List of 74 Minnesota districts awarded preschool funding

Last year, Minnesota was ranked No. 50 in the nation for access to full-day early learning programs. This year, 3,302 four-year-olds will enroll in free preschool.

Univ. of Minnesota tuition hike approved, 6 arrested at protest

The University of Minnesota Board of Regents passed a tuition increase following a protest that led to 6 arrests and forced an intermission of Friday’s meeting.

Eden Prairie parents want schools to increase recess time

It's a hot button topic for parents and educators when it comes to young students -- the length of recess. With the emphasis on learning and instruction time, some now feel children are getting cheated on the playground.

Dept. of Ed to public schools: Transgender students can use restroom of choice

The U.S. Department of Education will send guidelines to all public schools on Friday, saying they must give transgender students access to the restrooms, locker rooms, activities and housing facilities they identify with.

How incoming college students can negotiate tuition costs

With acceptance to college comes another acceptance: your family will soon part with a lot of money. However, not many families realize students can negotiate — or “appeal,” as colleges term it — their financial aid award package.

St. Paul Central student gets his words on Chipotle cups, bags

St. Paul Central High School student Fue Xiong is joining the likes of Toni Morrison, Neil Gaiman, Aziz Ansari and Judd Apatow. Xiong, 17, is one of 10 students to have a writing submission selected for Chipotle’s “Cultivating Thought” author series.

Low-income kids get straight A's after joining basketball team in Minneapolis

At the heart of our communities are people who go above and beyond to lift others up. Like on the courts at Phelps Parks Recreation Center in south Minneapolis, where a group of third grade boys are learning valuable lessons about basketball and life.

Minnesota will offer free GED testing through July 2016

Minnesota will offer free GED testing for all residents through at least July 2016, Gov. Mark Dayton announced Thursday. The governor, Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius and Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben are also proposing new funding to extend free GED testing through 2017.

Owatonna 7th graders introduce bill to honor Capitol construction workers

Most 7th graders don't get the chance to make a state law, but a group of Owatonna, Minnesota students are doing just that. With the Capitol reconstruction underway, the students introduced a bill to honor the workers who originally built it.

Home-schooled student scores perfect ACT score in Mankato, Minn.

Nearly 80 percent of Minnesota high school students take the ACT exam to help them get into college, but very few accomplish what Sam Mansfield did. The 17-year old home-schooled student aced the test, earning a perfect score of 36. 

Cooper Compliments spreads positivity in high school

Your mom may have said a time or two, “If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all.” It's a good message, and one that local teens are taking to social media. 

Challenge to NBA pros: Make 13 shots or donate to school

Excell Academy charter school in Brooklyn Park, Minn. is calling out NBA players for a big challenge. The dean of the school, Justin Balvin, says he can beat any pro out there in a 13-shot “around the world” shootout, including a half-court shot.

Highland Park Middle School students leave their mark on mural

Students at Highland Park Middle School in St. Paul are leaving their mark on a massive mural that reflects their neighborhood and their school.

Minnesota high school girls create app for teens facing challenges

A small town school in southern Minnesota is using technology to solve some big time problems facing many teens. Their smart phone app helps students reach out for help if they're overwhelmed with the challenges of life like anxiety and bullying. 

Heritage Academy students walk out in protest of teacher's firing

Several dozen students walked out of class at Heritage Academy on Friday morning to protest the alleged firing of a teacher who was an advocate for Somali-American students. School officials on hand could not yet comment on the brief walkout, but classes continued inside.

Fearing for safety, St. Paul teachers prepare to strike

The president of the St. Paul teachers union says teachers are going to work afraid and are fed up with the lack of action by the school district. That’s why the union took the first step toward a strike by filing a petition for state mediation Tuesday night.

Winter 101 for students new to Minnesota from warm countries

What if you had no conception of how cold Minnesota winters can get? That’s the dangerous situation facing many students who recently moved to Minnesota from warm countries.

Minnesota election results roundup

Duluth has its first female mayor, and voters in the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school district put major support behind some big upgrades.

Playground dedicated to beloved Westonka teacher

A west metro school is remembering a dedicated teacher in a very unique way.