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Posted by on Sep 30, 2015 in Members Only

Report Card on school PSEO compliance

Report Card on school PSEO compliance

In August 2015, Center for School Change (CSC) released report findings on the state of Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) information in Minnesota. 
Among other findings, this report shows that the vast majority of high schools in Minnesota are not providing “up-to-date” information on PSEO to students and families, as required by law.
PSEO allows Minnesota students in grades 10-12 who meet certain standards to earn free college credits during their high school enrollment. Within the PSEO statutes, Subdivision 7 reads:
“By March 1 of each year, a district must provide up-to-date information on the district’s Web site and in materials that are distributed to parents and students about the program, including information about enrollment requirements and the ability to earn postsecondary credit to all pupils in grades 8, 9, 10, and 11. To assist the district in planning, a pupil shall inform the district by May 30 of each year of the pupil’s intent to enroll in postsecondary courses during the following school year. A pupil is bound by notifying or not notifying the district by May 30.”

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) maintains PSEO guidelines for qualifying students who wish to take related coursework.

Further coverage of this report and its impact for college-bound Minnesota students appears at the Star Tribune (9/11/15) and in several articles at the Stillwater Gazette, including one authored by CSC Director Joe Nathan that offers particulars about St. Croix Valley schools:

Stillwater: The district’s website explains that 10th- through 12th-graders can participate in PSEO, that PSEO covers tuition, book and lab fees, and that some PSEO courses are available online. The website also mentions that transportation funds are available to help students from low-income families participate in PSEO. The website does not explain that students must notify the high school by May 30 if they want to participate in the following school year.

Stillwater charter New Heights Charter School’s website mentions that students can participate in PSEO but offers no details. There is a link to a Minnesota Department of Education website, but the link is broken.

St. Croix Preparatory Academy, also in Stillwater, on its website mentions that students may participate in PSEO. None of the other issues mentioned above are discussed. There is a link to a Minnesota Department of Education website, but the link is broken.

Center for School Change plans a follow up to this report in late 2015 or early 2016 to determine whether relevant changes have been made in compliance with State law.