An angry reader, Minnesota’s test scores and helpful next steps

The following column originally appeared in a number of APG of East Central Minnesota newspapers during September, 2024. This includes SunThisWeek, Press&News, County News Review, Monticello Times and others.

An angry reader, Minnesota’s test scores and helpful next steps

Recently a reader sent an angry letter. The person didn’t include contact information, but since some of the views reflect what many people believe, I’m responding, as part of commenting on the recent release of Minnesota test scores. I’ll also offer examples of things most people agree on and some encouraging developments.

The reader criticized Gov. Tim Walz, listing several concerns. These included closing schools and other businesses during the pandemic, opposing public funds to private and parochial schools, not focusing enough on basic reading, writing, and math skills and giving too much attention to “fluff.” I generally agree with the governor, but polls show that many Americans share this person’s concerns about focus.

Gov Tim Walz

A new national poll done by a non-partisan group that I think is fair, the Pew Research Center, found:

• Fifty-one percent of Americans think public education is going in the wrong direction. This is true for 65% of Republicans/people leaning Republican and 40% identifying as Democrats/leaning Democratic.
• Only 23% of Democrats and 10% of Republicans think public schools are going in the right direction. The rest think public education is going in the wrong direction or are undecided.
• The reasons vary, but most Republicans and Democrats believe “schools are not spending enough time on core academic subjects like reading, math, social studies and science.”

That study can be found here.

Another national group, Phi Delta Kappa, also just released the results of its public opinion poll on schools. This group promotes public education. It found widespread agreement on some things. For example, more than 80% of people in both parties agreed that the two top priorities for the next administration in education are “preparing students to enter the workforce” and “attract and retain good teachers.” More information can be found here.

I’m encouraged by the polls and comments by Minnesota Education Commissioner Willie Jett at an Aug. 29 press conference. Jett, a veteran educator, noted that while test scores didn’t increase, student attendance improved 5% over the last year. He believes that this is a step forward. He also praised legislators for funding training intended to improve reading skills. I agree that each of these is positive. They correspond to public views about the importance of teaching basic skills.

Commissioner Jett also wisely urged expansion of strong career and technical education programs. They can help more students prepare for the workforce and are a way to help some youngsters, who are “hands on learners”, improve their basic skills. The commissioner cited examples of career education programs in Anoka-Hennepin, Elk River, Spring Lake Park, Big Lake and others. More details here.

Commissioner Willie Jett

The Commissioner also mentioned the need to do some things differently. Here are three examples of what I think this means, which I’ll discuss more fully in future columns.

1. More hands-on active learning in which young people examine and try to help solve community problems as part of coursework. We have strong evidence that this positive, “service-learning” approach can help improve academics, reduce discipline problems, increase attendance, improve student attitudes and help young people learn about careers.
2. Expansion of “community schools”, where public schools share space, for example with early childhood, senior citizen and other programs. This approach can help youngsters and families deal with challenges so youngsters are more “ready to learn” and teachers can focus on teaching.
3. Offering more public school options, recognizing that everyone doesn’t learn in the same way and that within public education as within broader society, families welcome options and the power to choose what’s best for them.

The Minnesota Legislature has supported each of these ideas. I’ll write more in future columns. Responses from readers – whether you agree or disagree, wholly or in part, are welcome.

Joe Nathan has been an award-winning Minnesota public school educator and PTA president. He’s a senior advisor at the Center for School Change and welcomes responses, joe@centerforschoolchange.org