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IN THIS EDITION |
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PRESS RELEASE |
Twenty-two schools are recognized as Celebration schools for their efforts to increase student achievement. Read December 29 press release.
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ACTION ITEMS |
The 2015 Omnibus Higher Education bill appropriated $200,000 per year to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) to create a Teacher Shortage Loan Forgiveness Program. OHE is requesting comments on proposed permanent rules governing the Teacher Shortage Loan Forgiveness Program. These rules address the criteria for qualified loans, eligible participants, and how participants will be prioritized for the program. The rules will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the program and reconcile the differences between the Teacher Supply and Demand Report that is issued in odd-numbered years and the loan repayment awards that are made annually.
Interested persons or groups may submit comments or information on these possible rules in writing until 4:30 p.m. on February 24, 2016. Instructions for submittal of comments are provided in the Minnesota State Register Notice and on the OHE website.
OHE does not plan to appoint an advisory committee to comment on the possible rules. Written comments, questions, requests to receive a draft of the proposed rules, and requests for more information on the proposed rules should be directed to: Betsy Talbot at the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, 1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350, St. Paul, MN 55108, phone: 651-359-3965; or by email at: betsy.talbot@state.mn.us.
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Governor Dayton has issued a proclamation naming the week of January 11-15, as Paraprofessional Recognition Week. This week recognizes the contribution of the 20,000 paraprofessionals who provide services in multiple settings in Minnesota’s schools. See the memorandum that includes ideas for celebrating and recognizing paraprofessionals in your schools. A copy of the proclamation and a certificate with the governor’s signature that can be downloaded are available on the Paraprofessionals Web page.
If you have any questions, contact Barb Sisco, 651-582-8226.
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The Governor's Council on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration is hosting their annual celebration event on Monday, January 18, titled The Power of Telling Your Story: 30 Years of Us at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul. Remarks by Gov. Dayton, Lt. Gov. Smith; keynote address by Talila A. Lewis; emcee Pete Rhodes. Youth Rally at 9 a.m, event program 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Event is free and open to the public! Free transit passes to the event will be available beginning January 11 from Metro Transit. More available on Facebook.
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Last month, superintendents were sent information about the new benchmark toolkit designed to support teachers in their efforts to improve mathematics achievement.
These materials will enable district and school staff to review their curriculum maps, make adjustments in the areas that are causing the most difficulty, and make sure classroom teachers have what they need to ensure students are understanding the more difficult concepts.
The documents are available on our website under Student Success > Standards, Curriculum and Instruction > K-12 Academic Standards > Mathematics, or visit the Math Standards Toolkit page.
Questions may be directed to Sue Wygant, mathematics specialist, at 651-582-8581. We hope that the materials provided in this toolkit will help foster rich dialogue and a focused approach to your school and district improvement efforts.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY |
The Minnesota Department of Education is providing information sessions regarding the Q Comp program, also known as the Alternative Teacher Professional Pay System (ATPPS), in various locations around the state.
Teams of school and teacher leaders are encouraged to attend and learn about the program requirements and how they align with the teacher development and evaluation (TDE) initiative. In addition to learning about the Q Comp program and application process, participants will consider how Q Comp funding may help leverage additional professional growth opportunities and strengthen evaluation systems for teachers. This is a great opportunity to raise questions, challenge assumptions, and seek clarity directly from department staff. This session is appropriate for all districts and charters that are considering applying for Q Comp. There is no cost for participation. View the list of dates, locations and registration details.
For assistance with questions, contact Tyler Livingston (tyler.livingston@state.mn.us), or 651-582-8427.
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ITEMS OF INTEREST |
The Minnesota Board of Teaching has taken the following licensure actions:
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Myers, John P. (FF# 430481) Mr. Myer’s license was reinstated on December 18, 2015.
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Pingatore, Lori (FF# 344825) Ms. Pingatore’s license was suspended on January 4, 2016, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 214.101, subdivision 1(b), until she meets requirements of the Board of Teaching.
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ED Review provides a biweekly update on U.S. Department of Education initiatives and activities. See the latest ED Review posting on the U.S. Department of Education website.
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Minnesota Computers for Schools refurbishes donated computers and provides them to schools at a minimal charge. Learn about their monthly discounts on the Minnesota Computers for Schools website.
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