School Talk

As we move toward 2012, here's some good news about closing urban achievement gaps. Creative, hard working educators in Minneapolis and Cincinnati, in partnership with Cargill and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, have produced major academic gains. Both district and charter public schools are involved.  Here’s what happened.

“Reach for the Stars 2011-12” is one of the finest free resources I’ve ever seen for families, educators or young people.  The 28-page booklet is an amazing array of what its compilers describe as almost 100 “academic programs, challenges, competitions, events and enrichment opportunities for k-12 students in Minnesota.” 

Autumn, Rosemary, Renee, Mary, Edgar, and Ellen are among an intriguing group of 100,000 Minnesotans. One’s not yet 18, another is in her 30’s and another is in his 50’s.  They come from everywhere, Anoka to Minneapolis to Zimmerman, suburbs, small towns, farms and cities. There are taking on-line courses this year from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.

This is the story of a beloved public school teacher.  It's about Ron Moeller, who recently died at age 48.  More than 300 St. Paul, Minnesota parents, educators and students attended a spaghetti dinner and memorial service in his honor last week.