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.

The bill includes vouchers, union rollbacks and more money in the per pupil formula.
Two Minnesota colleges are bringing home students studying in Japan, because of safety concerns after last week's earthquake and tsunami and the current nuclear crisis.
From spokeswoman Melinda Voss: “From our standpoint, it is a large cut and it is going to hurt. The bill carries a one-two punch — first by reducing our base substantially and then by limiting tuition. So, the bill would significantly reduce appropriations and also tie our hands with tuition. We also believe tuition should…
Got this reaction from Dr. Sheila Wright in an e-mail from the Office of Higher Education: “I am deeply appreciative of efforts among the House Majority to protect the State Grant Program, the State’s vital core necessary for maintaining access to higher education for students from low and middle-income backgrounds. However, this is accomplished through…
U: Soudan mine fire unrelated to physics experiment
Just a note: The fire in the mine shaft at Soudan Underground Mine State Park near Tower is not connected to the University of Minnesota physics experiment being conducted there, university spokesman Dan Wolter told me. Nor is it thought to be damaged. (No injuries so far, either.) The fire between the 23rd and 25th…
Just got this from the U. University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks sounds none too pleased. President Bruininks reacts to Minnesota House Committee recommended budget I am disappointed that, once again, the University of Minnesota faces deep cuts to state support. The recommendation of the House Higher Education Committee will mean the loss of more…
History127 via Wikimedia Commons Delivering some hits The House has released its breakdown of higher education cuts and appropriations. Some percentages appear to differ from previous estimates, and some of that is due to differences in what people are measuring. After a discussion or two with folks in the system, here’s how much the House…
U plans to take down buildings, some historic
The University of Minnesota wants to knock down seven buildings on its Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses as an effort to save money on energy and maintenance. U officials will ask the board of regents in May for permission to take out the structures. They include a few empty houses, two buildings on the north…
A week or so after the earthquake in Japan, it looks like seven of the 11 University of Minnesota Students studying there are coming home because of lingering safety issues. Gustavus Adolphus is also bringing home its six students. (Are there any other institutions advising or ordering their students to return?) Here’s the announcement from…
What's new at the U this week
From the U: The Twin Cities campus is a lonely place because of spring break. Medical students were on campus though, because it was Match Day on Thursday. Match Day is when medical students learn where they will be placed for their residencies. Plus, take a look at a U of M technology that helps…