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.

Highlights of $900 billion COVID-19 relief, wrap-up bills
Congressional leaders have hashed out a massive, year-end catchall bill that combines $900 billion in COVID-19 aid with a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill and reams of other unfinished legislation on taxes, energy, education and health care. The huge, still-unreleased bill is slated for votes on Monday — with lawmakers having only a few hours to read it before casting their votes.
‘Who you are is valuable’: How Black male teachers in Minnesota are recruiting others to the profession
Minnesota K-12 students are more racially diverse than they've ever been. But it's a different story for the state's educators — Black teachers in particular make up just 1.4 percent of the state’s teaching population. One Twin Cities nonprofit organization is hoping to change that.
U of M President Gabel on COVID-19 challenges, plans
The University of Minnesota is facing a major budget shortfall as it grapples with losses in its athletics department, coupled with low revenue from student housing and other pandemic-related challenges.
Minnesota elementary schools can reopen Jan. 18
Gov. Tim Walz is giving elementary schools across the state the green light to reopen next month if they adopt a number of strategies to contain the spread of the coronavirus. It’s a shift from previous policy, which required districts to rely on county-level data about the level of virus transmission in their communities to guide their reopening plans.
How to talk to your child about failing grades
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with an editor at a national education news publication about what he’s learned about pandemic grades. A local director of student support services also joins the show to discuss how parents and caregivers can talk to their students about their grades during this difficult time.
Federal Reserve banks focus on solutions to racism's impact on our economy
The Federal Reserve Banks of Minneapolis, Atlanta and Boston convened an event in November as part of a series on “Racism and the Economy.” This session focused on employment issues.
Op-ed urging Jill Biden to drop the 'Dr.' sparks outrage online
The widely panned opinion piece addressed Jill Biden as "kiddo" and advised her to "drop the doc." The incoming first lady holds two master's degrees and a doctorate in education.
'Fauci effect' drives record number of medical school applications
The pandemic put a spotlight on health care workers and inspired many to pursue a career in medicine. The record number of applicants comes as the U.S. faces a projected shortage of physicians.