Minnesota Schools

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
1500 HWY 36 W.
ROSEVILLE, MN 55163
(651) 582-8200

More than 300 Minnesota schools, a little more than 10%, did not make their "Adequate Yearly Progress" (AYP) for their No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements in the 2005-06 year. Schools that do not make their AYP in Minnesota can request federal funding between $8,000 and $15,000 to bring in experts to help students perform better. Over 40% of Minnesota students attend "Title I" schools. Title I schools are schools in a low-income area or schools whose main focus is still on raising test scores rather than boosting teacher quality (Title II) or any other focus. Students in Title I schools, or schools that have not made their AYP two years in a row, have the option of transferring to another school in the district that is doing better-their transportation at the district's expense.

Despite over 300 schools not making their anticipated progress in the 2005-06 school year, Minnesota was ranked sixth in the nation in Morgan Quinto's "Education State Rankings 2005-06". Quinto annually measures states by student achievement, personal attention by teachers, and improvement, as well as 18 other factors. Minnesota rose one spot to 6 of 50 this year.

Minnesota spent more than $13 billion on education in the 2005-06 school year, including $42 million in funding by the federal government to help straggling schools catch up. Overall, Minnesota spent approximately $14,000 per student.

For more information on a specific school or district, visit Minnesota's Department of Education website, http://www.education.state.mn.us.