Minnesota Indian 2015 Education Update
The progress that has been made in recent months in Indian Education in Minnesota by Governor Dayton, Commissioner Cassellius and the Minnesota Legislature has been incredibly encouraging. I had the opportunity to update the attendees of the 2015 Annual Minnesota Indian Education Association Conference last month in Mahnomen. Read Indian Education Director Dennis Olson guest blog.
New Online Resources
The U.S. Department of Education is sharing resources for parents and educators aimed at helping students with disabilities succeed in school, careers and life. Teachers: Visit the IDEAS That Work website, featuring best practices from the field. Topics include: effective IEPs, instructional practices, assessments, student engagement, school climate, home and school partnerships, and post-school transition. Teachers will find evidence-based, positive, proactive and responsive classroom behavior intervention and support strategies aimed at helping capitalize on instructional time and decrease disruptions.
Parents: Visit the IDEAs That Work Families tab and visit the Center for Parent Information and Resources for a wealth of resources designed to inform and support families, guardians and caretakers of young people with disabilities. Check out the Resources A-Z in both English and Spanish. In addition, tip sheets provide information on a range of issues including, financial management, healthcare and independent living.
Congratulations to Tom Melcher, MDE School Finance Director!
The Minnesota Rural Education Association (MREA) recognized Dr. Tom Melcher for his commitment and work on behalf of education with the 2015 Distinguished Service Award. Melcher has dedicated his professional career to high-quality service in financial formulas and reporting, along with equity in funding for students across Minnesota. Visit MREA website for more.
After-School Reading Program Recognized
The after-school reading program launched last year at Highland Elementary School in Crookston had a major impact on subsequent reading proficiency levels and boosted student scores on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments in a big way. As a result, the student "achievement gap" that schools everywhere are trying to close shrunk at Highland, and it's that positive development that has earned the initiative an honor bestowed by the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Read more in the Crookston Times.
SMILE—Service Learning Mini Grants!
Minnesota Alliance With Youth and Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation are pleased to announce the 13th annual Serve a Smile mini-grant program. Over $25,000 in mini-grant funding will be made available to Minnesota youth-led service/service-learning projects that address oral health or health issues. Mini-grant awards of up to $1000 will support youth affiliated with schools and youth-serving community organizations in Minnesota. Visit the Minnesota Alliance With Youth website for more information.
|
Education Commissioner Visits St. Croix Preparatory Academy
Part of a statewide tour to visit four and five-time Reward Schools, Commissioner Brenda Cassellius visited St. Croix Preparatory Academy’s middle division to learn about strategies the school used to achieve the designation of “reward school” for five years. Read Stillwater Gazette for more.
In Minnesota, No Child Left Behind Overhaul Nears Reality
Minnesotans will have more control over their schools if Congress approves a long-overdue rewrite of the controversial federal No Child Left Behind Act. Read more of Pioneer Press story.
Coon Rapids High School Student Advances to Global Youth Institute
Coon Rapids High School junior Michelle Onyekaba was one of three Minnesota students selected to attend the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute. Read ABC Newspapers article.
VEX Robotics Competition
More than 200 middle and high school VEX Robotics students and mentors from Minnesota will unite at the Dream It. Do It. Northern Minnesota VEX Robotics Tournament in Bemidji on Saturday. Read Bemdji Pioneer for more.
A Schoolwide Gold of Distinction Celebration in Kelliher
How do you celebrate being the first school in the country to receive the Gold of Distinction award for success in meeting the USDA's HealthierUS School Challenge under their new criteria? You start by developing a little friendly competition between classes. Read more about Kelliher's recipe for a fun celebration.
Kids Safe Online 2016 Poster Contest
Reminder! Deadline Approaching. The Minnesota Department of Education is pleased to be partnering with MN.IT Services, Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), and the Jacob Wetterling Foundation to promote safe online behavior and the 2016 Kids Safe Online Poster Contest. Contest is open to all Minnesota public, private and home-schooled students in grades K-12. Visit contest site for submission form and contest rules.
Submit Poster entries to: Kids Safe Online 2016 Poster Contest, Attn: L. Hildebrant, Minnesota Department of Education, 1500 Hwy 36 West, Roseville, MN 55113-4266. Submissions must be received by December 18, 2015.
Attend a History Day Hullabaloo!
What: A research open house designed to help History Day students with their research for their projects. Hullabaloo's are available for students wanting to conduct primary and secondary research with the guidance of library staff, a History Day staff member or undergraduate mentor. Students can also attend a mini-lesson on a range of topics. Events are free, but first-come, first-served basis. Hullabaloos are scheduled throughout Minnesota in December and January. Check out the History Day website for event closest to you.
|
