Education News

MPR News keeps track of the latest education news in Minnesota so you can understand the events shaping the future of learning and how it impacts students at any level.

Stay informed about local education events, policies and more happening in schools and colleges across Minnesota.

Minnesota to expand COVID-19 testing options in schools
The state is making rapid at-home tests available to districts that request them. It’s also handing out grant money to districts that want to hire additional staff or need other help with the logistics of regular testing in schools. 
In St. Cloud, students seize chance to hone native Somali language skills
School officials say research shows multilingual students are more likely to be academically successful in all areas when they have opportunities to continue developing their first language.
Flush with COVID-19 aid, schools steer funding to sports
A growing number of school districts in the U.S. are using federal pandemic funding on athletics projects. One school district in Iowa is spending $100,000 on a weight room renovation, while another in Wisconsin is spending $1.6 million on new synthetic turf fields.
Walz calls for vaccine and testing requirements for teachers
Gov. Tim Walz is calling on lawmakers to approve a series of new measures to respond to the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccine and testing requirements for teachers and school staff, and for long-term care workers. 
St. Kate is pushing to double number of BIPOC women in STEM fields in next 5 years
St. Catherine University in St. Paul is working to double the number of BIPOC leaders in science in the next five years. The private women’s college will host a town hall at 7 p.m. Wednesday, moderated by Minnesota Public Radio host Kerri Miller.
California to require COVID-19 vaccines for schoolchildren
California will become the first U.S. state to require COVID-19 vaccinations for children to attend public and private schools in person, in a mandate that could effect millions of students.
Education Dept. to overhaul the troubled Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
The program's confusing requirements led to crowds of frustrated borrowers being denied debt relief. The U.S. Department of Education will soon announce a series of long-term and temporary fixes.
School boards are asking for federal help as they face threats and violence
School board meetings, usually one of the most mundane examples of local democracy in action, have exploded with vitriol across the country in recent months, and many school leaders are scared.