MDE Weekly Superintendent Mail - 6-20-19

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Weekly Briefing for Superintendents and School Leaders

June 20, 2019

In this edition

ACTION ITEM

Alternative Delivery and Specialized Instructional Services Funding Announced

All 192 districts and charter schools across Minnesota that applied for Alternative Delivery of Specialized Instructional Services (ADSIS) for the 2019-21 school years have been approved for funding. This is the largest number of ADSIS applicants the Minnesota Department of Education has ever received.

ADSIS is a funding source for direct instructional services that are designed to assist students who need additional academic or behavioral support to succeed in the general education environment. It is anticipated that by providing supports early to struggling students, the likelihood of inappropriate referrals to special education will be reduced. Minnesota Statutes, sections 125A.50 and 125A.78, detail the specific requirements and funding authority for ADSIS.

Approved recipients of ADSIS state aid identified which schools, grade levels and content areas were included in their district application; the evidence-based practices they will use; and a system for screening and progress monitoring students. Fall orientation for these districts will be held Thursday, September 19, 2019.

For more information, contact Rebecca Nies, program coordinator (651-582-8648).

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ITEMS OF INTEREST

Save the Date—2019 MDE Back to School Conference

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) in partnership with the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) invites you to attend the annual MDE Back to School Conference.

When:   August 6-7, 2019 
Where:  Minneapolis Marriott Northwest, Brooklyn Park

Plan to bring your leadership team!

Minnesota has worked together with stakeholders to develop a shared definition of the 10 commitments to equity. Educational equity is the condition of justice, fairness and inclusion, ensuring that all students have access to the opportunities to learn and develop to their fullest potentials. The keynote speakers and breakout session presenters will explore current practice and research supporting true educational equity in our school systems. Bring a team and benefit from the chance to discuss how what you are learning impacts your own district. Registration will open soon. Current information can be found on the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) webpage.
 
Lodging Information:
Start date: 8/2/19
End date: 8/10/19
Last day to book: 7/17/19

Marriott hotel(s) offering your special group rate:

  • Minneapolis Marriott Northwest for $141.00 per night
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Book your group rate.

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Guidance for School Districts on Statewide Enrollment Options

The Minnesota Department of Education recently developed a Minnesota Statewide Enrollment Options Program: Questions and Answers for School Districts document now posted on the website. The document provides technical assistance on specific questions districts face with the state’s inter-district open enrollment program. For further information about open enrollment, please contact Cindy Jackson (651-582-857).

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Apply for the Behavioral Health and Wellness Grant

The Minnesota Departments of Human Services and Management and Budget want to partner with school districts or collaboratives of schools to offer a social emotional learning-based curriculum for middle schoolers to promote positive mental health and prevent substance use. Programming would start in fall 2020. The state will cover the costs to implement the curriculum for four years (from school year 2020-21 to 2023-24), including staff training and reimbursement of teacher or substitute training time, curriculum materials, and technical assistance.

Apply for the Behavioral Health and Wellness Grant.

Only a limited number of schools can be supported, so districts are encouraged to apply as early as July 15, 2019. As soon as districts apply, state staff will schedule a site visit. The application is expected to officially remain open until November 15, but the state may close the application process earlier, depending on the number of applicants. 

The curriculum, called Life Skills Training (LST), is offered to middle school students over three consecutive years (6th-8th or 7th-9th grade). LST works by helping to develop students’ social and self-management skills. The curriculum is flexible and can be taught in a range of different existing courses, including health, physical education, home room, foundational courses, etc. LST is also aligned with CASEL’s five social emotional-learning competencies (SEL) and may be beneficial for schools looking to implement evidence-based SEL models.

If you have questions or want to learn more, please email Lindsey Thompson.

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