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Because of the abundance of inclement weather so far this winter, I have received questions regarding the extension of the MCA testing window. The testing window, as published, starts today and is open through May 10. Within this testing window, schools and districts have flexibility to make any necessary scheduling adjustments based on their individual and specific circumstances.
Please contact me if May 10 does not accommodate any testing schedule modifications you must make for your students. I will continue to monitor the situation. I am aware of the impact to your schools and districts in summer preparation for the 2019-20 school year and the expectation for releasing results by September 1 consistent with Minnesota Statutes 120B.36.
I am sensitive to the challenges this year’s weather has presented to our daily teaching and learning expectations. I am confident you are making the best decisions for both the safety and education of your students and I am eager to support your work.
Mary Cathryn Ricker, NBCT
Education Commissioner
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ITEM OF INTEREST
Minnesota public school districts and charter schools may now apply for Alternative Delivery of Specialized Instructional Services (ADSIS) funding to provide direct instruction and services to K-12 and preschool students who are part of district programs that generate general education revenue, who may need additional academic and behavioral supports to succeed in the general education environment and who may eventually qualify for special education if the prevention services were not available. An approved program may provide instruction and services in a regular education classroom or an area learning center to eligible pupils. Pupils may be provided services during extended school days and throughout the entire year. Cooperatives, education districts and intermediate school districts may not apply on behalf of member districts.
ADSIS funding is state aid that goes through the special education funding formula, not a grant. The cap for fiscal year 2020 will be $1,089,351.74.
An informational webinar will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, from 3:15-4:15 p.m. on the Minnesota Department of Education WebEx site (meeting number 801 700 514).
The application and instructions can be found on the Minnesota Department of Education’s competitive grants site. Refer to the ADSIS statute or ADSIS funding statute for additional information. Signed and submitted applications must be received (not postmarked) by April 5, 2019, 3:30 p.m. CDT.
For more information, contact Rebecca Nies, Program Coordinator (651-582-8648) by March 27, 2019. A question and answer document will be published on the grant opportunity site. View the questions and answers document.
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WEBINAR
The School Safety Technical Assistance Center invites superintendents, district and school leaders and school staff to participate in its School Climate Improvement Webinar Series. School climate improvement is an evidence-based practice that fosters student engagement and school connectedness. It is also the most effective way to support student learning by preventing disruptive behaviors such as bullying and harassment. During the webinars, participants will learn how they can best lead and support school climate improvement efforts. The webinar School Climate Practices Webinar: The BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) Center Model will be held Wednesday, March 27, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In this webinar, presenters will discuss BAAR, a strengths-based model that provides schools with a comprehensive approach to meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of all students. Learn more about other school climate improvement webinars on the center’s webpages. There is no need to pre-register for the webinar and no fee. Shortly before 11:30 a.m., enter the School Climate Practices webinar. If you have questions about the webinars, contact the center, 651-582-8364.
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