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IN THIS EDITION
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ACTION ITEMS
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The 2016 Multiple Measurements Rating, Adequate Yearly Progress and growth results are now available on the Minnesota Report Card and in our data center. We are in transition to a new accountability system that will align with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Let us know what you want to see in our new accountability system, and learn how to get involved on the ESSA page of our website.
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Under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.11, school districts are to develop a WBWF Annual Report and report summary for each school year. The district Annual Report and summary include the WBWF student achievement goals that were established last year, the strategies and initiatives that the district engaged in to meet the goals, and the subsequent progress made on those goals by the end of the school year. Districts post their annual reports on the district website, and submit the summary report to the Minnesota Department of Education each year.
A template format for districts to use to create their 2015-2016 WBWF summary has been posted to the WBWF website. Summaries using this template should be submitted by December 15, 2016, to mde.worldsbestworkforce@state.mn.us.
The WBWF website also has a rubric that the department will use to review the summaries and provide feedback to districts. Districts should use this rubric as a guide when completing the summaries.
Lastly, a 2016 legislative changes document was recently posted to provide districts with an overview of the revisions made to the WBWF legislation during the 2016 session. This document includes each change as well as contact information in the relevant areas.
Please contact mde.worldsbestworkforce@state.mn.us with any questions related to the WBWF.
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Events in the news locally, nationally and internationally can contribute to an environment that may expose students to disturbing or hateful messages in their everyday lives and at school. It can also result in increased bullying, harassment and discrimination of students in specific groups, including Muslim students and LGBT students. For ways to prevent and address this, school administrators, educators and school staff members can turn to the School Safety Technical Assistance Center resource “Ensuring Students Learn in Schools Free from Bullying, Discrimination and Harassment Based on Race, Religion, National Origin, Gender, Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation” available on the Bullying Concerns and Ways to Help web page.
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The Minnesota Department of Education is enhancing the information we provide to superintendents and charter school directors. As part of this effort, we are offering you an opportunity to provide feedback about this information and the ways we communicate with you now. Your responses will inform us about the effectiveness of our current information paths and allow us to strengthen and improve them.
The survey contains 15 questions and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. For all questions, you may substitute “charter school director” for “superintendent,” if appropriate. This survey was introduced at the Back-to-School Conference. If you have not already done so, please take the survey. Thank you for your help!
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GRANT OPPORTUNITY
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The Minnesota Department of Education makes state funding in the amount of $500,000 available from Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.045, subdivision 2a, for this planning grant initiative. This will support school district school sites to explore and develop organization models for operating teacher-governed schools. School sites must have an approved memorandum of understanding between the school board and exclusive representative of teachers to be eligible for this grant opportunity. Applicants will be required to submit the approved memorandum of understanding with their applications.
Applications will be reviewed and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. A separate application must be submitted for each school site with an approved memorandum of understanding. Matching and in-kind contributions from non-state sources are encouraged.
The grant starting dates will vary depending on when the applications are received. Grant end dates will be June 30, 2017. An extension may be possible. Applications may be submitted before January 31, 2017, but must be received by (not postmarked by) January 31, 2017, 3:30 p.m., Central Time. The state reserves the right to close the application earlier if all funding is appropriated before that date.
The grant documents are available on the department's grant opportunity site. Contact Tamara Valme, Division of School Support, tamara.valme@state.mn.us.
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ITEMS OF INTEREST
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The Minnesota Board of Teaching has taken the following licensure actions:
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Barthelemy, Kathleen (FF# 139352) Ms. Barthelemy’s license was suspended on August 29, 2016, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 214.101, subdivision 1(b), until she meets requirements of the Board of Teaching.
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Kingbird, Isaac (FF# 305004) Mr. Kingbird’s license was suspended on August 29, 2016, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 214.101, subdivision 1(b), until he meets requirements of the Board of Teaching.
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Vevea, Jacob (FF# 430929) Mr. Vevea’s license was suspended on August 26, 2016, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 214.101, subdivision 1(b), until he 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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