Minnesota Principals' Academy
Highly effective teachers are the number one factor impacting student achievement and the education committees have already spent a great deal of time discussing how Minnesota is going to train and maintain great teachers. Going hand in hand with that is the effectiveness of the schools principals. If we are going to transform our schools so every child succeeds, all principals must be true instructional leaders and capable change agents. Several years ago, the legislature established the Minnesota Principals Academy which is an intensive 27 day leadership program based on best practices for leadership development utilized in both private industry and the military. Due to limited funding only 200 of Minnesota 1,700 principals have had the opportunity to participate. The curriculum outlines the skill sets that have been identified for great school principals. |
Activity on Other Education Bills
SF56 (Thompson-R) - a bill that would freeze school employee wages for two years passed on the Senate floor by a 36-29 vote. A state-wide wage freeze would probably be appropriate given the funding crisis as it would preserve jobs and put kids first. Read more.
The alternative teacher licensure bill passed on the House floor by a 72-59 vote and will head to conference committee. Read more.
Senator Ted Daley's (R-Eagan) bill that requires prospective teachers to pass a basic skills test before they can be admitted to a teacher preparation program passed as amended and will head directly to the Senate floor. The companion bill was also passed in the House Education Reform Committee.
SF251 Jungbauer (R-East Bethel) - a bill that would end tenure by requiring teachers to be evaluated every 5 years to renew their continuing contract was discussed and laid on the table. Senate education committee chair Gen Olson said this was just one of several bills on the subject that will be evaluated.
Representative Mindy Greiling (D-Roseville) has introduced the New Minnesota Miracle bill from previous years. I wouldn't expect much, if any, action on the bill.
Also, two bills (HF341(Greiling-DFL) and HF407(Kriesel-R)) that would prohibit the Minnesota Management of Budget from reducing aid to school districts that have a fund reserve prior to borrowing for cash flow problems were heard in the House Education Finance Committee. |
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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. |
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If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact me.
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