Minnesota @ 150: Real and Imagined
Education (Filmed 10/11/08 at the MN State Fair)

Why does the achievement gap seem to be larger in Minnesota and why does an achievement gap occur? Tracy Parmenter, Chief Operating Officer of Admission Possible, explains that our system of education has been built to be understood and navigated by middle class families, and not necessarily by lower class urban populations like those found in Minnesota's urban areas. In the current system, people are expected to come to the educators, rather than perhaps a more ideal system where more outreach and community work would bring the education out to them. John Wade adds that expectations that are clearly set, and set high, can and will be achieved with the proper amount of attention. Vinodh Kutty addresses the issue that Minnesota has a higher amount of refugees than other states, and that refugees have a harder time adjusting to American life and communities. Robert Holst then adds an anecdote about adjusting to a different culture and how this can be a hurdle when trying to learn and educate.

Running Time: 3:59

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.