Important Date
Legislative Kick-Off
Saturday, January 21, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
LAC Roundtable, 11:00-Noon

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Legislative Session 2012
The 2012 legislative session begins January 24. Parents United is known for the Session Resources we provide, especially our Weekly Updates. Every week we provide up-to-the minute information on the education happenings at the Capitol, analysis of what this means for schools and kids, what to be aware of in coming weeks, invitations to events and opportunities for involvement on state committees and boards, the latest education reports and a vast amount of “insider information” that you might not otherwise hear. We are told what a valuable resource this is for Minnesotans interested in our public schools!

If you know of others who should be connected, suggest they sign on to our E-list! It is easy and only one click away. Growing this group of informed parents across the state is our first priority. Currently we share these Updates with parents in all 134 legislative districts in Minnesota. We’d like to connect with parents from all 341 SCHOOL districts! It’s a big job, so help us out and send this invitation to friends asking them to check us out! Let’s make sure parents have a substantive voice for our schools and the children they serve.

Forward this on – encourage others to Learn, Network and Act!

While we have yet to hear from the Senate, the House of Representatives has set its calendar for the 2012 legislative session:

• January 24 – Session begins
• February 7 – Precinct Caucuses –Learn More–
• February 21– Redistricting Maps finalized
• April 6-13 – Legislative Break for Easter/Passover
• April 30 – Scheduled Legislative Adjournment
• May 4-5 – MN GOP State Convention
• June 2-3 – MN DFL State Convention
• November 6 – Election Day

Learn more about the legislative process.

January 21, 2012 Legislative Kick-off
We’ll start the session with our annual Legislative Kick-off.  This is an opportunity to listen and share what we are hearing about the upcoming session. Join us on a cold Saturday morning in January for hot coffee and news!

We have often been asked to host a conversation about Legislative Action Committees (LAC) – how they form, what different districts do, if school boards support them, what their value is, how big they need to be. So this year, directly after our Legislative kick-off, we will have just that conversation. If you have an LAC or are considering starting one, join us for this session.

There is no charge for the Kick-Off but please register so we know you are attending.

New Website for the Minnesota Department of Education
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has a new website and if you haven’t had time to check it out, it is worth your time. It is a terrific resource and now feels more user friendly.  If you’d like to really dive into the new Parent Portal, January 17 at 1:00 p.m. the MDE is hosting a webinar for parents. It is amazing what you can learn on this site with just a few clicks!

An Excellent Opportunity
Did you know there is a Minnesota Academic Excellence Foundation that is provided for in state statute? The law provides:

The foundation is a nonprofit organization, the board of which includes the commissioner of education and 20 others representing various education and business groups, by charter from the legislature and through private sector and community-based partnerships. It is a catalyst for advancing student success through high levels of school performance. The foundation challenges students to stretch, achieve, and innovate; empowers schools to learn and produce results; and enables K-12 policy and business leaders to support high expectations for school and student achievement. (Minnesota Statutes, 124D.94)

Consider applying for a board position on the Minnesota Academic Excellence Foundation (scroll down). Board membership is by gubernatorial appointment andapplications are taken through the Secretary of State’s Office. Last I heard there are several open board positions! This is a terrific opportunity that’s not made clear at the Secretary of State website.  If you are interested in speaking with the chair, Melissa Malen, let us know and we will put you in touch!

New @ the Website

• “What Americans Keep Ignoring about Finland’s Success” – We are often told about the successful results of schools in Finland. This article provides a great deal of context for that success, The Atlantic.
• Minnesota scrutinizes 40-year-old ‘Miracle’ – Forty years ago, Minnesota lawmakers created a new way to pay for local schools and governments. Now, that plan is under close scrutiny and, some would say, in jeopardy, Minnesota Public Radio. (Learn more about the relationship between the Minnesota Miracle and funding our schools.)
• Learn • Network • Act – If you’re new to Parents United check out our video on Vimeo.