Teach for America places college graduates in high-need schools.
Daniel Sellers, executive director of Teach for America Twin Cities, said about one-quarter of the organization’s members share the socio-economic background of the children they serve, and about 10 percent are African American and six percent Latino.
Teach for America members are permitted to teach because the Board of Teaching is authorized to grant “experimental approval” of certain programs. The House K-12 Education Policy and Oversight Committee heard two bills Feb. 25 that would facilitate their licensure.
HF 3074 sponsored by Rep. Linda Slocum (DFL-Richfield), would repeal the current alternative teacher licensure law, and allow the Board of Teaching to adopt rules establishing a two-year limited teaching license and a pathway to full licensure for nontraditional teacher candidates.
HF3093 sponsored by Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL-St. Paul) would direct the board to approve qualified programs that enable a two-year license under legislative authority. The change would target districts or charter schools where there is a teacher shortage, a demonstrated achievement gap or where existing teaching staff does not reflect the racial or cultural student population.
Jan Alswager, chief lobbyist with Education Minnesota said her primary concerns are ensuring teacher quality, and that the “teacher of record” in charge of the classroom be a fully licensed teacher.
“Most studies nationally show little connection between teacher effectiveness and their route to certification,” said Pat Pratt-Cook, Minneapolis Public Schools chief of human resources and accountability, who supports the bills.
The committee approved both measures Feb. 25.
HF3074 was sent to the House Finance Committee.
HF3093 goes to the House Floor.
Sen. Terri Bonoff (DFL-Minnetonka) sponsors companion bills
SF2757 and
SF2811, which await action by the Senate Education Committee.
The year without a K-12 law
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Published 6/1/2010
House K-12 omnibus bill fast-tracked
Senate slow to respond with companion legislation
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Published 5/13/2010
K-12 education omnibus bill stalls
Teacher licensure proposals in contention
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Published 5/6/2010
K-12 education bill moves forward
Measures would activate reforms, stabilize school funding
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Published 4/29/2010
Resuscitating Race to the Top bid
New bid could hinge on proposals to boost teacher effectiveness
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Published 4/22/2010
Raiders of the lost fund
Slew of reforms could boost Permanent School Fund income
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Published 3/25/2010
Schools shore up state’s checkbook
Obscure law forces drawdown of school reserves before state can borrow
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Published 2/25/2010
At Issue: No shifts, no cuts
Education funding in a holding pattern
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Published 5/29/2009
At Issue: E-12 education bill that might have been
Funding held steady with no shifts proposed, but no Minnesota Miracle
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Published 5/15/2009
At Issue: Investing in quality care for kids
Lawmakers hope for long-term benefits of early investment
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Published 4/24/2009
At Issue: Building a better formula
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Published 4/24/2009
At Issue: Whose values are they anyway?
Lawmaker carries on family legacy with sex education bill
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Published 4/17/2009
First Reading: One school doesn’t fit all
Efforts put forward to tailor charter school law
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Published 4/10/2009
At Issue: Hopeful education goals in a dismal year
Omnibus bill addresses changing needs and future demands
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Published 4/3/2009
At Issue: Getting kids to move
Bill aims to ensure ‘No child left on their behind’
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Published 2/20/2009
First Reading: Accountability funding for all
A ‘New Minnesota Miracle’ requires a leap of faith
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Published 2/13/2009
At Issue: Q Comp found wanting
Performance measure has perks, but is it affordable?
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Published 2/6/2009
At Issue: Reforming education, saving money
Bipartisan support shown for mandate reduction and shared services
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Published 1/23/2009
Feature: Passing the torch of democracy
Youth immerse themselves in lingo and actions of lawmaking
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Published 1/16/2009