In his Feb. 13, 2008, State of the State address, Gov. Tim Pawlenty outlined several education proposals. Education Minnesota President Tom Dooher responds to them below:

• Teacher training and evaluation:
  “We applaud the governor’s recognition that we need to attract the best and brightest people to the teaching profession. We also concur that rigorous, effective teacher training is essential for improving teaching and learning in our schools.
  
  “But we want to make sure that there aren’t shortcuts into the profession that shortchange children. More clarity is needed about what the governor means when he talks about ‘alternative pathways’ to teaching.’ Some alternative pathways already exist. We support the highest standards when it comes to teacher licensure. The teacher licensure process in Minnesota is among the most thorough in the nation, and it needs to stay that way, with high standards for subject knowledge, teaching methods and conduct.”
  
• Teacher academies:
  “Education Minnesota is in discussions with the governor regarding these academies. We look forward to working with him to help develop programs that will truly improve the way teachers teach and students learn math and science in Minnesota.”
  
• “Post-tenure review":
  “Teachers, like anyone else, can benefit from ongoing, professional feedback. We support a meaningful system of locally developed teacher evaluation that would include:
• Evaluations conducted by people who are knowledgeable in specific subject areas as well as teaching practices.
• Proper educational opportunities, linked to professional development and support for teachers.
• Quality mentoring programs.

"Again, more clarity is needed about what is intended by this proposal.”

• K-12 technology:
  “Recent national studies found that Minnesota public schools trail the nation, ranking 49th in new technology in the classroom. More resources for teachers and students are always welcome, but the fact is that too many Minnesota students learn in overcrowded classrooms woefully lacking in technology. Online resources are important, but let’s make sure all Minnesota schools have the type of cutting-edge technology the governor touts.”