Minnesota Schools

    More than 300 Minnesota schools, a little more than 10%, did not make their “Adequate Yearly Progress” (AYP) for their No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements in the 2005-06 year. Schools that do not make their AYP in Minnesota can request federal funding between $8,000 and $15,000 to bring in experts to help students perform better. Over 40% of Minnesota students attend “Title I” schools. Title I schools are schools in a low-income area or schools whose main focus is still on raising test scores rather than boosting teacher quality (Title II) or any other focus. Students in Title I schools, or schools that have not made their AYP two years in a row, have the option of transferring to another school in the district that is doing better—their transportation at the district’s expense.

Despite over 300 schools not making their anticipated progress in the 2005-06 school year, Minnesota was ranked sixth in the nation in Morgan Quinto’s “Education State Rankings 2005-06”. Quinto annually measures states by student achievement, personal attention by teachers, and improvement, as well as 18 other factors. Minnesota rose one spot to 6 of 50 this year.

Minnesota spent more than $13 billion on education in the 2005-06 school year, including $42 million in funding by the federal government to help straggling schools catch up. Overall, Minnesota spent approximately $14,000 per student.

For more information on a specific school or district, visit Minnesota’s Department of Education website, http://www.education.state.mn.us.