Vision:

Every child in the state of Minnesota receives an education that prepares them for active citizenship as an equal member of society, helps them lead fulfilling and successful lives, and protects their physical and emotional wellbeing, regardless of who they are or where they’re from.

Mission:

AEC's mission is to build the shared will to expand opportunity, ensure equitable resources, and strengthen belonging for students who have been historically marginalized in Minnesota’s public schools.

Minnesota has long valued public education, yet too many students, especially students of color, continue to experience unequal access, inconsistent supports, and segregated systems. These gaps are not the result of a lack of care, but of systems that are often shaped far from classrooms and student experiences. We believe lasting change happens when those most affected are centered as leaders and partners in solutions.

We use a human-centered approach that combines direct support, leadership development, and advocacy to create conditions for meaningful systems change. Our work is guided by four core strategies: democratizing information, forging partnerships, building power, and amplifying success.

AEC Definition of an adequate education:

The Minnesota Constitution guarantees all schoolchildren an adequate education. It does not, however, define that term. In our view an adequate education is one that fosters a sense of belonging, and honors the brilliance every child brings into the classroom, by providing them with the academic, social, and emotional skills to thrive in life, the workplace, and college in the 21st century. An adequate education engages and challenges students through curriculum and instruction that reflects every part of their identity and values the assets, skills, and experiences they bring into the classroom. An adequate education centers both proficiency and growth, measured using diversified assessments that are culturally responsive and are communicated in a way that is useful and actionable for families. An adequate education is tailored to the individual needs of every child in partnership with the child’s caregiver, and is facilitated by highly effective teachers that embody the experiences of students and can ensure students feel seen.

An adequate education at minimum provides students with:

Academic Skills

  • Able to read and write in English effectively
  • Conversational in a second language
  • Strong foundation in math skills
  • Strong critical thinking skills
  • A multicultural perspective of global history

Social Skills

  • Ability to build relationships
  • Conflict resolution
  • Time management skills
  • Self-Identity Development
  • Lifelong learning

Emotional Skills

  • High self-esteem
  • High self-worth
  • Coping mechanisms to manage stress

Our Values

  • Accountability Through Relationships
  • Raising Consciousness on Broken Conditions
  • Data and Stories
  • Cross Racial Organizing
  • Racial Equity

Minnesota is Segregating Rapidly

While we consider ourselves a progressive state, we are undeniably leaving a critical group of our citizens behind – students. The number of Minnesota schools where fewer than 20% of students are white has grown from 37 in 1998 to over 150 today. We know that segregated schools don’t result in equitable access to a quality education.