Education News

MPR News keeps track of the latest education news in Minnesota so you can understand the events shaping the future of learning and how it impacts students at any level.

Stay informed about local education events, policies and more happening in schools and colleges across Minnesota.

To boost kids’ reading, Minnesota schools start to shift the way they teach
Schools are working now to overhaul literacy teaching to comply with a new state law, the Read Act. A visit to one Minnesota district shows the hopes and challenges that come with overturning decades of instructional practice.
Minnesota, 21 other states sue to halt dismantling of U.S. Education Department
The lawsuit filed in federal court in Massachusetts argues dismantling the federal Department of Education is unconstitutional and usurps congressional authority. It seeks a court order to halt the shutdown.
Walz warns Department of Education cuts could put students, schools at risk
Gov. Tim Walz said cuts at the Department of Education could cause budget troubles and confusion at public schools across the state, after the department said it’s cutting half its staff.
USDA cuts farm-to-school food funding in Minnesota
The promised federal funds would have reimbursed schools for locally-purchased food. It would have represented the largest amount ever invested in Minnesota farm-to-school or farm-to-food shelf funding. Observers say USDA’s decision is a significant blow.
U of M says it's committed to combating antisemitism amid federal probes
The University of Minnesota says it’s working to address antisemitism on campus, amid federal investigations spurred by protests against Israel. Recent federal actions are raising alarms for pro-Palestinian and civil rights advocates, who say it’s a violation of free speech.
U.S. Education Department says it is cutting nearly half of all staff
According to the department, more than 1,300 positions will be cut as a result of this reduction in force. Roughly another 600 employees have accepted voluntary resignations or retired.
Experts warn that recent school shootings show growth in new radicalization pattern
Some researchers say these recent attacks are examples of "nonideological" terrorism — the result of several antisocial, decentralized, online networks coming together.
Department of Defense pulls $1.1 million federal grant from Winona State University
Earlier this week, the Pentagon said The Department of Government Efficiency was cutting $80 million in funding for programs it said do not support the Department of Defense’s core mission.
Trump administration cancels $400M in grants and contracts with Columbia University
Multiple federal agencies announced Friday that they're canceling grants and contracts because of what the government describes as the Ivy League school’s lackluster efforts to squelch antisemitism on campus. The U of M is one of five colleges under new federal antisemitism investigations.