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.

Back to school reporter roundtable: Districts hone in on student safety, budget woes
If you are a parent in Minnesota, you probably got an email last week from your school district that had details about what officials are doing to keep kids safe as classes start this week. School leaders conducted extra check-ins with local law enforcement before classes started to ensure safety plans were in place.
How to support your kids – and yourself –  through back-to-school anxiety
The first day of school can bring a wide range of feelings, especially for parents sending off kindergarteners. And with the backdrop of the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, there is an extra layer of anxiety for many families.
International student enrollment slips under Trump. How is MSU Mankato moving forward?
Will Coghill-Behrends, the dean of global education at Minnesota State University, Mankato joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition Thursday with his insights and how the school is easing international students’ paths to the North Star State.
How to cope with back-to-school anxiety
MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about the signs and causes of back-to-school anxiety and what parents can do to support their children and teens.
St. Paul Public Schools focus on safe, welcoming start of the school year
The district has spent years developing a layered approach to school safety that’s backed by research. Gov. Walz says he wants special session to introduce gun safety measures.
Minnesota bets big on free public preschool; private child care operators watch, worry
Funding approved by the Legislature last year added 5,000 voluntary pre-kindergarten slots this fall in Minnesota schools, a 75 percent increase. While it eases the burden on families, private child care operators worry they “can’t compete with free.”
Colleges face financial struggles as Trump policies send international enrollment plummeting
Signs of a decline in international students have unsettled colleges around the U.S., but some schools are especially vulnerable. Colleges with large numbers of foreign students and small endowments have little financial cushion to protect them from steep losses in tuition money.
Minnesota K-12 test scores hold steady, attendance rises
Minnesota schools are seeing a rise in consistent attendance after years of concerted efforts following the pandemic. K-12 academic test scores remain unchanged.