Three of the task forces established by the Legislature last session began work this month. They include the Teacher Licensure, Career Pathways & Technical Education and School Facilities. MREA will monitor and regularly report on the work of this task force for our members.
Here’s a look at what’s happened so far:
Teacher Licensure
The 20-member Teacher Licensure Advisory Task Force met for the first time Aug. 1. The task force has 2 Minnesota representatives and 2 senators. There is one member from a Greater Minnesota school district. The next meeting is set for Sept 22.
Members are focused on making recommendations to the Board of Teaching, the commissioner of education, and the education committees of the Legislature on requirements for teacher applicants to:
- Demonstrate mastery of reading, writing and mathematics skills through nationally normed assessments, a professional skills portfolio, or accredited college coursework, among other methods of demonstrating skills mastery.
- An alternative licensure pathway for non-native English speakers seeking licensure to teach in a language immersion program. Learn more
Career Pathways
The Career Pathways and Technical Education Advisory Task Force held its first meeting Aug. 12 and includes three members from Greater Minnesota K-12 schools or universities. The next meeting is Sept. 16 and the report is due Feb. 15.
The Task Force will recommend to the Legislature how to structurally redesign secondary and post-secondary education to:
- Improve secondary and post-secondary outcomes for students and adult learners.
- Align secondary and post-secondary education programs serving students and adult learners.
- Align secondary and post-secondary education programs and Minnesota’s workforce needs.
- Measure and evaluate the combined efficacy of Minnesota’s public kindergarten through grade 12 and post-secondary education programs. Learn more.
School Facilities
Commissioner Cassellius announced the membership of the School Facilities Working Group. At least two members are from MREA member districts: Earl V. Athman of Pierz and Wayne Wormstadt of Windom. View all appointments.
The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday with a report due to the legislature by Feb. 1.
The working group is to develop recommendations for reforming the financing of prekindergarten through grade 12 education facilities to create adequate, equitable, and sustainable financing of public school facilities throughout the state.
The scope of the working group recommendations must include funding options for facilities projects currently financed with debt service, alternative facilities, deferred maintenance, health and safety, building lease, and operating capital revenues.