We asked gubernatorial candidates to answer five questions about achievement gaps and early education. Use the links below to view their answers and inform your choice when voting.
Minnesota has some of the worst achievement gaps in the nation. For instance, the gap in graduation rates between black and white students is fifth worst in the nation, and the gap between Hispanic and white students is second worst in the nation.
Many believe that opportunity gaps are a major cause of achievement gaps. For example, 35,000 low-income Minnesota children currently can’t access high-quality early learning programs. Early education is important because achievement gaps open as early as age one, and up to 80% of brain development happens by age three.
Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson (GOP)
Minnesota Representative Erin Murphy (DFL)
Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty (GOP)
Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson (DFL)
United States Representative Tim Walz (DFL)