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New Ed. Commissioner Not Happy With State's School Ranking

By Edgar Linares, NewsRadio 830 WCCO

ST. PAUL (WCCO) -- Minnesota's ranked 36th in overall education for grades K-12. That's according to Education Week magazine and their annual Quality Counts report.

On this 15th edition, it gives Minnesota schools an overall grade of C.

"I think it's not a grade that we're happy with," said newly appointed Education Commissioner, Brenda Cassellius.

"I do feel that there's urgency with this work," said Cassellius. "And this is one indication of the urgency around really looking at supporting our teachers."

Cassellius said the report is an external piece of information that is used in gauging our policies and reforms.

The report gave "K-12 achievement" in Minnesota a C grade, and on "improving teaching" a D+. In "Chances for Success" it ranked Minnesota 8th with a B+.

Cassellius believes one way to improve our grade is by starting with kids at a younger age and closing the achievement gaps.

"I think we need to reform some of our policies. I think we need to look at our accountability systems and creating a shared vision across this state on what we think we can get done for kids. Create some goals that we can all rally around," said Cassellius. "And begin to really look at what we can do to support the instructional core. And what I mean is really supporting teachers, supporting students who are really engaged in getting relevant information."

The report gave the entire nation a C for Education Policy and Performance.

"We all want to do our best work. I've never met a teacher who doesn't want to come to school every day and make a difference for every child," said Cassellius.

Cassellius said what it's really about is getting the teachers the tools they need to be successful.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Edgar Linares Reports

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