This week, most school children across Minnesota will have Thursday and Friday off, for MEA Weekend, a break that happens every year, which coincides with a teachers’ convention in St. Paul. As our children enjoy the long weekend, I thought I’d take the opportunity to discuss education in our state.
Education is a critical part of Minnesota’s identity.
Minnesotans understand that it plays a vital role in shaping successful people.
We know how it allows our children the opportunity to become a productive
member of a civilized society by acquiring all the necessary skills, including
how to meet challenges and overcome obstacles. Through education, our kids
learn basic norms, rules, regulations, and values of society through that
education. Moreover, by securing high-quality education for our children we’re
enabling them to lead a successful life, enhance their intelligence, skills,
knowledge, and allowing them the best opportunities in life.
As the father of eight children and the grandfather of fourteen, I’ve seen the
impact education has on children A LOT! That’s why it has been a critical issue
to me since I first was elected to serve in the legislature. That commitment
has remained, and over the past three years, I have worked hard to increase
further the opportunities that our children receive. In this session alone, we
increased per-pupil funding by 2%, secured $30 million for safety and security
improvements, and dedicated another $90 million to children with special needs.
As a former teacher and principal, I know that improving education outcomes in Minnesota cannot be exclusively decided by having our government spend more on education. If that we’re the case, schools in D.C would have the best outcomes when we see that they have some of the worst. In addition to funding our schools we need to look at alternative methods and reforms that can combat failures and inefficiencies. This includes reforming math and science curriculums and dedicated efforts like a commitment to 3rd-grade reading proficiency. It also includes alternatives like teacher licensure reform or expanding school choice. Whatever the solution, we should all be working towards outcomes that empower Minnesota parents and their children.
Education lays the foundation stone for Minnesota’s future and is a prerequisite for prosperity and modernization of our state. We should always remember that getting a good education is imperative in today`s society as it is a foundation of our successful future. Minnesota’s children’s education is worth investment, and we should continue to do what we can to ensure they succeed.
Sincerely,
Senator Dan Hall