Mark Dayton: “at that same time, where there is $39 billion around somewhere for giant corporations and wealthy investors who do not…”

“at that same time, where there is $39 billion around somewhere for giant corporations and wealthy investors who do not need it, there is not a willingness to provide even in 6 years the promised 40-percent level for students with special needs. It is not that we do not have the money; we do not have the right priorities; we do not have the will. It is terribly unfair for us to be telling the school districts they have to run tests every year and include children with special needs and be measured and publicized and in some cases publicly embarrassed because they are not making acceptable progress toward goals that have been established when we do not provide the money to enable them to do it. Shame on us, not them. It is irresponsible and it is inexcusable. This money is badly needed in Minnesota, and I assume elsewhere in the country. In terms of reform, the paperwork that burdens the reporting requirements is driving Minnesota teachers out of special education and out of the classroom entirely. Those who remain spend less than half of their time actually working with students because they are so busy filling out the forms the Federal Government has imposed on them, as well as some by the State and the school districts for sure. I commend Senator Santorum for offering a pilot program for 15 States, but it is the job of the Senate to determine those reforms.”