Minnesota @ 150: What Minnesotans Need to Know for the Next 50 Years About Education

Some of the state’s best thinkers, creators and doers shared their thoughts on education at the 2008 Minnesota State Fair. Speakers at the event — part of the yearlong sesquicentennial celebration — contemplated what our education system will be like during the state’s bicentennial in 2058. They also weighed in on whether we’re doing what’s needed for Minnesota to continue to prosper.

In the first of two conversations, Vanishing Grads and Minnesota’s Future highlighted the emerging "brain drain" of Minnesota college grads.

Peter Hutchinson of the Bush Foundation speaks about the vanishing graduates issue:

More clips and summaries from the first conversation:

21st Century Schools: What’s Needed? was a broad-ranging conversation about the kinds of educational facilities, teacher preparation, student assessment and curricula, and community and parental involvement needed for the future. View clips and summaries:

A 60-minute DVD containing both discussions is available through metro, regional and statewide library systems and some greater MN secondary school media centers.

Funders and sponsors

The Minnesota Sesquicentennial commission is grateful to the Bush Foundation as well as Twin Cities Public Television/Minnesota Channel and the Citizens League. The Minnesota Private College Council also provided assistance.