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IN THIS EDITION |
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ACTION ITEM |
When proficiency is calculated for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and the Multiple Measurements Rating (MMR), only 1 percent of the total number of student records contributing index points may come from students taking the MTAS. This limit is sometimes called the “one-percent cap.” When the percentage of district students being tested on the MTAS significantly exceeds 1 percent for a valid reason, the superintendent can submit a request to make an adjustment to the cap for the number of MTAS scores that can be included in the AYP and MMR calculations.
The window for districts to submit alternate assessment waivers through Test WES is from Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at 7 a.m., to Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at 4 p.m. Additional information and instructions for submitting a waiver are available on the Federal Accountability page of the MDE website and under the Help link in Test WES. View the Federal Accountability page on the MDE website (MDE > School Support > Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Flexibility Waiver > Federal Accountability). If you have questions about the Alternate Assessment Waiver, please contact Eric Kloos at Eric.Kloos@state.mn.us or Michael Diedrich at Michael.Diedrich@state.mn.us.
Requests for a waiver can be entered by district staff in consultation with the director of special education, but must be formally authorized by the superintendent. Many superintendents already have a user ID and password for Test WES. View the Data Submissions page for information on accessing MDE systems (MDE > School Support > Data Submissions).
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PROGRAM GUIDANCE |
The following information was communicated to all postsecondary institutions offering PSEO courses to Minnesota high school students on March 17, 2016. Please share the following MDE guidance regarding eligible PSEO courses with your counselors and pertinent school staff who work with PSEO students.
To meet the intent of Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09, the following types of courses are not eligible for PSEO payment:
- Courses that are specifically for education of students (a) to prepare students to become ministers of a particular religion; (b) to enter upon some religious vocation; or, (c) to prepare them to teach theological subjects.
- Courses that are based upon one particular set of religious beliefs.
- Courses that are intended to propagate or promote any one religious belief or viewpoint.
Subdivision 2 states that the purpose of the PSEO program “is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to provide a wider variety of options to high school pupils by encouraging and enabling secondary pupils to enroll full time or part time in nonsectarian courses or programs in eligible postsecondary institutions”.
If you have PSEO course or program questions, please contact Beth Barsness at beth.barsness@state.mn.us or 651-582-8336. If you have PSEO finance or aid entitlement related questions, please contact Jeanne Krile at jeanne.krile@state.mn.us or 651-582-8637.
The Annual Statement of Assurance Form for postsecondary institutions can be found on the PSEO Program or PSEO Finance pages of the MDE website.
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ITEM OF INTEREST |
The Minnesota Board of Teaching has taken the following licensure actions:
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Egart, Patricia (FF #242963) Ms. Egart’s license was suspended on March 18, 2016, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 214.101, Subdivision 1(b) until she meets requirements of the Board of Teaching.
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Smith, Patricia (FF #351930) Ms. Smith’s license was suspended on March 18, 2016, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 214.101, Subdivision 1(b) until she meets requirements of the Board of Teaching.
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