November 29, 2000 - The medical school would use the extra money, $8 million, to stabilize the school's bad budget, hire more researchers, and educate more health professionals in the state.
November 29, 2000 - A new report on student performance shows the Minneapolis school district continues to make overall gains, but a handful of schools aren't doing as well as they need to. Under new accountability standards, eight elementary and middle schools could face strict district interventions and the possible reorganization of staff. School officials say additional efforts are also needed district-wide to address a troubling achievement gap for African-American students. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
November 30, 2000 - The nation's largest study of adolescent health finds that one in four teenagers have used a weapon in the past and one in ten drink alcohol on a regular basis. Researchers at the University of Minnesota surveyed 10-thousand students ranging in age from twelve to seventeen. The research suggests that teenagers who engage in risky behavior have done poorly in school and have lots of unsupervised free time. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
December 5, 2000 - The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system this afternoon named James McCormick as its new Chancellor. McCormick has been head of the State System of Higher Education in Pennsylvania for the past 17 years. McCormick says initially, he wasn't interested in the job, but that he warmed to the idea when he learned more about the 35-school system:
December 6, 2000 - The 14-thousand students in the Robbinsdale school district will go back to classes tomorrow (Thursday), but they won't be riding in school buses. Classes were cancelled today in the suburban district after bus drivers and custodians went out on strike. Union leaders say they're prepared to walk the picket line as long as necessary. District officials say they're making the adjustments needed to keep schools open. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports...
December 6, 2000 - Researchers at the University of Minnesota will issue a new report later today on how to assess the performance of public schools. The researchers say the report provides a way for parents and policy-makers to judge schools, and hold them accountable. Joining us on the line is Joe Nathan, director of the Center for School Change at the Humphrey Institute, and co-author of the report. Joe Nathan is the director of the Center for School Change at the University of Minnesota.
December 7, 2000 - Robbinsdale Superintendent talks about how to get through the bus driver picket lines.
December 7, 2000 - The University of Minnesota Women's Volleyball team is in Honolulu, Hawai'i preparing for tonight's game against Cal State-Santa Barbara. The Gophers are competing in the N-C double-A regional semifinals. That's the eqivalent of basketball's sweet sixteen. It's the fourth time in school history they've made it this far, but they've never advanced to the final eight. Pam Schmid covers Gopher volleyball for the Star Tribune. She talked about the team with Minnesota Public Radio's Jim Bickal.
December 12, 2000 - Striking bus drivers and custodians in the Robbinsdale school district have overwhelmingly approved a new two-year contract agreement. Negotiators for the union and school district resumed talks with a state mediator last (Monday) night and reached the settlement early this morning. School district officials say some custodians are expected back on the job as early as tonight and the buses will be rolling again as usual tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports...
December 12, 2000 - Stan Mack, Robbinsdale School District Superintendent INTRO: Striking workers at the Robbinsdale School district could be back on the job as soon as tonight. The union representing custodians and school bus drivers, and the school district have reached a tentative agreement. The rank and file could vote on the deal this afternoon. It gives the workers a 12-point-7 percent pay raise over 2 years. Joining us on the line is Stan Mack, Robbinsdale Superintendent. -- What does the agreement say? -- What brought the two sides together? -- What can parents xpect this morning? -- What's the timetable for approving the deal? -- When will workers be back on the job?