Community Collaboration helps increase Battle Creek family involvement almost 20%

By |

A new, more collaborative approach has increased family participation in spring conferences held at Battle Creek Middle School in St. Paul. This April, our Spring Conference turnout had a 7% increase from last year and a 19% increase from two years ago. Many programs shared information about opportunities to develop new skills, improve academically and stay physically active during the summer. Continue Reading

Seven Minnesota education successes in 2014

By |

Looking back on 2014, seven Minnesota education stories strike me as especially encouraging . This isn’t to suggest everything is perfect. But students, families, school faculty, Gov. Mark Dayton, Minnesota Dept of Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius and state legislators deserve credit for some important steps. Continue Reading

“Keep their Minds Engaged in Wonder”: Educators’ advice about summer learning

By |

“Keep their minds and bodies engaged in wonder during the summer months when they are not attending school.” That’s what Julie Olson, director of elementary education for the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools recommended last week. She was one of 41 union leaders, superintendents, principals and other education leaders who responded to my request for suggestions about what parents could do to encourage continued learning during the summer. They described a combination modeling, advocacy, exploration and encouraging participation in community, school and family activities.  This can produce a summer with great memories and student growth. Continue Reading