Here are some new things Minnesota schools will face in 2007-08:

School Safety:

Students and staff will be returning to even safer learning environments this year as a result of some new legislation. A few notable items include:

1. Cyber-bullying law: We are in an age where technology is used every day, and many students are being bullied via e-mail or by using other technology. Schools are now required to adopt a written policy that prohibits electronic bullying.
2. Bus safety: Bus drivers cannot use a cell phone for personal reasons when the school bus is in motion. Additionally, school bus safety must be included in student driver's training.
3. Safe Schools levy: schools received an increase of funds through the safe schools levy that can be used to add counselors, nurses, social workers, and other safety professionals.
4. School vandalism: School burglars and vandals will face more jail time-it is now a 2nd-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to $20,000.
5. ID Badges: Although it isn't a state law, some districts have started requiring students and staff to wear photo ID badges for safety and identification purposes.

Academic Programs:

There are also several new additions in academic programs.

1. Math and science: One of the most notable changes is an increased focus in math and science instruction. This includes grants given to 23 high school and middle schools across the state to increase their science, technology, engineering and math focus; revised math standards; and a requirement that all students pass Algebra I in 8th grade (starts with the class of 2015-this year's 5th graders).
2. World languages pilot program: 5 grants including at least one for Mandarin Chinese and one for Native American.
3. All-day Kindergarten: There was increased funding for all-day K, although not enough to provide universal access across the state. This means many districts will be offering all-day k as a pilot program or on a fee basis. Check your district website to see what options are available to you.
4. AP Courses: For students looking for additional challenges in school, the legislature increased funding to help districts offer more dual enrollment high school programs like Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and College in the Schools.

Testing:

There are a couple of new tests students will be required to take as part of the NCLB act and the state assessment system.

1. New science test: This is the first year that students in grades 5, 8 and once in high school will take a science assessment as part of the MCA II standardized tests.
2. GRAD test: The Graduation-Required Assessment for Diploma (GRAD) test will be included in the 10th grade MCA reading test for the first time
3. Class size: Also, with the ever-increasing research on the importance of small class sizes and its relation to achievement, the school performance report cards will now include reports on student-to-teacher ratios.

Higher Education:

1. Reciprocity: Although it was met with much debate, both the Minnesota and Wisconsin legislatures and higher education groups voted to retain reciprocity between the states.
2. Tuition aid: Although this year's tuition has been set, graduating seniors and those currently enrolled in higher ed will be happy to hear that the legislature allocated the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system an increase of 12.7% and the University of Minnesota $14.9% for the next biennium with a primary focus on avoiding steep tuition increases.