amplifiED

In this episode of the amplifiED podcast, hosts Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson, along with team members Madie Spartzs and Matt Shaver, discuss EdAllies' recent State of Education report in Minnesota. They explore the findings, including surprising statistics about literacy and enrollment trends, the challenges of funding and policy gaps, and the importance of addressing absenteeism and mental health. The conversation also highlights the need for a diverse teacher workforce and the legislative actions required to improve education in the state. The team emphasizes the importance of celebrating positive changes while advocating for necessary improvements in Minnesota's education system.Access the State of Education report here: https://edalliesmn.org/research/the-state-of-education-in-minnesota-a-policy-roadmap-for-student-success/

In this episode of amplified, hosts Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson from EdAllies are joined by Meghna Sohoni and Michael Franco of TNTP to unpack the findings from their new report, The Opportunity Makers: How a Diverse Group of Public Schools Helps Students Catch Up—And How Far More Can. The conversation takes a deep dive into what’s working in the small but powerful percentage of schools that are helping students accelerate academically, especially those who are behind grade level.Over the course of the episode, the group explores what sets these “trajectory-changing” schools apart—including a strong sense of student belonging, consistent access to grade-level instruction, and coherent academic programming. They share stories from the field, insights from student and educator interviews, and practical steps schools, systems, and policymakers can take to replicate success.They also dig into the implications for Minnesota—highlighting local examples, policy debates, and why it's time to stop playing the “classroom lottery.”Check out TNTP's full Opportunity Makers report at https://tntp.org/publication/the-opportunity-makers/

In this episode of the amplifiED Podcast, Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson are joined by special guest Dan Gordon of EducationCounsel to break down the latest education developments out of DC. In the episode, they unpack the Trump administration’s efforts to unwind DEI and civil rights enforcement, and change the terms of public education funding.What is being asked of states, and how should local educators and advocates make sense of it all? Dan offers clear insights into how recent federal court decisions are pushing back and what the hollowing out of the U.S. Department of Education could mean for students and schools.

With a looming budget deficit, big needs for students, and a divided legislature, how will student-centered policy fare at the Capitol in 2025? Join us for the latest updates in our first-ever live-streamed podcast! Hosts Josh and Margaret are joined by Matt Shaver, EdAllies’ Senior Policy Director, to break down what’s happened in the Minnesota legislative session so far, where budget proposals stand, and which policies are still on the table in current omnibus bills. We chronic absenteeism, student discipline, literacy, an Algebra II repeal, college readiness policy, charter accountability, teacher pipeline efforts, and more.Listen in to our update on our inaugeral livestreamed episode, originally broadcast on LinkedIn Live!

In this episode of amplifiED, we dive into the future of early learning in Minnesota with special guest Ericca Maas from Think Small. Margaret and Josh discuss the importance of high-quality early education, how scholarships support families, and the looming $100 million funding cliff that could leave thousands of children without access to essential early learning programs. Why is childcare so expensive, yet providers struggle to make ends meet? How can we advocate for sustainable funding solutions? Tune in for a lively discussion on policy, impact, and the fight to keep Minnesota's youngest learners on the path to success.

Passing an education policy is one thing—making it work is another. In this episode, hosts Margaret Sullivan and Matt Shaver dig into the challenges of turning policy into real impact. They’re joined by Marisa Mission, Senior Analyst, and David Casalaspi, Associate Partner, from Bellwether to explore what Minnesota can learn from other states, focusing on case studies of high-impact tutoring in Illinois and the science of reading in North Carolina. What made these policies successful? What pitfalls should Minnesota avoid? And why does implementation matter just as much—if not more—than the policy itself?Read the Bellwether case studies at https://bellwether.org/publications/from-policy-to-impact/

In this episode, amplifiED hosts Josh and Margaret are joined by Khulia Pringle of S.T.A.N.D. Up Minnesota Parents United, who represented the Solutions Not Suspensions coalition on a working group to develop a model policy for School Resource Officers. They take you inside the controversial rollback of limits on dangerous holds in schools, and the next steps when it comes to expectations for SROs.Khulia shares her firsthand account from inside the POST Board policy meetings and where advocates fought to hold the line on student safety. Josh, Margaret, and Khulia discuss the broader implications for Black students and those with disabilities—those most impacted by excessive discipline—and what families can do to demand accountability. Despite the setbacks, advocates aren’t backing down. Tune in to learn what’s next in the push to ensure schools remain a place for learning while being safe when they walk through the doors.

In this episode of the amplifiED podcast,* host Josh Crosson is joined by EdAllies Policy Director Matt Shaver and Legal Services Advocacy Project attorney Jess Webster to tackle a troubling and often hidden issue in Minnesota schools: the use of seclusion rooms. Often likened to solitary confinement, this controversial practice disproportionately impacts young children and students with disabilities. Josh, Matt, and Jess unpack the data, the trauma caused by these practices, and the fight to protect kids through legislative change—including the recent ban on seclusion for children in pre-K through third grade. They also discuss the ongoing resistance to this progress and what’s at stake during the 2025 legislative session. Hear accounts of the harm seclusion causes, the power dynamics in IEP meetings, and the challenges of implementing meaningful reforms in a divided government. Most importantly, learn how you can join the fight to ensure all kids have access to safe, supportive learning environments. Tune in to discover how we can move from harmful practices to compassionate solutions—and why this fight is far from over. *This episode discusses themes of child abuse, child injuries, and trauma. We feel these issues are critical to address as we discuss the many challenges facing students and families in our work toward justice. But we also know these discussions might be difficult for some listeners to hear. We ask that you please listen at your discretion, pause the episode if needed, and join us when you feel ready.

In this episode of amplifiED, co-hosts Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson are back and ready to dive into the 2025 Minnesota legislative session with EdAllies’ Policy Director Matt Shaver. Together, they unpack the ever-changing post-election political landscape in Minnesota—including unfolding races that could impact the balance of power in the legislature— and the challenges of a tight budget year.  Then the team explores what’s at stake for Minnesota’s students and families discussing education funding, early learning scholarships, chronic absenteeism, universal school meals, and more! Along the way, they discuss potential power struggles and the critical importance of defending progress for kids. Whether you’re a parent, educator, policymaker, or advocate, this episode provides valuable insights into how you can stay informed and involved during a critical and complex 2025 session.

In this episode of the amplifiED podcast, host Josh Crosson speaks with Lars Esdal, Executive Director of Education Evolving, about the importance of youth involvement in education policy and his organization’s recent report on Minnesota's standards and assessments.  Josh and Lars discuss the need for student-centered learning opportunities, the significance of heritage language licensure, and the challenges posed by current assessment practices that fail to measure student growth effectively. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of culturally relevant assessments and the equity issues that arise from traditional testing methods.  Lars and Josh also discuss the need to re-evaluate educational standards and assessments. They explore the concept of a 'Portrait of a Graduate' that emphasizes deep, transferable skills necessary for success beyond school. The discussion highlights the importance of rigorous assessments that measure not only proficiency but also growth, advocating for a badging system in high schools to better align education with real-world skills and opportunities. 

In this episode of the amplifiED podcast, we dive deep into the life of education legislation after it passes. Join hosts Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson, along with EdAllies' policy director Matt Shaver, as they explore the journey from legislative triumphs to the often-frustrating reality of implementation. We’ll discuss how well-intentioned investments in education can fall short, the challenges of ensuring that resources reach the students who need them most, and why policy advocacy doesn’t end with a signature on the dotted line. From the struggles of teachers of color to the intricate dance of budget allocations, we’ll uncover the truth behind why funds can seem to vanish before they ever make it to the classroom. From universal meals to Come Teach in Minnesota grants to our Underrepresented Student Teacher grants, we tackle the pressing question: How can we ensure that education investments truly benefit our students?

In June, EdAllies released a new report "Eliminating Barriers for Teachers of Color in Minnesota: Lessons from Aspiring Teachers" based on the work of the Community Action Team (CAT), seven people of color who seriously considered entering the K-12 teaching profession but ultimately decided on another career path. This report details the barriers that were in place that prevented cohort members from becoming teachers and recommendations for support for potential teachers of color. In this episode, Josh and Margaret welcome two members of the CAT cohort. After reviewing the abysmal state of Minnesota's teacher diversity, guests Broderick and Jocelyn tell their stories about their experiences trying to become teachers. Guests discuss what made them want to be teachers, their experiences in teacher preparation, what they faced once they entered a school setting, and the ultimate barriers that blocked them from having a classroom of their own.

In the wrap-up episode of the 2024 Minnesota legislative session, Josh and Margaret are joined by Matt Shaver, EdAllies' Policy Director, to assess what has been accomplished for Minnesota students in the last few months. In the episode, Matt explains why this session's politics have left him "weary," details the non-education topics that have dominated the legislature over the last few months, and gives credit for some key wins in the final bills. The discussion then centers around the status of key 2024 priorities where Josh, Margaret, and Matt give updates on whether critical bills were passed, funded, or left on the sidelines. Listen in for updates on paid student teaching, chronic absenteeism, automatic enrollment in rigorous coursework, student safety, and more!

In this episode of 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.