Here’s what’s new for Minnesota students this year

“Our systems really need to be strengthened to get kids back on track and close the achievement gap,” said Josh Crosson, executive director of the education advocacy group EdAllies, which works closely with underserved communities.

Two special programs for at-risk and immigrant students will merge under one roof on St. Paul’s East Side on Tuesday when Gateway to College moves to the site of LEAP High School.

St. Paul College, Gateway’s former home base, ended its partnership with St. Paul Public Schools last spring, forcing the district to move the program and its many support staff to one of its own buildings. Gateway is working to re-engage dropouts and at-risk kids by offering college-credit courses.

The state’s second-largest district has long sought to pair an academic program with LEAP, which helps students new to the U.S. and also prepares them for college and careers.

St. Paul is also expanding its cultural offerings by adding sixth grade to East African Elementary Magnet School and launching a new Karen language and culture program in the North End.