amplifiED EdAllies

In this episode of the amplifiEd, Josh Crosson and Matt Shaver discuss the issue of chronic absenteeism in schools with Jim Davnie, the executive director of the Minnesota Alliance with Youth. The conversation explores the definition of chronic absenteeism, its causes, and its impact on students and the school community. They also discuss the Minnesota Alliance with Youth’s Promise Fellows and the strategies used to address chronic absenteeism. The conversation explores the challenges of chronic absenteeism in Minnesota schools and the efforts being made to address the issue, highlighting the collective focus of legislative leaders and the involvement of various organizations in tackling the issue during the 2024 legislative session. 

In the wake of COVID-19, fewer students are taking rigorous classes in Minnesota. Moreover, Minnesota is home to significant disparities in who has access to advanced coursework—with students of color, low-income students, and students with disabilities missing out on opportunities to advance and even earn college credit.

In this episode, amplifiED hosts Margaret and Josh welcome Dr. Kristen Hengtgen, Senior Analyst on the P-12 policy team at EdTrust, to discuss the decline in rigorous coursework enrollment not just in Minnesota, but across the country. Dr. Hengtgen the importance of rigorous courses on academic achievement, the barriers to students, especially students of color, from enrolling in classes, and what other states have been doing to combat the decline. The discussion then moves into how states have found success in implementing "automatic enrollment" into rigorous courses and details how Minnesota can follow these examples to set up a pilot program to test the program for ourselves.

Incoming Minnesota college students are leaving money on the table, and most don’t even realize it. Students who do not promptly fill out the FAFSA miss out on need-based grants, loans and work-study for a whole school year—and just as importantly, they miss out on potentially transformative information about resources that might have helped make college dreams possible. Minnesota’s graduating classes of 2021 and 2022 left nearly $100 million on the table in Pell Grants by not completing FAFSA.



In this episode, Josh and Margaret talk with Thomas Anderson, Executive Director of Students United, about how low completion rates of the FAFSA are affecting Minnesota students. Thomas also talks through the current status of the FAFSA and why Minnesota legislators should pass a universal FAFSA policy for Minnesota students.

It's tax season and the Minnesota Department of Revenue offers two valuable tax benefits for parents who purchase school supplies for their K-12 students: the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction. In this episode, Josh and Margaret welcome Rep. Matt Norris (32B) to amplifiED to talk about the ins and outs of the new credit. Rep. Norris discusses how the tax credit was created, how the credit was passed through the Minnesota legislature, the impact on Minnesota families, and how students and parents can take advantage of the credit.



For more information, visit the Department of Revenue's website at: https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/k-12-education-subtraction-and-credit



For a list of qualifying expenses, visit: https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/qualifying-expenses

On this episode of amplifiED, join hosts Josh Crosson and Margaret Sullivan as they dive into the exciting world of education advocacy and policy-making. They are joined by guest Matt Shaver as they discuss the upcoming legislative session, the challenges they anticipate, and the importance of effective advocacy. From addressing the use of physical restraints on students, to the impact of tiered licensing for teachers, to the push for universal FAFSA and more, they cover a wide range of topics. Get ready to be inspired and informed as they share their passion for improving education and providing equal opportunities for all students.
Timestamps:
[00:00:01] AmplifiEd podcast discusses education policy.
[00:07:00] Legislative session expectations and challenges.
[00:14:23] Summary: Discussion on repealing law protecting students.
[00:19:59] Advocates are pushing for the elimination of dangerous restraints on children in schools
[00:27:25] Limits on force for kids questioned.
[00:32:32] Special education teachers and teachers of color face challenges in the licensure system. 
[00:40:15] Parents don't care about teacher licenses.
[00:45:55] Schools struggle with accountability and change. Chronic absenteeism is a major issue.
[00:52:44] Crisis in chronic absenteeism, college readiness.
[00:59:09] Summary: Discussion about education and involvement opportunities.
In the AmplifiEd podcast, we dig into the issues of the day, the opportunities and challenges facing students, educators, and families, and the ways policy, advocacy, and collaboration can ensure better outcomes for us all.
Follow us:
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Find Out More at EdAllies
At EdAllies, we partner with schools, families, and communities to ensure that all Minnesota students have access to a rigorous and engaging education. We advance policies that put underserved students first, remove barriers facing successful schools and programs, and foster an inclusive conversation about what's possible for students.

Josh Crosson and Margaret Sullivan interviewed Joshua Fuchs, current principal at Red Wing High School In Red Wing, MN. Fuchs discussed his experience in three different school districts, the need for restorative practices in schools, and the need for more diverse leadership in school administration. This episode also includes discussions on improving school outcomes, what teachers need to help continue their education, and the impact the tiered licensure system has on recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers. He also encouraged educators to get involved outside of the school building and become advocates for both themselves and their students.
In the AmplifiEd podcast, we dig into the issues of the day, the opportunities and challenges facing students, educators, and families, and the ways policy, advocacy, and collaboration can ensure better outcomes for us all.
Timestamps:
[00:00:01] Equity, perceptions, mentor, principal, memorable experience, wincing.
[00:05:10] Turning school around: Doctor Vincent, Joshua Fuchs.
[00:10:38] Creating equitable educational access for all.
[00:18:02] Empowering youth, building relationships, advocating change.
[00:24:20] Kids are kids: Oakland, Brooklyn, Red Wing.
[00:29:52] Testing bias against Black/Brown kids.
[00:36:06] Beliefs, not gaps, shape success.
[00:42:39] Supporting marginalized leaders.
[00:48:36] Educator pay, support, disruption.
[00:53:36] Educators: Love Kids, Get Involved.

Follow us:
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
Find Out More at EdAllies
At EdAllies, we partner with schools, families, and communities to ensure that all Minnesota students have access to a rigorous and engaging education. We advance policies that put underserved students first, remove barriers facing successful schools and programs, and foster an inclusive conversation about what's possible for students.