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NEWS | January 2009

Each month NEWS delivers stories about our colleges and higher education research, trends and policies

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Minnesota’s economic interests led state chamber to focus on need-based aid

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce stated its strong support for the State Grant program in early January, noting that the program will be especially important in ensuring access to higher education for students given the current economic conditions. Read full article
 
Augusta Garberich

Undergraduate student researchers contribute knowledge and creativity

Private college students will display their research posters and answer questions from legislators at the Scholars at the Capitol event on Feb. 19. Students have an opportunity to “translate” their research and connect with legislators from their own districts. Read full article
 
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College enrollment during economic downturns: A historical perspective

Minnesota private college enrollment has generally increased during and immediately after economic contraction. This time, declining numbers of high school graduates and adults who are returning to school or retiring make the outlook uncertain. Read full article
 
Briefs

Briefs

  • The Minnesota Department of Education’s new Growing Toward Success tool tracks student proficiency from year to year in math and reading to determine if they are gaining and retaining skills.
  • The State Budget Trends Study Commission released its report to the Legislature on Jan. 12. The commission urged state leaders to address persistent achievement gaps between white and minority students in public schools as the population becomes more diverse and the work force shrinks. See p. 13 of the PDF.
  • The Minnesota Office of Higher Education completed the sale of $100 million in revenue bonds to meet continuing strong demand for the SELF Loan program. Read the news release 
  • Quality Counts 2009 — the 13th edition of Education Week’s report cards tracking state education policies and outcomes — reports this year on student success of English-language learners. Minnesota received a grade of “C.”