The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder congratulates Leticia Alvarez on earning her Bachelor of Science in Special Education with honors from Mankato University, completing a journey years in the making as a first-generation college student, mother and future MSR leader.
Special education
Posted inLocal & State
Cuts threaten federal support for children with disabilities
The U.S. Department of Education is exploring relocating its special education programs, weeks after the Trump administration laid off nearly all staff in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), according to a department spokesperson. In a brief statement sent to the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s media partner Word in Black, Madi Biedermann, deputy assistant secretary for […]
Posted inOpinion
Why Black fathers must speak up about autism
After his daughter was diagnosed with autism, one Black father found himself on a journey of advocacy, community building, and leadership. Now he’s calling for a cultural shift that centers support, policy change, and the voices of Black parents.
Posted inEducation
Normandale teaching programs redress racial imbalances
Leticia Alvarez became the first graduate of SpedUP, a Normandale program supporting BIPOC special education teachers with tuition, mentoring, and real community.
Posted inEducation
Without Diversity and Inclusion Safeguards, More Black Students Risk Misclassification and Being Underserved
Black students are disproportionately represented in special education programs, often due to punitive measures rather than supportive ones, and are at risk of misclassification and inadequate support as the Department of Education faces potential dismantling.
Posted inLocal & State
Minneapolis public schools face $75 million budget deficit
Minneapolis Public Schools is facing a $75 million budget deficit, which may lead to cuts in special education services, staff and programs.
Posted inOpinion
A call to action on American education
President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to dismantle the Department of Education, citing frustrations over federal overreach and alleged “woke” indoctrination in schools, while critics question its overall efficacy and propose reallocating responsibilities to other agencies.
Posted inEducation
Special Ed paraprofessional helps shrink equity gaps
SpedUp program helps paraprofessional Leticia Alvarez improve learning environment for students of color.
Posted inNews
Strike vote raises stakes in St. Paul School negotiations
St. Paul educators are gearing up for a possible strike after several negotiations failed to bear any results.