August 24, 2000 - A state study shows that half of Minnesota's low-income children in medical assistance programs aren't recieving primary or preventative care from their H-M-O's. Federal law requires certain developmental checkups for the kids, too, yet only 6-percent of the children and teens in these publicly funded programs are recieving such treatment. Mary Kennedy is assistant commissioner with the Department of Human Services. She says the children enrolled in these programs tend to be the ones who need preventative care most:
August 24, 2000 - State education officials have delayed the scheduled launch of three new school tests by at least a year. The decision comes in the wake of a test-scoring fiasco that affected 47-thousand Minnesota students. The Department of Children, Families and Learning says it needs more time to strengthen quality control for existing tests before adding more. But some educators are concerned about the delay's impact on some students. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports...
August 25, 2000 - It used to be that schools only had to concern themselves with the three "R's." But academics have made way for a list of new 'subjects;' and avoiding school violence is now a standard instruction area. In northwest Minnesota a coalition of educators, law enforcement, and health and human service providers have come together to ensure their schools are safe and students healthy. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports that the coalition believes there are indications that preventive action is needed.
August 28, 2000 - When Minnesota's Reform Party broke away to become the Independence party last spring, self-employed software developer and political newcomer Jim Gibson seemed assured of being its lone candidate for U.S. Senate. But in the meantime a more competitive primary race materialized within the party. Environmental activist Leslie Davis has joined the fray, as has Buford Johnson, a former party official and military veteran. And while the candidates in the D-F-L have similar views on many of the issues, the Independence party candidates have run more idiosyncratic -- if low-profile -- campaigns. Minnesota Public Radio's Amy Radil has this report.
August 28, 2000 - Minnesota voters say education is the most important issue facing the state, but they generally feel public schools are already on the right track. Results of a new Minnesota Public Radio, Saint Paul Pioneer Press, KARE-TV poll also show mixed feelings about statewide testing and graduation standards. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports...
August 30, 2000 -
September 1, 2000 - State education officials say most Minnesota school districts are not easing up on their implementation of the Profile of Learning. The controversial system of graduation standards survived this year's legislative session when lawmakers gave schools the option to temporaily reduce the number of student requirements. In a report released today (Friday) by the Department of Children, Families and Learning, 53-percent of the the districts will stay right where they would have been without any choice. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports...
September 5, 2000 - After a nationwide search Saint Cloud State University has a new president, Roy Saigo. A career educator, Saigo is already a fixture on campus and has taken some unusual steps getting to know his new surroundings.
September 5, 2000 - Minneapolis school district officials began the new school year reminding students they need to show up for classes every day. The state's largest school district is phasing in a tough new attendance policy this year that will eventually require students to show up 95-percent of the time. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
September 6, 2000 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports on the opening of more than a dozen new charter schools in Minnesota, bringing the state's total to 64. This year's batch of schools includes some that are targeting specific racial and ethnic groups -- an approach that worries some education leaders.