Education

The requirement applies to all University of Minnesota campuses and offices statewide starting Tuesday as concerns rise about the delta variant’s growth across the state.

After more than a year of pandemic learning, Minnesota schools are using summer sessions to give students the chance to do the sort of in-person learning some have missed since March 2020. But even with expanded offerings, many summer sessions haven't been able to meet a rise in demand from students and families. 

Students between 2 and 12 years old will be required to wear masks inside all school facilities during the next academic year. The board’s vote reflected increasing concern over spread of the delta variant in Minnesota.

It's too soon to say if schools will see a surge, but they do know that kindergartners are entering their first year of school with a wide range of experience.

Some U.S. parents say they're planning to continue to homeschool their children, even as schools resume in-person classes. The U.S. Census Bureau says the rate of households homeschooling their children rose to 11 percent by September 2020, doubling from 5.4 percent six months earlier.

The University of Wisconsin System plans to offer nearly $500,000 in scholarships this fall to students who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

When COVID-19 took traditional contact sports off the table, it led to a huge boost in another form of competition: video gaming. A program at Minnesota State University, Mankato helps students learn about the ever-evolving world of esports — and some are taking the leap into cyber sports.

The American Academy of Pediatrics released updated guidance for schools on Monday, recommending universal masking for students over the age of 2.

State history standards can give educators a roadmap through the uncomfortable facts of U.S. history. In the current debate over critical race theory, they can also offer political cover.

"To address the intergenerational impact of Indian boarding schools and to promote spiritual and emotional healing in our communities, we must shed light on the unspoken traumas of the past," Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said. "No matter how hard it will be."