Education is a focus for both major-party candidates for Minnesota governor, with Republican Lisa Demuth and DFL candidate Amy Klobuchar having recently outlined competing proposals aimed at student achievement.

Demuth’s “Education Comeback Plan” calls for an emphasis on reading, math and science, along with greater oversight of school spending. Her plan also includes additional funding for school safety at public and private schools. Demuth argues Minnesota is spending more per student while academic performance has declined and says she wants to reduce state education mandates and focus more on core academic subjects.

Klobuchar’s education plan also emphasizes reading and math. She is proposing evidence-based instruction, additional tutoring for students who fall behind and increased attention to student attendance. Her plan would also require parent-teacher meetings when students are struggling in reading or math.

Klobuchar is additionally proposing a statewide ban on cellphones and other personal mobile devices in K-12 classrooms, with exceptions for emergencies and medical needs, along with limits on classroom screen time.

Both candidates have made improving student achievement a part of their education platforms, while proposing different approaches to how schools should address academic performance, spending and classroom policies.