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St. Paul, Minn.(AP)

School to start before Labor Day in SW Minnesota

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The state Department of Education has approved a plan to start classes before Labor Day this fall in 25 school districts in southwestern Minnesota.

While it's illegal to start the school year before Labor Day in Minnesota, the department can grant an exception by approving what's called a flexible learning year.

The 25 districts believe they can improve test scores by shifting the school year so there are more teaching days before the high-stakes spring tests and fewer afterward.

Education Commissioner Alice Seagren announced her decision Saturday.

The plan calls for the districts to start Aug. 23, about 10 school days sooner than last year. It covers about 16,000 students.

Critics are concerned the plan will hurt late summer tourism and participation in the State Fair.

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On the Net: Minnesota Department of Education: http://education.state.mn.us

The districts' proposal is here: http://www.swsc.org/1633101019152847203/site/default.asp

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)