MDE Weekly Superintendent Mail - 1-11-19

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Weekly Briefing for Superintendents and School Leaders

January 11, 2019

In this edition

PRESS RELEASE

Minnesota Awarded Federal Grant to Coordinate Early Learning Systems

1-2-2019 - Minnesota announced a $4.7 million federal grant to help build an even better early learning landscape for children and families. Families across Minnesota now have access to more early learning support than ever before, thanks to increased funding under Governor Dayton’s leadership.

Read full press release.

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WEBINAR

Registration Is Open for the Addressing Discipline Disproportionalities Webinar Series

Kick off the second half of the school year with a four-part webinar series focused on addressing disproportionalities in discipline. The series will cover managing effective data conversations, assessing inclusion models, working toward cultural and linguistic competence, addressing implicit bias, and conducting root cause analyses. Hosted in collaboration with the Illinois State Board of Education and the Midwest Comprehensive Center, the first webinar will take place on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at 3 p.m.

Learn how the Addressing the Root Causes of Disparities in School Discipline Guidebook, produced by the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments, can assist with school district accountability and improvement efforts. The guidebook includes tools to help you assess and systematically address disparities in school discipline. The webinar series will provide an overview of the guidebook and opportunities for you to look at your data and apply the guidebook’s tools. The webinar series will cover the following topics:

  • Webinar 1 will focus on assessing discipline trends and calculating disparities, including who to engage in data conversations, the different types of data that districts and schools can use, and how to appropriately calculate and use discipline measures. The webinar will take place on January 16 at 3-4:30 p.m.
  • Webinar 2 will cover conducting root cause analyses. Specifically, it will focus on how to leverage the results of the initial data review to identify issues’ root causes via courageous conversations. The webinar will then consider how to discuss possible causes and explanations for data trends, collect qualitative data via focus groups and interviews, and conduct the root cause analysis itself. Webinar 2 will take place on January 30 at 3-4:30 p.m.
  • Webinar 3 will focus on planning discipline improvements based on the analyses of data and root causes. It will include sharing findings, developing and implementing an action plan, and honing in on common issues often revealed by the data analyses like building inclusive models of behavior and addressing trauma. Webinar 3 will take place on February 13 at 3-4:30 p.m.
  • Webinar 4 will discuss measuring the action plan, including monitoring as the plan progresses. Webinar 4 will take place on February 27 at 3-4:30 p.m.

Recommended participants include district and school administrators, leadership teams, counselors, deans, and any educators interested in supporting this conversation in their schools. Attendees are welcome to join individually or with team members.

Register for Webinar 1 today!

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ITEM OF INTEREST

Commissioner's Dialogue with Superintendents – January 16, 2019

Superintendents and charter school directors are invited to participate in this monthly audio conference call hosted by Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker. The next call is scheduled for Wednesday, January 16, 9:30-10:30 a.m. A notice providing dial-in instructions will be sent prior to the call. Comments to offer and/or questions you would like to ask are encouraged.

Conference Call Schedule: February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15. All calls are from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

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