Friends and neighbors,
More than half of Minnesota public school students cannot read or do math at grade level.
That is according to the Minnesota Department of Education, which recently released the results of 2024’s Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments. If you have school-aged kids, you are familiar with these statewide tests that measure overall student proficiency in reading and math from grades 3 through 8. An additional reading test is given in grade 10, and a final math test in grade 11. Students also take science MCAs in grades 5 and 8.
The tests found 50.3% of students are not meeting grade level reading standards. In math, it is 54.7%. These figures are roughly the same as 2023 results.
We all should be alarmed by the sharp decline in academic foundations such as reading and math over the years. I want to be crystal clear: This is not the fault of teachers, most of whom are doing their absolute best and who commit considerable time, energy, and resources to teach our children.
It’s also not a failure of funding. Over the last decade or so, Republicans and Democrats alike have committed record levels of funding to schools.
So what are the issues?
One big problem is mandates that have hurt school budgets. In 2023, for example, the big investments in public schools were effectively canceled out by Democrats’ excessive and unnecessary mandates. Districts across Minnesota have been forced to go to the voters for levy requests as their budgets have been pushed into the red. We have to give schools some relief from these heavy mandates.
We also need to adjust our priorities. Too often I hear from parents who are worried about the distraction of divisive political or social agendas being imposed in schools. We have to get back to the basics of reading, writing, math, and science.
Our children’s futures depend on us equipping them with strong foundational skills. It’s time to refocus on academic excellence, empower educators, and ensure every Minnesota student can reach their full potential. We must set politics aside and make bold changes that put students first.
Contact me
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It is a privilege to serve you!