Joe Nathan / 2012, Columns (J. Nathan) / African American Leadership Forum /
“This was monumental,” according to Gary Cunningham, Vice President at the Northwest Area Foundation in St. Paul. About 200 educators met last week to learn from some Minnesota’s public schools that have been most effective in closing the achievement gap. They were from district and charter public schools, and they focused on helping students. The […]
Joe Nathan / 2012, Columns (J. Nathan) /
Are Minnesota’s science standards “too often… marred by vague, incorrect, or grade-inappropriate material, or…missing key content entirely. “ “Yes,” according to a study by the Fordham Foundation, a generally conservative group. Furthermore, Fordham documents that compared to many other countries, we do not understand enough about science. That’s hurting us now, and will produce more […]
Joe Nathan / 2012, Columns (J. Nathan) /
Some surprising, as well as some continuing themes emerged through contacting 34 Minnesota district and charter school leaders from suburban and rural communities. They were asked what was their single most important recommendation to/request from the 2012 state legislature. Five major themes emerged. 1. Despite years of adjustments, some strange things can still be found […]
Joe Nathan / Dual HS/College Credit, PSEO / Arne Duncan, Dual Credit Report /
Good news and challenges! The Center for School Change recently examined trends of Minnesota student participation of Dual (High School/College) Credit opportunities. Our research revealed that participating in Dual Credit opportunities helps students save money and be better prepared for some form of higher education, that more students are participating in Dual Credit, and that […]
Joe Nathan / 2012, Columns (J. Nathan) /
What do you see when you first walk into a school? Every week I visit several schools in this or other states. The differences are dramatic. First impressions and important, whether for individual or an institution, I think what a school chooses to display in its “front hall” or entry area tells you a lot […]