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How to make smart investments in Minnesota’s students

Current educational investments tend to be driven by the system’s needs. Growth & Justice proposes a new way of thinking about investment by focusing on the student, following four principles:

  1. Smart investments aim for compound effects.
    Comprehensive programs that address the whole student’s needs — social support, academic preparation, and improved access to early childhood and post-secondary learning opportunity — are more effective than any single component program.
     
  2. Smart investments accumulate capital.
    Educational success depends on students being ready for school, continually ready to learn, and ultimately, ready for life.
     
  3. Smart investments address real disparities.
    The greatest returns on investment come from addressing the greatest disparities in opportunity and achievement.
     
  4. Smart investments are made with accountability for results.
    Investments should be chosen based on evidence through a transparent process that measures and reports the outcomes.

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