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State Representative Kathy Brynaert
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-3248
For more information contact: Jessica Nyman 651-296-8877
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Minnesota Must be Thorough in Exploring Education Reform Models
Saint Paul, Minnesota – Invited by the Republican majority, former Governor of Florida Jeb Bush addressed a gathering of legislators, lobbyists and education advocates on education reforms made in Florida at the State Capitol today. While complementary of Florida’s successes, State Representative Kathy Brynaert questioned why the majority is looking to Florida’s education system for insight on how best to improve Minnesota’s schools.
“I recognize the need for continuous improvement in education," said Rep. Brynaert. “But I believe the needed reforms ought to be rooted in Minnesota data that reflects what is best for our schools and students.”
While Florida has made some important reforms, most notably the use of public funding for early childhood education, there are some policies that are not clearly tied to improved student outcomes. In Florida, schools are graded on an A-F system—a model which has inspired legislation here in Minnesota. Representative Brynaert is concerned with the quick move to endorse Florida reforms instead of carefully examining how these models might or might not translate to Minnesota schools.
“Minnesota abandoned a school grading system just four years ago,” explained Rep. Brynaert. “Before we take on another state’s model, we should consult with our own experts about what would work best for Minnesota.”
Last year, the average composite score on the ACT for Florida students was 19.5 on a scale of 1 to 36, ranking them number 48th in the country, with only Kentucky and Mississippi posting lower marks. In Minnesota, the average composite score was 22.9—the highest in the nation.
“There are many differences between Minnesota and Florida,” said Rep. Brynaert. “And it is in the best interest of our students to explore reforms and best practice across the country in order to understand how to move Minnesota forward.”
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