Education

Educators applaud the intentions, but in Minnesota they're finding schools in many districts, including wealthier ones, may fail to meet new federal standards. The Bush Administration's central education reform gives until the end of January for states to say how they will comply with federal rules requiring every child pass a series of tests. Meanwhile, Minnesota's incoming governor wants to change the standards the state currently is using.

Will education be affected by the severe revenue shortfall? Host Gary Eichten and his guest explore educational achievements during the past four years, and how education might be affected by the state's projected deficit.

The test scoring company that mishandled thousands of Minnesota high school exams has agreed to pay $7 million in damages to affected students and their families.

A new National Geographic worldwide survey found that one in 10 young Americans could not locate the United States on a map of the world. And American students fared next to worst compared with young people of other countries.

Student activists at Minnesota's campuses are getting involved in the national debate over Iraq. Peace activists at campuses across the state are planning protests, debates and votes to show their opposition to a potential invasion of Iraq. Some say today's student activists are better prepared to present their case than their counterparts from the Vietnam era. For many students, peace has become part of the curriculum in school. But some students don't consider themselves peace activists and say professors need to teach both sides of the issue, and push aside the anti-war ideology.

Schools in North Dakota are not required to have a nurse on staff. It's one of only two states were school nurses are optional. But a $1 million grant may change that. A Fargo-based medical foundation is out to prove school nurses are critical to the well-being of students.

Red Wing teachers are on strike. Mediation with district officals broke down last night. The two sides are deadlocked over health insurance benefits and salaries. Teachers have been working without a contract for more than 15 months. Now as teachers take to the picket line for the first time in district history, four other unions affiliated with the local public schools are also contemplating a walk-out.

In 1975, President Ford signed landmark legislation that guaranteed every disabled child equal access to an education. Congress will soon begin work to reauthorize the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This complex law has opened up learning opportunities for millions of children. But it's also consistently criticized as the classic unfunded mandate, one that puts a financial drain on school districts.

Three of the four major candidates for governor outlined their positions on education issues Friday, during a Minnesota School Boards Association meeting in Bloomington.