ITEMS OF INTEREST
This is a reminder that 2018 graduation data will be released at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23. We will not be providing data early to news media. The Minnesota Report Card will be taken offline at noon on Monday, April 22, in order to make the updates, and will go live again at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, with the 2018 rates also available on our Data Reports and Analytics page as a downloadable file like the one linked above. We sent an embargoed file to superintendents and charter directors in an email yesterday.
There is one more webinar offered on Monday to prepare for the release of graduation data, focusing on how the graduation rate is calculated and ways to discuss graduation with the press and the broader community.
Join us in featuring the diverse programs that provide students with rich experiences and second chances: programs like AVID, alternative learning centers, education programs in our correctional facilities, academy models, recognizing the growing number of Seals of Biliteracy, experiential learning and more. Send photos and stories to mde.communications@state.mn.us to help us celebrate the accomplishments of our 2018 graduates! If you have any questions about the release, please join the webinar above or contact Josh Collins (651-582-8205).
Back to top
The department is excited to open its web-based data submission and upload application for 2019. The site for the annual data and plan submission as required by Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.12 (“Reading Well by Third Grade”) on reading proficiency for all students in kindergarten through grade two is now available. These data:
- Are required of all Minnesota districts and charter schools that enroll students in grades K-2.
-
Are due by July 1, 2019.
- Reflect required components of the World’s Best Workforce legislation, Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.11.
- Are required to receive Literacy Incentive Aid as provided by Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.98.
For information about what’s new for 2019, instructions for submission, guidance and links for completing your submission by the deadline of July 1, please read the full launch memorandum and visit the Read Well Data and Plan Upload and Reading Proficiency pages. For information about dyslexia, visit the new department dyslexia webpage.
If after accessing the online supporting documents you have questions about the submission:
Regarding literacy content support, contact Cory Stai (cory.stai@state.mn.us), literacy specialist, 651-582-8615.
Regarding specific dyslexia support, contact Amy Schulting (amy.schulting@state.mn.us), dyslexia specialist, 651-582-8596.
Regarding access to the Read Well by Third Grade Data and Plan Submission application, contact Terry Alvarado (terry.alvarado@state.mn.us), administrative support, 651-582-8749.
Back to top
As required by state law, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) will convene an English Language Arts (ELA) Standards Committee to review the current (2010) K-12 ELA standards during the 2019-20 school year. Applications are now being accepted for individuals interested in serving on the ELA Standards Review Committee. For more information, visit the ELA webpage.
Back to top
The 2018-2019 Title IVA allocations and applications have been loaded into SERVS Financial and are now available for all local educational agencies (LEAs). The FY19 allocation is comprised of FY18 and FY19 funds. At this time, superintendents and charter directors should accept both their FY18 and FY19 allocations/awards in SERVS Financial.
If it is the intent of the LEA to utilize funds during the remainder of the 18-19 school year, the FY18 funds must be balanced forward into FY19.
- Funds may be used to support 18-19 Title IVA activities. LEAs must complete an 18-19 SERVS Financial application. Grants are due by Monday, May 6, 2019. LEAs needing an extension should contact Dwayne Strand. No funds may be expended until the LEA has an approved application, or
- Funds may be transferred to another allowable 18-19 federal program application such as Title I, Title II or Title III.
If it is the intent of the LEA to not utilize any or all of the FY18 and/or FY19 funds for Title IVA activities during the current school year (18-19), the LEA has two options.
- Both the FY18 and FY19 funds can be balanced forward into the 2019-20 school year and used to support Title IVA activities, or
- The unbudgeted funds can be transferred to another allowable Title program such as Title I, Title II or Title III for the 2019-20 school year.
Refer to Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)/Federal Title Programs webpage for Title IV, Part A, for helpful information and documents. New documents are added as they become available.
Contact Doug Paulson (651-582-8471) if you have program questions, or contact Dwayne Strand (651-582-8641) if you have SERVS application questions.
Back to top
Please read the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2020 Special Education Application Materials and Eligibility for Program Approval memorandum from the Division of School Finance. This memo provides details on the SFY 2020 special education state and federal Special Education Data Reporting Application (SEDRA) data lines, application materials, eligibility for program approval and initial maintenance of effort.
If you have any questions, please contact the Special Education Funding and Data Team.
Back to top
TRAINING
The School Safety Technical Assistance Center is offering two more Bullying and Harassment Investigation Trainings: From Complaint Intake to Investigation this spring. In the training, participants will learn how to conduct formal investigations with multiple witnesses and disputed facts. Participants will walk through all the steps of intake, inquiry and investigation of bullying and harassment reports. They will also receive training on conducting interviews with students and school staff. This training is recommended for school building principals or their designee and other staff responsible for handling bullying complaints and investigations.
Upcoming Bullying and Harassment Investigation Trainings
-
Thursday, May 9, Minnesota Department of Education, Conference Center A, Room 13, 1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville. Register for the May 9 training in Roseville.
-
Tuesday, May 14, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Resource Training & Solutions Center, 137 23rd St. S., Suite 201, Sartell. Register for the May 14 training in Sartell.
Back to top
The School Safety Technical Assistance Center is offering restorative practices training in Bemidji and Cloquet, June 10-14, and in Crystal, June 17-21. Restorative practices is an indigenous approach schools can use to improve school climate and reduce discipline disparities. It focuses on building relationships and creating community in school to prevent harm, to repair relationships and to address the needs of everyone impacted by the harm. Sessions range from a one-day First Steps – Exploring the Restorative Impulse session, to a four-day circle training that includes Circle 3 – Equity.
Learn more and register for the restorative practices training.
Back to top
|
