October 1 issue of Learning Matters

Minnesota Department of Education

LEARNING MATTERS

October 1, 2014

Agency News

Support to Schools is Working!

Young children in classroom focused on learning

Schools collaborating with the state’s award-winning system of support continue to show improvement in closing achievement gaps and helping more students succeed, according to information released today by the Minnesota Department of Education. In addition to showing overall school performance, the 2014 Multiple Measurements Ratings (MMR) tell us which schools are beating the odds, which schools are making the most substantial improvement, and which schools are eligible to receive additional support from the state’s Regional Centers of Excellence.

Read news release.


Minnesota's 2014 Blue Ribbon Schools!

U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools logo

The U.S. Department of Education recently announced the 2014 National Blue Ribbon Schools. The program recognizes schools that are making exemplary progress in closing achievement gaps or exemplary academic performance. "I congratulate these schools for their great work to close achievement gaps and help all students succeed," said Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius.

Read news release.


Inquiries About the Multiple Measurements Rating Release

In an effort to provide consistent and timely information, the Minnesota Department of Education has a coordinated plan to respond to inquiries about the ESEA Flexibility Waiver, the Multiple Measurements Rating (MMR) results and school designations. Questions about the MMR or Focus Rating (FR) calculations, including the data components used in those two ratings, should be directed to the department's Data Analytics team at mde.analytics@state.mn.us. For questions about the flexibility waiver, policy-related MMR issues or school designations, please contact mde.nclbwaiver@state.mn.us.


Share Why You Chose 

October is College Knowledge month! Soon, thousands of Minnesota students will submit their first college application. Many will be the first person in their family to apply to a technical, 2-year, or 4-year college. To celebrate, we invite all Minnesotans to share their college story. Post a video, photo or statement on your favorite social media platform, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #MNwhyichose.

Resources

New Online Tool Helps Students Decide Future

Wondering what career path is right for you? How much education is needed for a particular career path? How much you can earn? Check out the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) Graduate Employment Outcomes tool.

Professional Development

Join the Discussion on Restrictive Procedures Reduction

Open to all members of the education community including school district staff, parents, and advocates, the Restrictive Procedures Reduction Panel will discuss the legal and practical aspects of reducing the use of restrictive procedures and eliminating the use of prone restraints. The panel includes representatives from the Department of Education, Department of Human Services, school districts, parent advocacy groups, and community partners. Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Minnesota Department of Education, 1500 Hwy 36 W., in Roseville. Conf, Center B, Room 16. Questions? Contact Sara Winter or call 651-582-8237.

Register for panel online.


Responding to the Military Child with Exceptional Needs

The Military Child Education Coalition is presenting a two-day institute for educators, social service providers, parents and community leaders on October 28 and 29. The institute will address the challenges associated with transitioning military-connected students with exceptional needs.  There is NO COST to attend. Minnesota Department of Education, 1500 Hwy 36 W., in Roseville, MN 55113. Conf. Center A.

 Contact Myriam Virella to register.

Education in the News

Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City School District Wins National Award

K-Grade six students and teachers in the Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City School District are celebrating Tuesday’s announcement... Read more at the West Central Tribune.


Bevy of Brainerd Schools Named Best in the Country

The U.S. Department of Education has named eight schools - including six from Brainerd - as National Blue Ribbon Schools. Read more at Star Tribune.


Adult Basic Education Provides Opportunities to Students

“It’s satisfying to work with people really eager to finish their goal." Read full LeSueur News-Herald story.


Minnesota School Helps Revival of Native American Languages

As the number of speakers fluent in Native American languages continues to fade, a Minnesota school... read more, Public News Service.

Recent BloggED posts

Results of the Charter School Best Practice Mini-Contract Competition!

Face to Face Academy's Wilderness and Outdoor Program

Last month, we invited you to vote for your favorite charter school best practice on our Facebook page. And vote you did! We were overwhelmed by the support for these top-performing charter schools. See the results.


We've Been Nominated for a Tekne Award!

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has been chosen as a finalist for a Tekne Award! We are one of three finalists in the Collaboration for Community Impact category for our work in partnership with The Works Museum. Read the full story.


Kudos Detroit Lakes QWERTY Robotics FIRST Team 3278!

Detroit Lakes QWERTY FIRST Robotics Team

Twenty-five serious competitors imagine, design, build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks. A FIRST Robotics Competition combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources and time limits, teams are challenged to raise funds, design a team brand and pit their robot against the competition. Read BloggED for full story.

Upcoming Events

Pathways to Postsecondary 2.0 Summits

Last year, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) collaborated to offer several “Pathways to Postsecondary” summits across the state. This year, your team is invited to explore opportunities for new or expanded partnerships between secondary and postsecondary systems to better prepare your students to be career- and college-ready. Summit schedule kicks-off in Bemidji on October 9. Six more dates and locations are scheduled across the state, from October 2014 - February 2015.

Visit Ready, Set, Go to register.


Annual Minnesota American Indian Education Summit – October 15, 2014

The Minnesota Department of Education and the Midwest Comprehensive Center are co-hosting “Closing the Achievement Gap: Culturally Responsive Education.” Participants will have an opportunity to interact with nationally renowned researchers and local practitioners. The one-day summit will take place on Wednesday, October 15, and the first day of the 30th Annual Minnesota Indian Education Association (MIEA) Conference in Mahnomen. (The MIEA conference will continue through October 17, 2014).

Register online for the summit no later than October 10, 2014.