Minnesota Public Schools Show Decline In Quality

Scores regarding student performance from the Minnesota Department of Education exhibit a decline in important measures of the state’s schools, including test scores and attendance.

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Scores regarding student performance from the Minnesota Department of Education exhibit a decline in important measures of the state’s schools, including test scores and attendance.

Both reading and math scores dropped across the board for the fourth year in a row, with just over a half of Minnesota students meeting baseline standards. Further, each racial demographic declined in progress on test scores over the past three years.

Surprisingly, while pivotal measures of students’ performance dropped, graduation rates rose for all student groups. The uptick in the number of graduates shows a discrepancy with data that reveals inadequate progress in closing Minnesota’s perennial achievement gaps or increasing competence in any core academic subject.

Education Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker said she is “committed to reimagining what education can be in the state of Minnesota.” Ricker believes there is ample opportunity for Minnesota students to excel and wants to see a more comprehensive collection of reports to assess performance instead of a restricted focus on test scores.

The Education Commissioner emphasized the importance of looking at things differently to see the likelihood of successful graduates.

Mary Cathryn Ricker assumed the role as Minnesota’s top education official in January. She supports education leaders that emphasize different standards, such as participation in advanced-placement classes or reports on mental health and bullying.

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John Lucke