"What makes for a good teacher?" (Minneapolis Star Tribune, 02/02/09)

Minnesota's Department of Education sets dozens of standards for teachers, while education experts and authors write hundreds of books and pamphlets on the subject every year. The experts say that's because the job of teaching involves a multiplicity of tasks: talking, planning, measuring learning, fitting teaching to learning styles, working with school administrators and other teachers, and keeping parents informed.

"Governor urges statewide Q Comp" (Waseca County News, 02/02/09)

Governor Tim Pawlenty announced his budget recommendations for education in the state of Minnesota last week, which, if approved, would impact public and charter schools in numerous ways.

Among his suggestions were a new method of determining how teachers are paid, utilization of new technologies to help improve student achievement, and providing funding to schools based on student success.