Phillip Miner's Musings 2008 archive

Each month Phillip Miner, director of Community Initiative at the Council, shares some personal thoughts on education and societal issues of the day as he sees them. Here are his recent columns:

June 11, 2008

The MN Department of Education 2008 reading proficiency report is out. Read the press release (PDF). The report shows just how far our high school youth must go to be academic leaders among the youth of the global community.

Although all demographic segments of our population improved their proficiency in reading, youth of color are significantly below their white counterparts. But you know what? I want to focus on the good news here. We know there is a gap in academic performance and we even have a handle on some of the factors that are at play and possible solutions. One solution is featured in the LearnmoreMN.org blog this month.

Therefore, let's not bemoan the gap, but rather continue to put best practices in place that will continue and increase the documented success we are seeing in outcomes. I am convinced all kids can learn and that includes Blacks and other youth of color!

—Phillip

I retire the end of this month. I have enjoyed my three and half decades of service in education and community relations!

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May 13, 2008

Rochester Rocks!
Another school district in Minnesota commits to erasing the achievement gap...another realization that all kids can learn! I so deeply admire, respect and thank the leadership and staff in districts that publicly declare their commitment to helping all kids learn — including underperforming youth who often come from low-income and/or minority communities.

Superintendent Romaine Dallemand boldly sets the end date for performance parity at 2013 for the district. Read the article, then figure out how you can help make it happen!

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April 7, 2008

Is this the best we can do?
The recently released Minnesota Measures 2008 report chronicles lots of information about educational trends and outcomes in Minnesota.

Principle among the facts is that we have a long way to go to increase academic success and college degree completion among many youth from low-income families and communities of color. The long-term viability of our state and our country's ability to remain competitive in a global economy and society require it.

I invite readers not to become discouraged with the data, but rather, to let it inform and inspire you to get engaged in solutions that work. It might be as simple as volunteering to assist with reading development to a third grade class near your office or home. Or one might tutor a neighborhood youth a couple of nights per week or volunteer with a local school or community youth-serving organization (see community partners list for options). Nothing is more important to the academic and personal development and success of youth than having a caring and engaged adult in their life.

Do you care enough to get engaged? I hope so.

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March 13, 2008

Joe Nathan got it right (see his column) 
Why not require students to apply for post-secondary pursuits as a part of high school graduation requirements? The advance planning required to have a "next step" after high school plan in place before one graduates may positively contribute to high school success and an increase in college bound students. Such a requirement could favorably impact course selection in high school; increase knowledge about the  college search, admission and financial aid processes; and give students a greater sense of what they will be doing after gradation.

Of course students with circumstances and limitations that preclude college attendance would be exempt from the requirement, but others would at least have a roadmap — a plan in place — to follow post-graduation. Students cannot be compelled to follow through and enroll in the college to which they were admitted...but the good news is they have a viable option they can exercise should they choose.

I like the idea. What do you think?

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Feb. 4, 2008

We Must Invest in Our Young Mothers
I was moved by the recent article, Big Dreams, that highlights success stories from programs for young mothers in our community. These programs have given many young mothers the strength to go forward and the educational and personal development tools to make it happen. Whether it's affordable daycare, the AGAPE High School in St Paul, the Student Parent HELP Center at the University of Minnesota or the Access and Success Program at the College of St Catherine, the combination of personal resolve and a community program is making a difference in the lives of young mothers and their children.
 
As many Minnesotans ask themselves how they can engage in their community and make a difference, I respectfully offer these suggestions. Volunteer at a school or progam for young mothers. Support the college and career day at AGAPE. Re-work the job requirements for a position in your company or program to accommodate the job readiness level of a teen parent — most likely without a degree — yet. Redirect your corporate and personal giving practices to include a help program for young mothers. And, encourage and support sufficient state funding for the Postsecondary Child Care Grant Progam. 
 
Any of these options will make a positive difference. Which one will you chose?

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See Miner's Musings from 2007

FYI: Resources and Information for Diverse Audiences