As noted previously, I was not able to attend the board meeting on 1/9/2023 but have made some notes in the Decision Updates tab. This week, a family brought to my attention the recent ruling for future teacher licensure. Here is the link to an article through the Child Protection League and another link from the MN Professional Educator and Licensing Standard Board. Remember that parents can opt out of curriculum that they don’t approve of by using the Opt Out Form included.
https://mn.gov/pelsb/board/rulemaking/licensing-academic-standards/
OPT OUT FORM https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:82e0be5a-0026-33ab-af55-d75727b3d569
This next article came to parents recently with an update on Equity in our schools. As I listened and understood what Matt Berg-Wall was stating, it seemed to me that we could just as easily say “equality” instead of “equity.” I don’t think anyone would argue that our students should have fair and equal treatment, and access to public education. However, the true definition of equity states that there are equal outcomes for students, which is confusing! If the goal is complete and true equity, then our students come out equal at the end, with no consequences and no rewards, there is no motivation to work hard and achieve success. I’m thankful that our district still rewards students for high academic scores, successes in sports, and talents they bring into our schools. This helps our students to set goals and work hard, and ultimately sets them up to be successful in life beyond OHS!
/https://www.youtube.com/embed/_tqofywUrC8?autoplay=1
I am looking forward to my first official board meeting January 23, 2023!
Elizabeth for Owatonna Schools 
If I understand 2D correctly religious practices will be allowed in public school? Therefore our kids will be allowed to have prayer meetings, bible study groups, etc?
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My interpretation of 2D is that as long as students are respectful, nondisruptive, and have approval for formal meetings (as all student groups do), then this should be okay. Using words from the 2D statement, teachers can “affirm” religious beliefs, and foster the classroom environment to empower learning so students can contribute as their whole selves. The muddy part is setting that boundary or drawing a hard border between fostering, teaching, incorporating, and affirming. Can teachers teach fundamental education, but then allow students to contribute their whole selves in a safe affirming classroom environment? I think so!
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