School Talk

Joe Nathan, formerly a Minnesota public school teacher, administrator and PTA president, directs the Center for School Change. Email him at joe [at] centerforschoolchange [dot] org

Courage of teens changes America

by Joe Nathan, 4/3/08 • America has moved ahead because of the courage of everyday folks. Last week I wrote about the courage of Iraq soldier Pete Hegseth and Forest Lake Principal Steve Massey. This week the focus turns to nine high school students, who, 50 years ago, shocked and stirred America. They have become known as the “Little Rock Nine.” MORE »

Courage and cooperation in Forest Lake?

by Joe Nathan, 3/29/08 • Can cooperation join with courage in Forest Lake? Based on conversations with Steve Massey, Principal at Forest Lake High School and Pete Hegseth, Executive Director of Vets for Freedom, I think the answer could be “yes.” If so, Forest Lake High School, and other students around the state will get a huge gift. MORE »

Skepticism over starting fresh

By Joe Nathan, 3/22/08
by Joe Nathan, 3/22/08 • How were things like cars, computers, and cell phones created? They were developed by people who started over, questioning current assumptions. Inventors of the automobile did not just trying to develop a stronger horse to pull a wagon. I mention this because of some responses to a recent column I wrote, describing the possibilities of UMORE Park, a “new community” that the University of Minnesota will create in the Rosemount area over the next twenty five years. MORE »

UMore in Rosemount

By Joe Nathan, 2/2008
by Joe Nathan, 2/2008 • “We’re trying to do something that’s never been done at this scale before.” That’s how E. Thomas Sullivan described the UMore Park plans that the University of Minnesota is developing in the southern Twin Cities metro area, near Rosemount. On a twelve-mile square area, with more than 5000 acres, the University hopes to create model communities for more than 30,000 families. And if the plans are fulfilled, it will be a living demonstration of the world’s finest ideas in ecology, education and economic development. MORE »

A huge help for parents

By Joe Nathan, 3/14/08
by Joe Nathan, 3/14/08 • “I need to know about this!” That’s what Sheri Demou, a Lakeville parent told me about a workshop she recently attended about Youngsters and the Internet. Demou was one of more than 150 people who attended a terrific Saturday morning Parent Fair, put on by the Lakeville and Farmington school districts. More than a dozen workshops covered an array of topics. While the workshop happened in a suburb, the topics certainly also apply to urban families. MORE »

A retired teacher’s criticism

By Joe Nathan, 2/29/08
by Joe Nathan, 2/29/08 • “I am not a Joe Nathan fan.” That’s what an educator wrote last week. He told me that he retired from the Anoka public schools after teaching for many years. I try to respond, at least briefly, to each person who writes or calls. But since I often hear from educators with similar concerns, I thought my responses might interest you. Among other things, he wrote: MORE »

Yes and no to American freedom

By • The school serves food that respects the Somali and Oromo traditions
by Joe Nathan, 2/17/08 • Many Minnesota parents might share some of the provocative views some Somali American and Oromo (Ethiopia) parents presented last week. In a wide ranging meeting, about 30 men and women said they strongly support some, and strongly oppose other freedoms that their children are encountering in America. Their reactions have helped guide the schools their children attend. MORE »

Educators offer suburban/rural families a school choice fair

By Joe Nathan
In a great gift to families, Forest Lake area district, charter and parochial school educators are doing something wonderful. It’s an opportunity that I’d hope Iron Range educators consider offering. On Thursday, January 24, from 4:30 – 8:00 PM, schools are coming together in one place to help families learn more about their programs. The school choice fair will be at North Lakes Academy, 255B NW 7th Ave in Forest Lake. MORE »

A tribute to ten (mostly) education-related people and places

By Joe Nathan
Let’s start 2008 with a short list of 2007's outstanding (mostly Minnesota) people and places:
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A lot to learn from Minnesota Student Survey

By Joe Nathan
Two-thirds of Minnesota’s high school seniors may be making pretty good decisions about alcohol, marijuana and seat belts. We have lots to do with at least 1/3. And more than half of Minnesota’s 12th graders are not big fans of their school. Those are some of the key findings of a survey involving about 135,000 Minnesota 6th, 9th and 12th graders. released last week. The Minnesota Departments of Education, Health, Human Services and Public Safety cooperated in the 2007 Minnesota Student survey, More than 300 Minnesota school districts participated on a voluntary basis.MORE »