Flanagan said COVID-19 exacerbated disparities in education across the state, especially in racial and geographic terms. They hope that the educational plan will help students recover from the learning loss they suffered during the pandemic, while closing the opportunity gap.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has not prevented us from bold and intentional educational reform; it has emphasized its urgency,” said Flanagan. “While we have seen incredible innovation by teachers and administrators at this point, we have also seen the existing opportunity gaps widen along the race and postal code lines exacerbated by the pandemic. It is time to reimagine what education can be like in Minnesota now. The Due North Education Plan establishes a course so that all of our children can see themselves reflected and valued in their classrooms and curriculum. “
Included in the plan are actions to support students during and after the pandemic, reform school funding, expand opportunities for students in Greater Minnesota, and build a more qualified and diverse teaching workforce.
The plan outlines seven priorities:
- Meet students’ needs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic,
- Ensure that each student receives a world-class education,
- Make sure that each student learns in a safe and stimulating environment,
- Ensure that each student learns in a classroom with caring and qualified teachers,
- Expand access to opportunities for black and indigenous students,
- Expand access to student opportunities in Greater Minnesota,
- Fund a 21st century education.
However, no specific details behind the plan were given.
Walz and Flanagan said the education plan was developed with input and ideas from Minnesotans and state education officials, including the Governor’s Education Roundtable, the School Finance Working Group and educators, students and families across the state .
“For there to be a fundamental change in our educational system, we must also change the way we finance it,” said Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker. “The School Finance Working Group’s proposals that are incorporated into the Due North Plan will help ensure that students in Minnesota will receive the same educational opportunities, no matter where they live in our state.”
“The Minnesota Department of Education is dedicated to supporting our students and their learning every day,” added Deputy Commissioner Heather Mueller. “The Minnesota Department of Education Strategic Plan includes strategies that will meet the goals of the Due North Education Plan and create a student-centered educational system, remove structural barriers, provide the best teacher workforce, and promote safe and secure environments. welcoming at all school in Minnesota. “
Judge Alan Page also attended the news conference on Monday, saying that changes to the current education system are needed, especially to help children of color and other marginalized students.
“For me, it is about justice. Our educational system has consistently failed children of color, indigenous, disabled and poor, ”said Page. “It is important that the plan recognizes this failure and recognizes that systemic change is needed. It is also important that the plan puts children first, so that everyone has the opportunity to reach their maximum potential.”
Governor Walz speaks during a news conference on education reform on January 25, 2021.
KSTP