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.

St. Paul educators reach tentative contract deal, call off strike
The union representing and the district announced they had reached a tentative settlement at about 3 a.m. this morning. The union told members to report to work this afternoon, although schools will remain closed Friday.
Contract talks resume for striking St. Paul teachers
The St. Paul school district and its teachers union have resumed contract talks while striking educators continue to walk picket lines and classes are canceled for a third straight day.
In multicultural Austin, officials launch plan for census participation
Roughly 15 percent of the southern Minnesota city’s population was born outside the U.S. So when local officials heard immigrants may be worried about participating in the census, they devised a plan to make sure the community’s hardest to reach residents are counted.
Cancellations rise in Minnesota as coronavirus spreads
Museums, city halls, the NBA season and myriad other events and facilities are being closed, postponed or canceled as the fight against the virus shifts to limiting public gatherings.
Students, businesses wary of U of M coronavirus-inspired class suspensions
U leaders canceled face-to-face classes until at least the end of the month. Mitchell Hamline Law School and the University of St. Thomas made similar moves Thursday. The Minnesota State system will add a week of suspended classes to spring holiday, effectively creating a two-week break.
Striking St. Paul teachers returning to contract talks Thursday
The educators union said late Wednesday its leaders will return to the bargaining table at 8 a.m. Thursday as their strike against the city school district enters its third day.
Academic discipline: It’s different for black girls
In Minnesota, young black girls are about 8.5 times more likely to be suspended than their white female peers — much higher than the national average, according to a report from the National Women’s Law Center. A documentary called “Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools” debuted last year and brought national attention to the issue. Two community leaders explore how they are trying to address this issue.
When should schools close for coronavirus?
Closing schools can slow the spread of disease and, in turn, save lives. But it also causes huge disruptions, especially for children who depend on the free and reduced-cost meals they get at school.
U of M suspends campus classes, moving instruction online over COVID-19 fears
University of Minnesota leaders said Wednesday the system is suspending in-person instruction on its campuses and moving to online instruction as a precaution against the disease. The state’s system of two-year colleges and regional universities hasn’t yet decided to move classes online.
Strike leads to search for child care for St. Paul parents
Parents are bracing for no school in the coming days. The city says some buildings will be open to serve meals to children who are on free and reduced-price lunch.