***SPPS IN THE NEWS:
St. Paul to consider changes in school-choice plan
Proposal would divide district into three regions to save money on transportation and raise student achievement.
9/3/2009
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/56807622.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU
***OTHER DISTRICTS IN THE NEWS:
African American students find inspiration and success through entrepreneurship
After Obama’s speech last month in which he announced $4.35 billion in competitive grants designed to help support innovative education reform efforts, education is on American’s minds – and with good reason.9/3/2009
Insight News
http://www.insightnews.com/education/4812-african-american-students-find-inspiration-and-success-through-entrepreneurship-education
Dr. Josie R. Johnson appointed Saint Peter Claver Catholic School Principal
Saint Peter Claver Catholic Church community recently announced the appointment of Dr. Josie R. Johnson as principal for the 2009-2010 academic year.
9/3/2009
Insight News
http://www.insightnews.com/education/4852-dr-josie-r-johnson-appointed-saint-peter-claver-catholic-school-principal
MPS to hold Changing School Options town hall meetings
The Minneapolis Public Schools will hold a series of community town hall meetings during the weeks of September 7 and 14 on Changing School Options, a comprehensive plan the MPS administration will submit to the Board of Education on September 1 to create financial sustainability and build a new foundation for academic success.
9/3/2009
Insight News
http://www.insightnews.com/education/4853-mps-to-hold-changing-school-options-town-hall-meetings
Minneapolis schools present new overhaul plan
St. Paul, Minn. — The Minneapolis school district has finished updating a wide-ranging overhaul plan that will close several schools and change the way students are transported.
9/3/2009
Minnesota Public Radio
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/09/01/minneapolis-schools-overhaul/
New football season means new classes for some Minnesota schools
St. Paul, Minn. — Nearly three dozen high school football teams across Minnesota will play in new classes this season because of changes in those schools' enrollments.
9/3/2009
Minnesota Public Radio
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2009/09/03-high-school-football-class-changes/
Teachers put on leave after bullying supposed gay student
St. Paul, Minn. — Two Anoka-Hennepin teachers accused of bullying a student because they thought he was gay won't be returning to school when classes resume Tuesday.
9/3/2009
Minnesota Public Radio
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/09/02/teachers-accused-of-mocking-student-on-leave/
Prior Lake pastor arrested in St. Paul online prostitution sting
A new-age rock 'n' roll pastor of a church that meets at a Prior Lake middle school was busted in a St. Paul online prostitution sting Tuesday.
9/3/2009
Pioneer Press
http://www.twincities.com/ci_13258884.html
Winona educator a finalist for Pueblo schools chief
The Pueblo City Schools board has identified four finalists for superintendent, including two people from Pueblo, one from Texas and one from Minnesota.
9/3/2009
Pioneer Press
http://www.twincities.com/education/ci_13253203.html
Farmington High School: A truly grand opening
The new high school building at Farmington comes with a new football stadium, too, one situated below ground level so that spectators walk down to their seats.
9/3/2009
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/local/south/56243932.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUr
***MISC. NEWS:
Proposed 'Race to Top' Rules Seen as Prescriptive
As the U.S. Department of Education prepares to fine-tune its rules for the Race to the Top Fund competition, officials face objections from many states, school districts, and teachers’ unions that the federal government is seeking to apply a one-size-fits-all approach to its education improvement efforts.
9/3/2009
Edweek.org
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/09/02/03stim-race.h29.html?tkn=TTTFEHuX3zX3A1uNISj7BuQASlWCBEbN7t%2Bp
MUL Summer Construction Program prepares youth for careers
“The Minneapolis Urban League is pleased to be at the center of this powerful collaboration between the City of Minneapolis, The Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Union, and the participating employers,” said Scott Gray, MUL President & CEO. “As we build this Gateway to Opportunity, partnerships such as the one we’ve formed with the LEAP program will be paramount for preparing our youth for career ladder opportunities.”
9/3/2009
Insight News
http://www.insightnews.com/education/4873-mul-summer-construction-program-prepares-youth-for-careers
National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, 2009
For generations, education has opened doors to untold opportunities and bright futures. Through quality instruction and a personal commitment to hard work, young people in every part of our Nation have gone on to achieve success.
9/3/2009
Insight News
http://www.insightnews.com/education/4868-national-historically-black-colleges-and-universities-week-2009
Make the most out of what we have before asking for more
Political leaders both shape and respond to the unpredictable currents of public opinion, as the summertime storm over health care has proven. So it helps to know which way Minnesota's currents are flowing, particularly on big issues that are likely to carry into next year's statewide political battles.
9/3/2009
Pioneer Press
http://www.twincities.com/opinion/ci_13255927.html
Teen lauded for transformation from holy terror to holy young man
Jackson, who attends Avalon Charter School in St. Paul, is one of two area youths who received the first-ever "Extreme Teen Makeover" award from the KidsChange organization. An initiative of the Minnesota Youth Intervention Program Association, the group provides referral information and resources to parents, law enforcement and community workers.
9/3/2009
Pioneer Press
http://www.twincities.com/ci_13227567.html
H1N1 flu sends 100 4-H kids home from State Fair
The H1N1 flu has hit the Minnesota State Fair, prompting 4-H officials to send more than 100 children home after four tested positive for the disease.
9/3/2009
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/local/56924807.html?elr=KArks:DCiUoaW_eEO7UiacyKU7DYaGEP7vDEh7P:DiUs
President's Speech at Va. High School Stirs Controversy
President Obama's planned speech at an Arlington high school next Tuesday, which the White House hopes will be watched live by students and teachers across the nation, is being criticized by some as an attempt to indoctrinate, rather than motivate, young people.
9/3/2009
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/03/AR2009090300965.html?hpid