Education

States report new high school graduation rates using more accurate, common measure

Friday, 30 November 2012 11:35

The U.S. Department of Education released data detailing state four-year high school graduation rates in 2010-11 – the first year for which all states used a common, rigorous measure. The varying methods formerly used by states to report graduation rates made comparisons between states unreliable, while the new, common metric can be used by states, districts and schools to promote greater accountability and to develop strategies that will reduce dropout rates and increase graduation rates in schools nationwide.

MPS embraces students’ Somali heritage with new class offerings

Friday, 30 November 2012 10:28

Minneapolis Public Schools may very well be the first school district in the nation to offer Somali language classes to high school students. At South High School, where MPS’ Somali classes are offered, nearly 60 students are registered in two class periods, one that focuses on Somali language and another on culture. “Somali language is an important element of one’s identity,” said Dahir Hassan, Somali language and heritage teacher at South. “If you don’t speak the language, it is hard to claim that identity.”

Board of Education renews Dr. Bernadeia Johnson’s contract

Friday, 30 November 2012 10:26

Dr. Bernadeia Johnson and the Minneapolis Board of Education on November 27 jointly announced their agreement on a new three-year employment contract for Johnson. The renewal of Johnson's contract will make her the longest-serving MPS superintendent in more than a decade. Her tenure began in July 2010. Under the new agreement, effective July 1, 2013, the superintendent will lead MPS until at least June 30, 2016.

Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. celebrates its 50th anniversary

Tuesday, 13 November 2012 09:57

Organization donates $50,000 to Morgan State University where it all began.

African-American business sorority hosts luncheon; auction to provide college scholarships

Monday, 05 November 2012 11:29 Harry Colbert, Jr.

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., an African-American professional business sorority, held a luncheon and auction to benefit area teens in need of college funding assistance.

Saint Paul Public School referendum adds $9 million for technology

Tuesday, 30 October 2012 11:06 Melvin Carter III, Saint Paul City Councilmember

It is critical that our community support the Saint Paul Public School Referendum on the November 6 ballot, which asks Saint Paul voters to renew the $30 million levy that passed in 2006 and add a $9 million investment in technology for our kids.

Students and faculty unite against voter restriction

Monday, 29 October 2012 15:20

Students representing public universities, private colleges and community colleges from around Minnesota, along with select college faculty and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, gathered Tuesday in front of Coffman Memorial Union to hold a news conference and rally against the voter restriction amendment. Speakers included student representatives from Winona State University, the University Minnesota-Morris, the University of St. Thomas and several from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.