Minnesota's children face stark education challenges according to a new report.
The 2025 Kids Count Data Book shows 69% of fourth graders in the state aren't reading proficiently, and 66% of eighth graders aren't hitting basic benchmarks for math.
Education Minnesota President Monica Byron says an ongoing teacher shortage isn't helping either.
"We need more professional teachers in the classrooms because if we don't fix that workforce problem, it's going to be difficult to make progress on those reading and math scores," explains Byron.
Adding the report, 130,000 Minnesota children living in poverty rely on supplemental education programs. That's something Byron says could become a casualty of the Trump administration's proposed 15% federal education cuts.
"The Trump administration is going to ultimately drive down test scores by removing the support for students," Byron said.
She adds an estimated $74 million in K-12 funding is in limbo right now, potentially impacting vital programs for the upcoming school year.
Traditionally one of the top states for education nationally, Minnesota is still one of the better stories.
According to the report, the states facing the biggest challenges are largely in the South and Southwest — Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and West Virginia.
In contrast, many Northeast and Midwest states rank near the top — Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota and Vermont. Utah also stands out as a strong performer.
You can see more about the report here.