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September 4, 2020
Updates in this email:
The Learning Model Portal has officially been launched and is ready for school districts and charter schools to report learning models. The portal is integrated in the District and School Site Verification application, and accessible through the Education Identity & Access Management (EDIAM) system.
Before entering the Learning Model Portal, please read the user guide. District and school site verification coordinators have also received these instructions, as they will be entering the data on behalf of the district or school.
School districts and charter schools should report their learning models through the system by Friday, September 4, 2020. This needs to be done even if you have already reported through the interim process.
Additionally, any time a school district or charter school changes their learning model throughout the school year, they must notify the education commissioner through the Learning Model Portal within 24 hours of beginning the new learning model.
We've added a new sub-page to the COVID-19 Updates web page, called Health Resources for Schools. This page includes MDH resources, signage for school facilities and information on the Regional Support Teams and saliva tests for school staff. We will continue to add resources to this page, so please check back often.
MDE's School Finance team has developed guidance that outlines what districts need to do for Minnesota Automated Reporting Student System (MARSS) reporting in the 2020-21 school year. The guidance is reflective of the requirements of Executive Order 20-82.
As educators and students return to school buildings for the upcoming school year, please read these important reminders about the use of face shields.
Face shields should be used in addition to a face mask, and should generally not be used as a replacement for a face mask.
This excerpt from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on face shields highlights some of the public health data behind face shields:
“A face shield is primarily used for eye protection for the person wearing it. At this time, it is not known what level of protection a face shield provides to people nearby from the spray of respiratory droplets from the wearer. There is currently not enough evidence to support the effectiveness of face shields for source control. Therefore, CDC does not currently recommend use of face shields as a substitute for masks.”
While there are some circumstances in which an exception is needed; those should be limited to situations outlined in the Face Coverings section of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) 2020-21 Planning Guide for Schools:
"A face shield (a clear plastic barrier that covers the face) allows visibility of facial expressions and lip movements for speech perception and may be used as an alternative to a face covering in the following situations:
- Among students in Kindergarten through grade 8, when wearing a face covering is problematic.
- By teachers (all grades), when wearing a face covering may impede the educational process.
- For staff, students, or visitors who cannot tolerate a face covering due to a developmental, medical, or behavioral health condition.
- For staff providing direct support student services, when a face covering impedes the service being provided.
For optimal protection, the face shield should extend below the chin anteriorly, to the ears laterally, and there should be no exposed gap between the forehead and the shield’s headpiece."
October Teacher Development and Evaluation / Q Comp Network Meetings
In October, MDE will host additional networking sessions supporting the implementation of Teacher Development and Evaluation (TDE) and Q Comp. These optional sessions are intended to provide spaces for local coordinators or members of local leadership teams to trouble-shoot and collaborate as we navigate different school scenarios.
Come join other coordinators to discuss TDE/Q Comp implementation topics, including but not limited to professional learning communities, summative or high cycle evaluations, or observation practices, and how these TDE/Q Comp activities are being modified to suit distance learning or hybrid scenarios. Please bring questions, ideas, and any resources to share as this will be a format in which we can all problem solve and learn from each other. Intended Audience – Local coordinators and leaders of Q Comp or teacher development and evaluation (TDE). Space is limited to 100 participants, and facilitators will create smaller groups for discussion. October Session Registrations – Use the links below to register. Tuesday, October 6, 9-10 a.m.
Thursday, October 8, 2.30-3:30 p.m.
Agenda – This is a participant-driven agenda, so no session will be entirely alike. The only limit on the conversation is a focus on local coordinators work to support the educator workforce through the implementation of TDE/Q Comp. Please note: These Q&A offerings will not be recorded. However, we will publish key messages and resources following the sessions. If you have any questions or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at mde.q-comp@state.mn.us.
Q Comp Program Coordinator Training
MDE's Division of School Support is offering a training session for new and existing coordinators. The session will focus on Q Comp funding, common program questions, the Q Comp Continuous Improvement Model and important deadlines. The session will address any participant questions or concerns.
The session will be offered on two occasions in order to meet the needs of as many districts/schools as possible.
If you have questions or need assistance with registration, please contact Kristie Anderson at 651-582-8860 or kristie.anderson@state.mn.us.
To request reasonable accommodation, please contact Kristie Anderson (651-582-8860 or Kristie.anderson@state.mn.us) at least two weeks prior to the session.
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