If you can spare ten minutes for this today, so many could benefit if efforts could be made successful by contacting legislators about a very important program in our district called the Access and Opportunity Program would be very appreciative. This program targets students who are on the edge of either failing or being successful. The intervention created allows 8th – 12th graders an opportunity to work with a strong mentor who guides these students to success so that they can reach their dream of attending a post-secondary institution in the future.
Initially we were skeptical of this program. In our initial planning stages my colleagues had lamented that, all too often there have been well intentioned programs that come into our buildings and, as a result of funding limitations "fade away". Frustrating is the best word to describe it. Wouldn't it be nice if we could establish a program that has proven results and then implement it for more than a year?
These tutors and mentors have had a significant impact on the students here in our district. We can share many examples of students who have made significant achievement gains this year. These are the students who have historically "fallen through the cracks". This program is helping our district close the achievement gaps in both reading and in math. It is leveling the playing field for many disadvantaged youngsters. Through the program's family outreach we have been able to help students and families imagine college as a real possibility.
Teachers are convinced that this program helps the way teachers view students and their true potential. "I'm seeing kids that, before, I didn't think college was an option for them. Now I'm thinking, Hey, why not college for them? They're totally capable! I think its changed how a lot of teachers think about our students." - Maureen Proell
Let's not forget the harm we do to the students who have established relationships with these tutors and mentors if this program "fades away". These students are just now beginning to realize that there is hope and possibility for their own bright future.
Unfortunately, these constituents historically have not had their needs expressed at the legislature. They're trying to survive and raise their children on modest means. You probably won't hear from them. Their voices are not as loud as the political action committees and lobbyists who attempt to flex their legislative influence on you daily.
As I understand it, the future of the Access and Opportunity Program is in jeopardy. Funding for the Access and Opportunity Grant comes from the state of Minnesota through MnSCU (specifically, under the auspices of their “recruitment and retention of underrepresented populations). The MN House and Senate are both debating budgets that will impact MnSCU funding and consequently funding for the Access and Opportunity Program. This may impact the renewal of the program or limit the existing program.
The House version limits the amount of money that MnSCU can appropriate for “recruitment and retention of underrepresented populations.” The Senate version does not have this limit.
It is possible that a resolution will be reached in the next few days. I urge you to send a quick message to:
St. Cloud House Rep., Larry Haws and
Senate’s Assistant Majority Leader, Tarryl Clark.
Your message might include:
□ your support for Access and Opportunity
□ a personal anecdote illustrating student success
□ a statement encouraging the legislator to support the Senate bill
□ this is higher education omnibus bill, SF 2083 which does not limit funding
Please cc: any messages to Dr. Robert Johnson (the principal investigator for the AOP grant). robjohn@stcloudstate.edu
House Representative Larry Haws rep.larry.haws@house.mn
Senator Tarryl Clark http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members/member_emailform.php?mem_id=1071&ls=86
If you have a little more time, here are links to the legislative conferees:
Senate conferees are:
Sen. Sandy Pappas, DFL-St. Paul (Go to this link and use mail form for her:) http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members/member_list.php?sort=a&ls=#hea
Sen. Claire Robling, R-Jordan sen.claire.robling@senate.mn
Sen. Ann Lynch, DFL-Rochester sen.ann.lynch@senate.mn
Sen. Ron Latz, DFL-St. Louis Park sen.ron.latz@senate.mn
Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes, DFL-Winona sen.sharon.erickson.ropes@senate.mn
House conferees are:
Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia rep.tom.rukavina@house.mn
Rep. Linda Slocum, DFL-Richfield rep.linda.slocum@house.mn
Rep. David Bly, DFL-Northfield rep.david.bly@house.mn
Rep. Carol McFarlane, R-White Bear Lake rep.carol.mcfarlane@house.mn
