amplifiED

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:TwitterFacebookLinkedInFind Out More at EdAlliesAt 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:TwitterFacebookLinkedInFind Out More at EdAlliesAt 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.

This episode of amplifiED digs deep into the debate that has played out in Minnesota politics since the start of the school year: the implementation of legislation limiting dangerous holds and restraints on students by SROs and other adults in a school setting. Maren Hulden, supervising attorney at Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid's Disability Law Center, joins Josh Crosson and Margaret Sullivan to discuss what has happened over the last couple of months, the multiple sides in this debate, and what the legislation allows and does not allow based on the exact reading of the law. The discussion also covers the voices of those who are disproportionately impacted but are currently missing from this discussion: Black, Brown, and Indigenous students and students with disabilities. Finally, Maren, Josh, and Margaret all discuss what the next steps are for this legislation, what might play out in the 2024 Minnesota legislative session, and how we can ensure students remain safe in schools.Resource mentioned in the podcast: https://www.startribune.com/counterpoint-police-presence-in-schools-needs-the-new-limits/600302251/ Timestamps:[00:06:34] Education reform: Suspension solutions, legal aid, universal meals, police in schools.[00:12:21] Democrats take control of MN.[00:18:23] Regulate kids with disabilities, not without[00:23:24] Law enforcement debate over restraint laws.[00:29:44] Ban on prone for kids with disabilities.[00:36:43] Law enforcement accountability in schools: Difficult to enforce, Democrats disagree.[00:41:51] Lawyers disagree on statutory interpretation.[00:46:28] safety in mind.Legislative language to meet all needs.[00:53:56] Advocating for student safety: Maren HuldenIn 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:TwitterFacebookLinkedInFind Out More at EdAlliesAt 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.

On this episode of amplifiED, Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson are joined by special guest Natasha Loya, a 22-year-old advocate from Minneapolis and Youth Engagement Director at Bridgemakers. Natasha shares her story of growing up in a chaotic household, her experiences in the education system, and the traumas that fed her passion for helping people. Natasha discusses her path to finding power in youth organizing to help heal trauma and make advances for justice. Josh, Margaret, and Natasha then discuss the issue of what adults, particularly police officers, SROs, and other adults in positions of power, can do to children in schools; a critical debate currently happening in Minnesota politics. Trigger warning - Before this episode begins, we wanted to make our listeners aware that this episode discusses themes of suicide, abuse and personal trauma. We feel these issues are critical to address as we discuss complex issues facing equity, justice, education and advocacy but we also know that they might be difficult for some listeners to hear. If you need a moment during this, or any of our episodes, please take it. Take care of yourself, and if you need to, please reach out and ask for help.Timestamps:[00:00:01] Youth voices on school discipline policies. [00:05:18] Black Latina fights for justice.[00:13:14] Youth organizing to heal trauma. [00:19:53] Adults protect kids from violence. [00:22:50] Caste system control of black/brown bodies. [00:27:53] Police violence against youth ignored.[00:33:41] Police brutality on children: Traumatic for decades. [00:36:35] Youth-led org Bridgemakers uplifts, researches, pays youth. [00:40:38] It's okay to be broken; seek joy. [00:44:26] Empowering youth to create change: BridgemakersMN.orgIn 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:TwitterFacebookLinkedInFind Out More at EdAlliesAt 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.

On this episode of the amplifiEd podcast, host Josh Crosson and EdAllies’ policy director Matt Shaver are joined by special guest Minnesota State Representative Heather Edelson. Rep. Edelson shares her story of growing up in North Minneapolis, how The Babysitters Club helped her be a good policymaker, and her experience working on the Read Act. She also discusses empowering students through literacy, the bill's importance to Minnesota’s learners, what parents can expect to see in classrooms in the coming years, and what’s next for literacy education. This episode is a deep dive into how community members, parents, advocates, and legislators can all come together to craft meaningful legislation for kids.Timestamps:[00:00:01] DJ Peter Parker, Maniac McGee, Stinky Cheese Man, 1984, Harry Potter, The Babysitters Club[00:04:21] Empowering literacy through policymaking.[00:08:30] Empowering kids through literacy, opportunity.[00:12:33] Empowering literacy through science and advocacy.[00:19:23] Creating equitable literacy policy: struggle, process, collaboration.[00:24:05] Improving literacy through policymaking, importance of community-based processes[00:29:05] Highlights of the Read Act as a comprehensive literacy bill: Invest, screen, intervene, train.[00:33:44] Addressing trauma through policy. What can parents expect to see from the Read Act to show its working.[00:38:19] Stop being jerks: Pass READ Act 2.0[00:43:14] Teachers learn literacy, EdAllies push change.On 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:TwitterFacebookLinkedInFind Out More at EdAlliesAt 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.

On this episode of amplifiED, host Margaret Sullivan explores the concept of ethnic studies with guest Danyika Leonard, the Policy Director of Education Evolving. They discuss the upcoming Social Studies academic standards for Minnesota public schools, which include a strand around ethnic studies. Danyika explains how ethnic studies can help students learn about their heritage, culture, and language, as well as how it can help decolonize education. She also talks about the importance of heritage language reclamation and how it can be integrated into STEM.Timestamps:[00:08:18] Interdisciplinary study of race, ethnicity, indigeneity, liberation.[00:15:44] Heritage language reclamation: Decolonize, explore, learn, thrive.[00:22:34] Ethnic studies: Decolonize, liberate, double education.[00:30:17] Ethnic studies improves educational outcomes.[00:35:40] Racism, anti-blackness in sci-fi: root, belong, purpose.[00:43:47] Supporting educators, fighting for equity.[00:49:42] Create protective spaces, love, support, give, lead, resist.[00:58:46] Figure out holistic family success.[01:05:21] Advocating for education change: Mobilize, galvanize, testify.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:TwitterFacebookLinkedInFind Out More at EdAlliesAt 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.

On this episode of AmpliEd, the EdAllies Podcast, hosts Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson are joined by policy director Matt Shaver to discuss the importance of advocating for Minnesota students during the legislative off season. They explore the differences between lobbying and donating money to candidates, the strain of fundraising for legislators, and the need to build relationships with decision makers. 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:TwitterFacebookLinkedInFind Out More at EdAlliesAt 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.

On this episode of AmplifEd, The EdAllies Podcast, Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson are joined by special guest Jose Perez, Director of Good Trouble at Bridgemakers. They discuss the importance of advocating for underserved students and removing barriers in education. Jose shares his experiences navigating predominantly white spaces and the gratitude he feels for the sacrifices his mother made for his education. They also touch on the power of youth voices and the need for systemic change in education. They discuss the brilliance and potential of these young individuals and how they are being let down by the system. The conversation also delves into the experiences of Jose and other young people at the Minnesota Capitol, fighting against legislation that would push out teachers of color.Timestamps:[00:00:01] Creating better outcomes through advocacy.[00:04:41] Navigating spaces for young people's liberation.[00:09:02] Authentic youth push against oppression.[00:13:07] Youth organize, advocate, and effect change.[00:17:54] Untraditional education leads to youth leadership.[00:23:30] Valuing young people's lived experience.[00:27:36] Empowering young people, not adults.[00:32:46] Youth fight white supremacist systems: No Apologies.[00:36:49] Engage young people in the people's house.[00:42:09] Stirring up good trouble together.Follow us:TwitterFacebookLinkedInFind Out More at EdAlliesAt 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.

Join us on this episode of AmplifiEd, the EdAllies Podcast, as Dr. Nekima Levy Armstrong discusses the history of segregation in schools and the ongoing fight for educational equity. She highlights the continued disparities in education for black and brown students and details the positive impacts of culturally affirming schools in Minnesota. The episode also covers the recent mediation and court hearings related to the Cruz-Guzman lawsuit, which could limit school options that affirm and support students’ identities. Show Notes:00:00:2Intentional policies for equitable outcomes.00:07:6Culturally affirming schools empower students of color.00:15:7Black identity found at HBCU: Reclaiming lives, power, choice.00:22:5Black woman leads historic case00:28:2Lawsuit challenges state's racial disparities.00:34:0State segregation, redlining, family choice, deconstructing demographics, black brilliance, infrastructure.00:39:4Inequitable resources: disrupting black/brown families.00:46:3The Supreme Court decides intentional state action.00:52:3Anti-segregationists confuse Minnesota journalists.00:57:8Fighting for equitable education.About 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.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:TwitterFacebookLinkedInFind Out More at EdAllies

In this episode of AmplifiEd, an EdAllies Podcast, hosts Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson discuss the need for teacher diversity with Policy Director, Matt Shaver. There is an increasing importance of adding more teachers of color in Minnesota schools. The three emphasize the need for effective policy-making and monitoring to ensure that investments are actually moving the needle towards increasing teacher diversity. 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.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:TwitterFacebookLinkedInFind Out More at EdAllies

In this podcast, Matt Shaver, the policy director of EDAllies, discusses the bills they've been tracking during the legislative session. Matt explains an omnibus bill, which is a collection of policy and funding proposals from a variety of sources that a committee chair puts together. It is the legislature's job to create a recipe for the entire state. People can come to the legislature and testify for and against different topics that they believe should be included in the bill. An example they give is someone advocating for peanuts while someone else is allergic to them. Omnibus bills are important because they can have a big impact on the state.Timestamps0:03:00Conversation Summary: Ed Allies Legislative Session Update with Policy Director Matt Shaver0:04:29Heading: Explaining the Omnibus Bill and Its Importance to the Legislative Process0:06:41Conversation Summary: Explaining the Process of Creating an Omnibus Bill0:23:21Conversation Recap: Hunger Free Schools Coalition and General Mills and Blue Cross/Blue Shield0:26:09Heading: Analysis of House and Senate Education Proposals in Minnesota0:29:49Heading: Analysis of Proposed Education Bill and its Impact on Teachers of Color0:32:03Topic: Lack of Confidence in Accessing Spaces Due to Historical Oppression0:37:21Heading: Examining the Impact of Licensure and Discipline Policies on Education Equity0:39:33"The Impact of Pre-K Dismissal Bans and Discipline Reforms on Student Outcomes"0:55:12Interview with Woody: Exploring the Impact of Education on His Life and Career0:56:36Heading: Exploring the Impact of Education on Life Trajectory and the Need for Student Involvement in Curriculum Development1:03:00Heading: The Importance of Internships for Young Folks and Adults Alike1:05:58Conversation with Legislative Intern on Navigating Spaces as a Person of Color1:10:43Conversation with [Name], Intern at [Organization], on Education and Future Plans1:12:38Heading: Reflections on Education Policy and Pro Bono Immigration Work1:16:42Heading: USRA Podcast Episode Recap: Amplifying Voices and Ideas with Euster1:18:53Episode SummaryAt 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.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:TwitterFacebookLinkedInFind Out More at EdAllies

In this episode of AmplifiED, we discuss with Matt Shaver, the policy director of EDAllies. Matt and hosts Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson discussed the current issues of the day, the opportunities and challenges facing students, educators and families, and the importance of policy advocacy and collaboration. They talked about the combative atmosphere of the current March Madness at the Capitol and the stress it places on everyone involved. They also discussed advocating for kids, the K-3 suspension band, and investing in education. Finally, they delved into the complexities of the special education funding formula in Minnesota, which has not been fixed since the 1970s.Chapters:(0:00:02) - Inside the Dome(0:05:09) - Advocating for Kids(0:12:58) - Non-Exclusionary Discipline(0:23:01) - Investing in Education(0:32:14) - Education Funding Formula(0:42:55) - Exploring Teacher Licensure Standards and Barriers(0:50:06) - Licensure Debate on EducatorsAt 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.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:TwitterFacebookLinkedInFind Out More at EdAllies

Ed Allies is a Minnesota-based organization that partners with schools, families, and communities to ensure that all Minnesota students have access to a rigorous and engaging education. This podcast, Amplified, is a way for EdAllies to 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. In this episode, co-hosts Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson give a background on Ed Allies and what they do, including advocating for underserved students, removing barriers to successful schools and programs, and fostering an inclusive conversation.Josh and Margaret both share a passion for making a difference in education. Josh was a Policy Director at Sanctuary, and they had a parent outreach session about suspensions and expulsions, emphasizing that parents are not alone in their experiences, as it is a systemic issue for kids of color in Minnesota schools. To make sure education is transformed for all kids, especially those from historically underserved communities, they suggests centering policies around kids of color, kids with disabilities, low income kids, and kids from underserved communities. In this conversation, Margaret and Josh discuss the journey of understanding trauma and how it affects children. They discussed how when children cannot express their emotions, they often act them out, which can lead to suspensions and expulsions in school. One example given was of a student visiting the historic site of Fort Snelling, and feeling the emotions of being both enslaved and free, which caused him to kick his shoes. Initially, he was going to be suspended, but instead, the counselor talked to him to understand why he had acted out. This conversation highlighted the need to understand trauma and its effects on children, instead of punishing them for expressing their emotions.Timestamps0:00:01Introducing Ed Allies and Our Mission0:03:50Conversation on Education Equity and Black History Month with Josh0:06:13Dedicating This Podcast to Our Ancestors in Honor of Black History Month0:09:12Reducing Suspensions and Expulsions in Minnesota: A Story of Trauma and Emotions at Fort Snelling0:11:23Discussion on Navigating Minnesota's Language and Culture0:13:26Conversation Summary: Ed Allies and the Quick History of the Organization0:15:10Conversation on Education Equity and Accessibility0:16:54Exploring the Role of Financial Access in Education and Race0:18:35Advocating for My Son in a Daycare Situation0:22:17A Conversation on Supporting Prospective Teachers of Color0:26:14Conversation on Racial Inequality and the Need for Change0:28:23Education Equity Policy Discussion0:31:04Solutions, Not Suspensions Coalition: Lunch Shaming and Suspension Ban0:36:59Banning PreK Expulsions in Minnesota: A Conversation with Leaders of the Coalition0:38:41A Conversation with Education Advocates0:40:02Staying Connected with Ed AlliesHighlightsWe actually have a hearing on that coming up with a lot of the opposition there is saying suspensions and expulsions are just a tool in the toolbox. And I always say if suspensions and expulsions are a tool in the toolbox, that's like building a house with the carrot doesn't work and just makes a whole lot of mess. We have a lot of other policies that we're working on. I'm not going to go through those because this podcast is not that long, but you're going to hear from us throughout the future episodes about what else we're working on.Yeah, we need a better title for it. Solutions, not suspensions, Coalition. We're a part of that. We're leaders within that coalition. But we were...

This is AmplifiEd, the EdAllies podcast. 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.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:TwitterFacebookLinkedInFind Out More at EdAllies