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.

How to survive student loan payments resuming, from a Minnesota financial counselor
More than 800,000 Minnesotans have begun paying back federal student loans worth $27 billion for the first time in three years. MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer brought a few questions from borrowers to Lutheran Social Services financial counselor Kim Miller.
What a shutdown would mean for student loan borrowers
October loan payments will still be due, but an extended shutdown could impact customer service.
As some Minnesota school resource officers return, letter sparks uncertainty
After several weeks of controversy and legal debate, some Minnesota law enforcement agencies are starting to return their resource officers to schools — but a new interpretation of recent changes to state law could cause further uncertainty.  
Teachers union, advocacy groups warn of ‘extremist’ school board candidates
A coalition of educators and advocates for Jewish and LGBTQ+ people on Thursday urged Minnesotans to know the views of who they choose for local school board seats this fall, noting that a Holocaust denier is seeking a board seat in Roseville
Minnesota’s new state agency focuses on children and caregivers
Currently, four different state agencies oversee programs for young children but during this year’s legislative session, a proposal for a new state agency was passed to consolidate those programs under one jurisdiction: the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families.
St. Clair Superintendent Tim Collins and Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial Superintendent Mark Westerburg joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about the decision to reinstate school resource officers.
As student mental health needs leap, schools seek a next generation of counselors
A nearly $7 million federal grant is helping address Minnesota’s long standing shortage of school counselors. Those doing the work now in northwestern Minnesota say the needs are greater than ever.
In St. Paul schools, gender-neutral bathrooms have proven safer for all students
Gender-neutral bathrooms in schools have been the focus of questions and political debate across the country. Johnson Senior High School in St. Paul, which made all of its bathrooms gender neutral in 2016, has some answers.