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.

Princeton to remove Wilson name from public policy school
Princeton University has announced plans to remove the name of former President Woodrow Wilson from its public policy school because of his segregationist views, reversing a decision the Ivy League school made four years ago to retain the name.
 St. Paul school board votes against renewing contract with police
By a vote of 5 to 1, the school board decided against renewing a contract with the St. Paul Police Department. The nearly $775,000 contract, which ends on June 30, employs seven school resource officers in the state’s second-largest district.
UMD joins growing list of schools going test-optional
Starting in the spring of 2021, students applying to the University of Minnesota Duluth will have the choice whether or not to submit an ACT or SAT score as part of their application. 
Budgets put limits on social distancing options for schools
As schools consider how and when to reopen their buildings during the pandemic, many are finding themselves overwhelmed by the potential expenses that would come with operating under social distancing guidelines: protective equipment, staff for smaller classes and additional transportation to keep students spread out on bus rides.
Why there's a push to get police out of schools
In most states, Black students are more likely to be arrested at school, and according to one expert, "There isn't much evidence indicating that police officers in schools make schools safer."
Students of color press St. Paul district to cut ties with Police Department
Some students and recent graduates say a police presence in schools gets in the way of an education for many Black students. The St. Paul school board could vote on a measure to remove police from schools on Tuesday evening.
6 things to know about what school will look like this fall
Minnesota health and education officials have told school leaders to plan for three different scenarios for resuming school during the 2020-2021 academic year.
In-school, online or both? State urges districts to prep for it all this fall
State officials have said they will not release details about what form the upcoming academic year will take until the week of July 27. “We want to make a decision as close to the time as possible — but still allowing time to plan,” Deputy Commissioner Heather Mueller said.
5 radical schooling ideas for an uncertain fall and beyond
American education is full of innovators practicing alternatives to the mainstream. Now, some of those alternatives are proving their mettle.