Today the Minnesota Department of Education released statewide testing results for student achievement, showing little improvement from last year as students’ test scores continue to fall below the national average.

“These test results are a warning to every parent that our kids are not getting what they need in the classroom,” Senator Julia Coleman said (R- Waconia). “Despite record increases in funding and better attendance, testing scores are stuck. Minnesota fourth grade reading skills now rank lower than Mississippi. Governor Walz and Legislative Democrats have not given teachers and schools the flexibility and accountability they need to get our kids back on track.

“Senate Republicans proposed a ‘Students First’ plan with more funding for the classroom and fewer mandates so schools could improve learning for every student. Walz and Democrats instead added dozens of new mandates and controversial policies into schools. Despite Walz’s promise to “fully fund” schools, the spending spree in St. Paul left schools across the state managing deficits for the current school year.”

Sen. Julia Coleman is an Assistant Republican Leader and the Lead Republican on the Senate Education Policy Committee.