August 28, 2007 - Many of the Somalis enrolled in Twin Cities schools and colleges have had little early exposure to education. Their parents may also have minimal education. All this makes navigating the school system difficult. Now a non-profit organization from within the East African community is trying to help these students succeed. Minnesota Public Radio's Roseanne Pereira {Puh-RARE-uh}reports.
August 31, 2007 - More than a third of schools in Minnesota failed to meet student performance goals last year under the No Child Left Behind law. The Minnesota Department of Education says 729 schools did not make adequate yearly progress under the federal legislation, the highest number since it was enacted five years ago. On his weekly radio show today, Governor Pawlenty said he's concerned about the increase. Opponents of No Child Left Behind say it's overly political, and relies too heavily on testing procedures. Today, we get the perspective of two principals. One whose school was included on the list, and another whose school is no longer on it.
September 4, 2007 - Fall classes resume today at the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus and officials are bracing for traffic problems. The first day back is often chaotic, as nearly 70,000 students and staffers return to campus. But this year could be more complicated than usual because of the 35W bridge collapse. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports from a pedestrian overpass on Washington Avenue, on the U of M's East Bank.
September 4, 2007 - Fall classes resume today at the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus and officials are bracing for traffic problems. The first day back is often chaotic, as nearly 70,000 students and staffers return to campus. But this year could be more complicated than usual because of the 35W bridge collapse. Todd Kramascz with the Minnesota Department of Transportation comments.
September 7, 2007 - Midday presents an American RadioWorks documentary, produced in association with North Carolina Public Radio-WUNC, titled “Put to the Test.” The documentary follows students, teachers, and administrators from Western Guilford High School as they navigate the requirements of No Child Left Behind.
January 24, 2008 - MPR's Gary Eichten interviews Louis Johnston, an economics professor at St. John's University and the College of St. Benedict, to discuss the tumultuous economy. Eichten also talks to MPR’s chief economics correspondent Chris Farrell to analyze the situation.
February 8, 2008 - MPR’s Nanci Olesen talks with parents and students about what it is like to be away from one another while in college.
March 18, 2008 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on Minnesota colleges and universities endowment growth, as well as tuition hike ups.
March 20, 2008 - MPR’s Kerri Miller interviews multiple education experts on the rise of tuition and how that is also affecting endowments. While college tuition continues to rise, a record 76 colleges and universities have achieved endowments of $1 billion or more. Some members of Congress are putting more scrutiny on those endowments, and asking whether schools should use their endowment money to moderate tuition increases.
April 9, 2008 - MPR’s Art Hughes meets with Spencer Anderson and discusses his business endeavor and how he and his family are paying for his current education at University of Minnesota. Hughes also interviews financial officers for their take on student loans and the economy.