Early childhood literacy development stages begin before birth. Here is how parents and caregivers can support children from toddlerhood through the teen years.
Education

A space for local and national stories about issues surrounding education, especially as they relate to African Americans.
Dr. Marcheta Evans leads St. Kate’s with purpose, presence and power
St. Catherine University President Dr. Marcheta Evans leads with a focus on equity, student success and innovation.
Thrifting for tuition, student turns vintage finds into college savings
A high school student is turning thrifted clothing into a resale business to help save for college tuition.
Seeing the innocence and leadership in Black boys
Before diving into this column, I want to be clear: this is not a critique of any one school, district, or institution. Rather, it is a broader reflection. A blend of research, observation, and personal experience on the current state of education for Black boys in America. Over the past 15 years in education, I […]
Kennedy High students turn newspapers into fashion design project
Students at John F. Kennedy High School created wearable designs through a creative newspaper dress project.
Fostering growth at home: Q&A insights on mental health, wellness, and autism
Albertina Mella shares advice for first educators supporting children with autism while prioritizing caregiver mental health.
Professor examines lives of enslaved people in Spain, Santo Domingo and Puerto Rico
A Macalester lecture on transatlantic bondage explored the lives of enslaved Africans in Spain, Santo Domingo and Puerto Rico through new historical research.
Culturally responsive teaching
Let Them Rise: A Blueprint for Educating Black Boys examines how culturally responsive teaching affirms identity, strengthens relationships and improves educational outcomes.
Fifty years of Black progress and paradoxÂ
Black progress and racial disparities Minnesota reflect decades of advancement tempered by persistent wealth, education and justice gaps.
Advocates urge statewide ban on school seclusion rooms
Minnesota seclusion rooms remain legal in 50 districts, with advocates urging lawmakers to ban the practice after a new Disability Law Center report revealed the conditions inside.
We are rooted in resilience – What Black history teaches us in a shifting world
As Black History Month reaches its centennial, this reflection explores what it means to remain rooted in history while shaping a more just future.
Rooted in history, rising in STEAM
Black Americans remain underrepresented in STEAM fields. These four trailblazers show how representation, access, and mentorship can inspire future innovators.
The need for more Black male teachers
Black male teachers are critical to the academic, emotional, and social success of Black boys, yet they remain severely underrepresented in classrooms nationwide.
Trump freezes MN child care funds; providers strapped
A Minnesota child care funding freeze could disrupt care for thousands of children as providers warn of closures, layoffs, and family instability.
Is college still worth it?Â
Minnesota students are using winter break to reflect on whether college is still worth the cost, debt, and uncertainty surrounding career outcomes.
Minneapolis parents, teachers demand ICE leave after targeting schools
ICE at Minneapolis schools has prompted educators and families to demand federal agents leave the city after the killing of Renee Good.
In search of opportunity, young Black Minnesotans are leaving the state
Young Black Minnesotans are leaving the state for college and careers, seeking cultural access, professional growth, and creative opportunity they say is limited at home.
Minneapolis School Finder Fair Helps Families Navigate School Choices for 2026 and Beyond
The Minneapolis School Finder Fair on January 10 offers families a one-stop opportunity to explore public, charter, magnet, and private school options ahead of key 2026–27 enrollment deadlines.
Monkey Sounds, “White Power” and the N-Word: Racial Harassment Against Black Students Ignored Under Trump
A ProPublica investigation finds federal civil rights enforcement has stalled as racial harassment of Black students continues unchecked in U.S. schools.
Our Most-Read, Most-Shared, Most-Impactful Stories of 2025
s we enter 2026, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder reflects on the 15 stories that defined 2025, from urgent breaking news to culture, community, and accountability reporting.
