Week of April 16 – 23, 2017
Refining Educator Licensure, the Good and the Bad
A bill to revamp the state’s Board of Teaching and create a tiered educator licensing system was debated and passed off the floor of the Senate on Thursday, April 20. This language was also included in the E-12 education finance bill, but this version of it stands alone and separated from general funding measures.
While well-intentioned, this legislation seriously changes the alternative teacher preparation provider requirements, making it easier for an alternative program, such as Teach for America, to be established in Minnesota. I very supportive of getting young people into the teaching profession, however these changes could threaten teacher preparation quality. Concerns include elimination of student teaching requirement for alternative preparation candidates, mandatory teacher prep program approval with minimum educator standards, and removal of higher education partnership requirement. Additionally, there was nothing in the bill to make sure that young people stay in the profession once they are in it.
Four tiered licensure areas are designed with licensure qualifications, duration, and renewal set up. The bill provides parameters for design and implementation of the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) and removes the Minnesota Deparment of Education’s (MDE’s) licensing function and places it all with a new board – a change which has bipartisan support. The Board of School Administrators will remain a separate entity to license school administrators. The PELSB will shrink from the current Board of Teaching’s 11 members to a nine member board and include two administrative members. Teachers will still make up the majority of the board membership. One concern I have is that the higher education member is eliminated, even though the board is tasked with approving teacher prep programs.
Several other concerns are cited with the tiered system in this bill. The bill allows for unlimited renewals for Tier 1 licenses, or “community experts”, with no incentives to move on to higher levels of licensure. The licensure board is also required to grant a Tier 1 license at the request of the school or charter board. Furthermore, years served in Tier 1 cannot be counted towards continuing contract rights. This sets up a process for individuals with no teacher training or pedagogy to teach for as long as they want in a Minnesota school. Effectively, it lowers the bar for aspiring educators without putting them on a path to becoming a better teacher. In the end, I voted against the bill.
Eden Prairie Senior, Casey Mittelstadt, Wins ALL-USA Boys Hockey Player of the Year
Congratulations to Casey Mittelstadt, who is arguably the best NHL prospect Minnesota has produced in years. I am incredibly impressed by what he as done, and hope he is off to do great things.
Presenting a bill before the Minnesota Youth Council
Friday afternoon, I was given the opportunity to present a bill of mine before the Minnesota Youth Council. Periodically throughout the legislative session, the council holds mock committees where they hear and vote on bills. Despite the fact that it is not official business, many of the questions these students are more intrigued by the process than my own colleagues. Some of the questions I was asked were incredibly thoughtful.
You may already be familiar with the bill I presented, as it was also heard before the Legacy Committee earlier this year. Senate File 1793 is a bill for civic education grants, which would provide funding for extracurricular activities to get youth interested in government. Interestingly, one organization that the funds find their way to is the Minnesota Youth Council. I was happy to hear that they supported my bill, though I think there may have been a conflict of interest!
Join Me at the March for Science
On April 22, 2017, a coalition of Minnesotans from all professions and all walks of life are marching on the state capitol to show support of higher education and the discovery, access, and understanding of scientific information. We are working to protect and defend science funding, regulatory agencies, and evidence based policy-making in recognition that science plays a vital role in the progress and sustainability of society.
The Start Point of the March for Science Minnesota will be Cathedral Hill Park in St. Paul. The march will begin at 11:00 AM on Earth Day, April 22. Participants will march from the Start Point to the Minnesota State Capitol, where the Rally will start at 12 PM. Please plan to arrive at the Start Point 30 to 45 minutes in advance to account for the increased traffic and public transportation congestion which may be caused by this event.
Arbor Day Walk and Green Fair
Saturday, May 6th
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Staring Lake Park
14800 Pioneer Trail Road
Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Celebrate Arbor Day with a walk around Staring Lake and check out a variety of green-themed vendors and activities. Walk to the Outdoor Center for nature activities.
- Free Seedlings
- Concessions
- Family Activities
- Tree Health Information
- Live Music
- Native Plant Vendors and Information
- Renewable Energy Information
- Family Zumba
- Tree Discovery Walk
May is Arbor Month in Minnesota. I hope everyone is ready.