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IN THIS EDITION |
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ACTION ITEM |
Next week, every community in the state will conduct the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count to identify every Minnesotan facing homelessness on the night of Thursday, January 26. This count helps monitor progress and make funding decisions for a variety of community-based homelessness programs. This year will also set a new baseline on the number of youth experiencing homelessness, making it especially critical to count every student experiencing homelessness.
Homelessness and housing instability have a significant impact on educational achievement. Third grade reading proficiency among homeless and highly mobile students lags significantly behind low-income students who are in stable housing. Almost three quarters of homeless children are students of color, demonstrating the strong connection between promoting housing stability and achieving equity. The information from the PIT count is essential to help us better meet the needs of students experiencing or at risk of homelessness or housing instability.
Each region’s Continuum of Care organizes the count. You can find your Continuum of Care contact person on the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency website. Please make sure that your district is connected to this effort, and thank you for your help ensuring that your district and its homeless students are accurately reflected in this count.
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ITEMS OF INTEREST |
Governor Dayton has issued a proclamation naming the week of January 23-27, 2017, as Paraprofessional Recognition Week. This week gives schools an opportunity to thank the 20,000 paraprofessionals who provide services in multiple settings in Minnesota’s schools. Please see the January 3 memorandum that provides activity suggestions for Paraprofessional Recognition Week.
A copy of the proclamation, and a certificate of commendation that can be downloaded to insert the names of your paraprofessionals, are available on the Paraprofessionals page of the MDE website.
For more information, contact Barbara Sisco, 651-582-8226 .
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The Minnesota Department of Education anticipates a state appropriation from the Laws of Minnesota 2016, Chapter 189, article 25, section 61, subdivision 5, in the amount of $1,000,000 for use during state fiscal year 2018. Funds will be to provide first class city school districts and other school districts with more than 40 percent minority students funding for tuition scholarships and stipends to eligible employees to participate in a nonconventional teacher residency pilot program established under Minnesota Statutes, section 122A.09, subdivision 10, paragraph (a).
Funding will provide tuition scholarships or stipends and relevant supplies to enable education or teaching assistants or other non-licensed employees who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and who seek an education license to participate in a Board of Teaching-approved nonconventional teacher residency program.
The term of the grant period is anticipated to be from July 10, 2017, through June 30, 2018. The state has set a maximum grant at $500,000 but reserves the right to offer grant amounts that differ from the applicant’s request.
The grant announcement and documents will be available on the department's grant opportunity site after January 20, 2017. Questions may be submitted to Nels Onstad.
Applications must be received by March 8, 2017, 3:30 p.m., Central Time, by submitting them into the designated email box as indicated in the submission instructions.
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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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The Minnesota Board of Teaching has taken the following licensure actions:
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Gervais, Nicole (FF# 494370) On January 13, 2016 the board adopted Findings of Fact Conclusions of Law and Order denying the licensure application of Nicole Gervais.
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Maki, Brian (FF# 317307) On January 13, 2016 the board adopted a stipulation agreement and consent order revoking the teaching license of Brian Maki.
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Roberts, Zachary (FF# 456405) On January 13, 2017 the board adopted Findings of Fact Conclusions of Law and Order affirming the revocation of Zachary Roberts teaching license.
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Rosenthal, Brad (FF# 496721) On January 13, 2016 the board adopted Findings of Fact Conclusions of Law and Order denying the licensure application of Brad Rosenthal.
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Sherman-Koiner, Crystal (FF# 489967) On January 13, 2016, the board adopted Findings of Fact Conclusions of Law and Order denying the licensure renewal application of Crystal Koiner- Sherman.
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Woods, Carey G. (FF# 362009) On January 13, 2017 the board adopted Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Order and Memorandum revoking the teaching licenses Carey Gene Woods.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
MN Math Leaders Networking Meetings are sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and MN Math Leaders, an affiliate of the Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM). The 2016-17 focus is Interventions in Mathematics with a content focus of rational numbers, and the book we will be using is Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students' Potential through Creative Math, Inspiring Messages and Innovative Teaching. Boaler, J. (2015). Though you are not required to purchase this book, it is highly recommended and will be referred to in the networking meetings.
Target Audience: These meetings are designed for leaders to give and receive support. Administrators and teacher leaders who are passionate about leading change in mathematics education for all students. Anyone who is in a department or team, school, or district leadership position is encouraged to attend.
Dates:
All meetings will be held at MDE Registration is required. If you have any questions contact Terry Alvarado.
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