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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jeff Howe (R)

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Good new laws for school year, including more funding

Thursday, September 3, 2015

To the editor,

 

A historic funding investment in education from pre-Kindergarten all the way through high school is just one of the big improvements taking place as the new school year gets underway in Minnesota.

 

The funding increase amounts to, on average, approximately $430 more for each student in the school districts that make up the majority of House District 13A. This additional money will provide local districts with flexibility in making local decisions, allowing them to put it where they see the greatest need. That could be anything from reducing class sizes to retaining elite teachers or enhancing after-school programs.

 

Many educational reforms also are in place. They include fewer mandated tests to increase classroom learning time, as well as improving access to quality educators by streamlining out-of-state teacher licensure reciprocity. The latter is especially important in Greater Minnesota, where districts sometimes have difficulty in filling positions.

 

Another change helps prospective teachers by ensuring College in the Classroom students who earn Postsecondary Enrollment Option credits can transfer those credits throughout the MnSCU system. Future teachers also now will be able to access criteria regarding the effectiveness of teacher training programs. Furthermore, low-income students can receive help through a program called College Possible that helps high school students prepare for college.

 

Early education also was a big subject at the Legislature this year and a $95 million investment in early learning initiatives was provided. It includes scholarships and school readiness aid targeted to areas it is needed most. This is in contrast to universal pre-K proposal that would have also sent money to those of lesser need, reducing the effectiveness of our tax dollars.

 

Student safety also is important and legislation I led to passage this year will help to ensure our children have safe routes to school.

 

These new laws will benefit the future of education in Minnesota and put our children in an even better position to achieve. Good luck to area students and teachers this school year and, as always, your thoughts are welcome on these issues and others.

 

Sincerely,

Rep. Jeff Howe