Caledonia Argus

Academic standards will replace Profile

Posted: 2/4/03

by T.W. Budig
ECM capitol reporter

The Profile of Learning hasnít yet been repealed, but replacement academic standards are on their way.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Children, Families and Learning Commissioner Cheri Pierson Yecke last Wednesday announced the creation of a Minnesota Academic Standards Committee.

The committee, which will composed of teachers, parents, and education specialists, has been charged with drawing up new K-12 English and math standards.

And they need to act quickly.

The administration schedule calls for the committee to present a draft standards document to the Legislature by March 10.

Yecke indicated the quick turnaround was possible. She portrayed the Profile as inherently flawed.

ìThe problem with the Profile doesnít lie with the teachers but the Profile itself,î said Yecke.

Teachers and parents from the start intuitively felt the show-what-you-know initiative was weak, explained Yecke.

ìThe goal was good. But it got botched in implementation,î said Pawlenty of the Profile.

The administration is taking applications for people interested in serving on the standards committee.

Those interested, said Yecke, should have strong content knowledge and high expectations for children. She also noted that because of the need for quick action, volunteers should make sure to have the time.

Those interested can apply at www.cfl.state.mn.us Deadline for application is Feb. 7.

Yecke said the new standards will serve as a framework around which the school districts can build. They are not attempting to establish a statewide curriculum, she said.

Yecke, whose last day with the U.S. Department of Education was Friday, Jan. 24, said the new standards will focus on content.

While this includes dates and places, content also includes concepts, she said.

It does not mean rote learning, said Yecke.

Pawlenty predicted the Profile of Learning will be repealed this session, but it hasnít happened yet.

The House has repealed the Profile so often it is becoming almost a ritual. Profile repeals have been beaten back in the Senate, but by increasingly narrow vote margins.

In late March, eight to ten public hearings are planned to take place around the state to gain public comment on the new standards.

A final draft of the standards will be submitted to the Legislature on March 31.

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