Minnesota received two Longitudinal Data System grants totaling over $20 million to use for improving the quality and use of education data.  Read more. . .

 

Education News

Growth & Justice released a case study report documenting the impressive accomplishment in Cincinnati where they dramatically increased graduation rates and significantly reduced the achievement gap in just five years.   

 

On Wednesday, the Senate Education Committee heard presentations from educators at Farnsworth Aerospace Magnet School (a public K-8 school in the St. Paul School District), Sibley East Elementary School and the Concordia Creative Learning Academy (a K-8 charter school in St. Paul).  

 

These schools are proving that every child can learn by using similar strategies outlined in the Cincinnati case study report mainly - strong school leadership teams, effective and engaged teachers, clear vision and high expectations. If you have the time and want to be impressed with some of the fine work being done in Minnesota schools, listen to the audio from this committee meeting.  (Wednesday, February 2, Education)
 Perspective from the Education Commissioner 

New Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius seemed to have charmed and impressed the members of the education committee as she discussed her goals and vision for improving Minnesota's education system.  Read more

 Negotiating teacher contracts 

HF92(Downey) - a bill that would repeal the $25 per pupil penalty if a district does not negotiate its teacher's contract the by January 15 deadline was passed in the House Education Finance committee and laid on the table for possible inclusion in a future bill.  The penalty takes money away from our children and their schools when the adults cannot get the job done.  Many believe this provision unfairly favors the teachers over the districts in the negotiation process. There has been spirited testimony on both sides of the issue. 

 

Another possible option comes in HF339(Kelly)/SF208(Hann).  This bill would allow negotiations only in the summer months when school is not in session.  If no agreement is made, negotiations would be suspended until the following summer.  If no agreement is reached at the end of the second summer, the school board may either enter into binding arbitration or unilaterally implement the items contained in the board's final offer.  I would expect some fireworks when this bill is heard in committee.

 Other Activity at the Capitol 

The alternative teacher licensure bills, SF40(Olson)/HF63(Garafalo), passed on the Senate floor and is moving through the House.  Read more . . .

 

SF56(Thompson) - the bill that freezes teacher's pay and other provisions is headed to the Senate floor for a vote.  More . . .

 

SF55(Hann)/HF134(Woodward) - a bill that extends the deadline for the Minnesota Department of Education to approve authorizers for Charter schools until June, 2012, passed on the Senate floor with a 64-0 vote.

 

Brad Lundell, Executive Director of SEE, testified in the House Education Finance Committee.  He outlined SEE's 2011 Legislative Platform. 

 

Also, be sure to check out Brad's Blog for detailed information on what is happening at the Capitol!

What can you do?
The decisions that will most impact our children and their schools are made at the STATE Capitol.  Since children can't advocate for themselves, it up to us to be their voice.  
     
  • Stay informed.  Take the time to read SEE Legislative Updates. I will work to keep you informed and will suggest ways that you can help.  Be prepared to act at critical times when I send out action alerts.  Action can be as simple as sending an email or making a phone call. 
  • Pass these updates on and ask your friends to sign up to receive SEE's Legislative Updates so they too can be part of our network.  Now is the time to build a education supporters network so we can respond when critical times occur during the legislative session.  In this political world, it is the voice of many that can make a difference. 
    •  Other Resources

    2011 Education Bills spreadsheet - A comprehensive spreadsheet of relevant education bills.

     

    Schedule of education committee meetings - a updated listing of education committee meetings and other committee meetings that are hearing education bills.

    If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact me.

     

    Deb Griffiths

    Director of Communications and Community Outreach

    Schools for Equity in Education

    612-309-0089

    deb.griffiths@schoolsforequity.org

    www.schoolsforequity.org