As the 85th Minnesota Legislature begins its biennial deliberations, MACTE would like to share its legislative priorities with the Board of Teaching so we can collaborate to ensure Minnesota retains its reputation for leadership and quality in P-12 education.
Our legislative priorities are: 1) School readiness and early learning; 2) Funding for access and bridging the achievement gap; 3) Funding for new teacher induction programs; and 4) High and consistent standards for all teachers. A summary of our stance on these issues follows, but these priorities are addressed in more detail in the Issue Briefs published by MACTE.

MACTE institutions produce early childhood teachers and are very familiar with the research on early childhood education. The research stresses the educational importance of the early years in a child’s development. MACTE wants the 85th Minnesota legislature to: a) mandate and fund all-day kindergarten; b) mandate and fund full developmental and health screening of all MN children from age three through kindergarten; c) fund a study of universal preschool for Minnesotans; d) fund a study leading to recommendations addressing the growing number of preschool-aged children with significant and severe disabilities. Working with community early childhood professionals and guided by BOT standards, MACTE institutions are producing outstanding early childhood educators. Minnesota students will excel and schools will improve, if early childhood professionals are supported by legislative funding and mandates.  Minnesota has a continuing need to promote access to higher education and bridge the achievement gap for students of color. MACTE institutions recognize their role in addressing this issue and are initiating new strategies to recruit and retain more students and faculty of color. MACTE institutions are also collaborating in development of new partnerships with K-12 schools to develop college access programs. The Minnesota legislature needs to add its support by funding incentives, scholarships, and programs for students of color that will support their pursuit of higher education and teaching licensure.

MACTE recommends the legislature mandate and financially support a year-long induction and mentoring program for teachers new to the profession. The National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future has provided data and a report noting that the nation needs to direct more attention on  teacher retention than on the reported “teacher shortage.” Induction is a good investment that has a positive impact on teaching and learning that results in teachers staying in the profession longer. Collaborative efforts by BOT-approved teacher preparation programs and school districts can guide beginning teachers through the first year of teaching if the legislature will provide funding.

MACTE wants the Minnesota legislature to reaffirm its commitment in requiring all Minnesota teachers meet high and consistent standards. MACTE recognizes some districts are challenged with hard to staff areas, but lowering standards is not acceptable. The legislature needs to provide incentives for hard to staff areas, promote alternative delivery of content, and enhance teacher retention with high quality fully licensed teachers that meet Minnesota standards.