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.

Elk River students asked the school’s equity specialist to explain looting. Now parents want him fired
The teacher whose class had the discussion described the lesson as a constructive one that helped students make sense of current events. But many parents who clicked on a partial recording later interpreted the conversation differently. In between those two accounts lies a fault line that confronts educators — especially Black educators — when they try to discuss race in the classroom.
Comic: Teaching kids to make art out of what they have in the pandemic
It's been a year since teachers were handed an unprecedented request: educate students in entirely new ways, amid the backdrop of a global pandemic. This week is a first grade teacher in Los Angeles.
'It made my heart broke': Marshall first-graders, parents grieve loss of classmate to COVID-19
School community members this week grieved the loss of a first grader at Park Side Elementary School in Marshall. Many families navigated the loss — and helped their children try to make sense of it.
Survey finds student learning, mental health suffered during pandemic
A new survey from University of Minnesota researchers finds that Minnesota students in grades 6 through 12 managed to learn despite dramatic pandemic-related school changes. But their rate of learning was perceived to be lower than before COVID-19 and their mental health was challenged.
When classes start this fall at St. Paul’s Macalester College, students and employees on campus will be vaccinated against the coronavirus. That’s because the college is requiring it, with only limited exception.
The risk of COVID-19 spread for children and students
Minnesota health officials are urging more testing of middle and high school students for COVID-19. They're increasingly concerned about spread of the virus among children who are not yet authorized for the vaccine. This sets up a tough dynamic for parents. It can be hard to know how safe certain activities are for the family, if not everyone is immunized.
Biden to propose free preschool, a $200B investment
President Joe Biden will call for free preschool for all 3- and 4-year-old children as part of his American Families Plan.