Minnesota

Like its North Star name would suggest, this is truly a stellar state for digital learning, with virtual, blended and distance schooling possible and readily accessible. Minnesota also offers widespread choices for students to attend or reenroll in public or postsecondary opportunities that count for both secondary and higher education. Transparency in data and decision making caps it off, making Minnesota a leader in reform, and putting this star at the top.

Any parent or guardian who spends money on approved education expenses is eligible for up to a $2,500 per child deduction or a tax credit worth 75 percent for up to $1,000 per child. The state permits parents some choices among traditional public schools but it restricts such choice to outside of their district, limiting their options.

SOURCE: The Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice

Minnesota has one of the strongest charter school laws in the country because it has all of the major components of a high-quality charter law. These include a variety of accountable authorizers, blanket waivers from most rules and regulations, equitable funding, and facilities assistance. It was the first charter law in the country, and it is still one of the strongest.

SOURCE: The Essential Guide to Charter School Law 2013 National Ranking and Scorecard

Minnesota has a strong record and long history of state policies that directly address online learning and has opened up multiple pathways for quality providers of digital content.

SOURCE: Digital Learning Now!

Minnesota uses student growth metrics to account for 35 percent of a teacher’s evaluation, however they are not required annually for all teachers. Neither tenure decisions nor licensure advancement and renewal are based on teacher effectiveness.
The consequences for multiple unsatisfactory evaluations remain unclear in the state, but ineffective classroom performance is not a ground for dismissal. Seniority, not performance, determines layoff decisions.

Minnesota has a state voluntary performance pay program that can be implemented if 70 percent of district teachers agree to the plan.

SOURCE: National Council on Teacher Quality

Minnesota offers very comprehensive and user-friendly data on school performance that can be customized for the user, parents, or educators. Users can also create side-by-side comparisons of schools. The 343 local school boards are elected in November, but not always during the general election cycle. Dates are determined district-by-district.