|
Hello from the State Capitol,
Another snowy week at the Capitol has ended. Let’s hope for warmer temperatures next week!
EVIDENCE-BASED MODEL FOR K-12 EDUCATION GRANTS
I think it’s very important that government operate in an evidence based way - in other words, focus our funds on programs that work and don’t fund what is not working. Too often, government layers program after program on top of each other without ever determining what is working and what isn’t.
I am authoring a bill this year that would help work toward this aim for the millions of dollars we spend every year on educational pre-k - 12 grant programs. I believe this is important for two reasons:
1. Make sure our students are benefiting from the best programs that are shown to be the most effective.
2. Assure that government is being accountable with taxpayer money by focusing those dollars on programming that is proven to work.
We have a large number of educational entities, including school districts, non-profits, and others, that receive grant money from the state. Many of them come back every two years for more funding. I believe it behooves us as a state to have the information needed to make sure we are funding the most effective programs - both for the sake of our students, as well as the responsible use of taxpayer money.
Under my bill, each program that receives grant funding awarded by the Minnesota Department of Education must provide an educational goal; a summary of the strategies used to meet the goal, data collection process; and a short report summarizing the data and the effectiveness of the strategies in a report to the commissioner of education. The report would also be submitted to the majority and minority chairs of the education committees.
The bill would serve as a tool for legislative committees to help make better informed decisions when funding educational programs; encourage groups and organizations to think in a more evidence based way; and help determine the successful programs that should be duplicated throughout the state.
I truly believe this plan will ultimately strengthen our education investments, and I’m very pleased that this bill has already attracted strong bipartisan support.
The bill was heard recently in the Minnesota House Education Policy Committee.
VISITORS
It was so nice to have Mark Morreim from Albert Lea come see me at the Capitol this week.
Mark was here to talk to legislators about issues affecting Land Improvement Contractors of America. I love having visits from local residents and value the information I get from them!
Also, here's a fun interview about my high school days that I recorded at the beginning of session with the Twin Cities PBS Almanac crew. Click here to watch my "Back to School" story.
Have a good weekend,
Peggy
|