Updates from MDE: 11-25-2020

department of education

November 25, 2020

Updates in this email:

Reminder: December ACT and SAT

MDE continues to prioritize the health and safety of Minnesota's students, families and school staff. As we continue to see significant spread of COVID-19 across our state, Education Commissioner Ricker has consulted with Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm and has determined that ACT and SAT testing will not be permitted in school facilities during the month of December. The commissioners will continue monitoring the public health situation to make determinations about ACT and SAT testing in school facilities for future test dates.

Reminder: Use Saliva Test Codes by November 30

Minnesota is proud to offer at-home COVID-19 saliva testing for any person who wants to be tested, with or without symptoms, at no cost. This saliva test is just as accurate as the nasal swab test and is available at no cost for every Minnesotan, whether or not you have insurance. With the COVID-19 positivity rate climbing higher than ever before, expanding access to COVID-19 testing to all communities across the state is critical to keeping Minnesotans informed and safe. More information about this partnership with Vault Medical Services is available Minnesota Department of Health’s website, including information on how to order test.

Based on feedback we have received from educators, schools, child care and staff and in order to provide a seamless transition to this new program at-home testing for all Minnesotans, we are urging all educators who have not yet used their saliva test code issued at the start of the school year to use them by November 30, 2020. If you have already used your saliva test code or you’d like to take an at-home COVID-19 saliva test after November 30, you may order one at Vault: No-Cost COVID Testing For All Minnesotans.

Training Opportunities, Important Dates and Announcements

Gender Identity Public Comment

MDE will be revising data collection systems to allow public school districts greater flexibility in reporting students’ gender identity, including the option to designate a gender other than male or female. Beginning Monday, November 30, Minnesotans will have the opportunity to provide public comment via a survey. The public comment window will be open until Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. A link for this survey will be included in next week's superintendent and charter leader update email, so that you can share with those in your community who would be interested in providing comment.

People for PSEO Meeting: November 30

Saving High School Students Thousands of Dollars in College Costs is the Goal of Free November 30 Zoom Meeting

Saving thousands of dollars is something MANY Minnesota families would like to do. On November 30th, 5-6 PM, the nonprofit organization People for PSEO and several other Minnesota groups are co-sponsoring a free informational webinar for high school students and families to learn about the PSEO and other programs that allow Minnesota students to earn free college credits.  

To register, go here: https://forms.gle/ibM3mBaQcJTRCf3g6 

Cosponsors include: St. Paul Indians in Action, Council of Asian Pacific Minnesotans, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota Parents Union, and Center for School Change.

PSEO is a state-run program that enables 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students to enroll in college courses and earn college credits at no cost to the student or family. Participants can save thousands of dollars in college costs by enrolling in the PSEO program. 

Students in PSEO cite numerous benefits that come from doing PSEO, including direct access to college internships and research positions, having a more flexible class schedule, and expanded class options! Participants who have enrolled in PSEO at community colleges in the past have even earned their AA degree before receiving their high school diploma.

Attend our November 30th Zoom Meeting to learn about dual credit options in Minnesota, how PSEO works, hear from a panel of current and alumni PSEO students, and to ask any additional questions you may have.

U.S. Senate Youth Program Application Closes December 4

The 59th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) will be held in an online format for 2021. Washington Week Online will take place March 14–18, 2021, and will be a fully immersive learning experience incorporating the key elements of the program week in an exciting, interactive format. Attendance at Washington Week Online is a requirement of the program. 

  • Completed application packets may be mailed to the Minnesota Department of Education or emailed as attachments. See full mailing address on the application or submit application documents via email to: mde.USSYP@state.mn.us
  • Applications must be postmarked or emailed by Friday, December 4, 2020.

High school principals, counselors and social studies teachers can help us promote this program to students. Please share this information with these staff. The program brochure and application form are available on our program website and may be shared with your students, other educators or anyone who is associated with students who may be interested in the program. Each secondary school may nominate one student for the program. For more information, contact: U.S. Senate Youth Program Coordinator for Minnesota Email: mde.USSYP@state.mn.us 

Inclusive Schools Week is December 6-12

During Inclusive Schools Week, it is important to commemorate the progress schools have made in providing a high-quality education to an increasingly diverse student population. This year's theme is “The Time for Inclusion is Now.” Inclusive Schools Week provides an important opportunity for educators, students and parents to discuss what else could be done to ensure all students are feeling safe and welcome in school. 

2019-20 World’s Best Workforce (WBWF) Summary Report and Achievement and Integration (A&I) Summary Report

Districts and charters can now submit their annual WBWF summary report for the 2019-20 school year. The WBWF summary report is in combination with the A&I progress report. Districts that do not participate in the A&I program only need to complete the WBWF section of the form. Summary reports are to be submitted using an online survey form—similar to the reporting method used last year. This online summary report can be found on the WBWF webpage and is due by December 15, 2020.

Online Mental Health Training for School Personnel

The Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Department of Education, and Kognito have partnered to bring free, online mental health training to Minnesota schools. Together, we can build a statewide community of leaders who can support the mental and emotional well-being of all students. The training initiative provides free access to Kognito At-Risk for Minnesota districts and schools.

At-Risk is a series of three online interactive modules. The modules will help educators and other school staff improve their skills, confidence, and willingness to help students in distress.

The modules are for staff at the elementary, middle, and high school grade levels. Participants engage in role-playing simulations, interact with virtual students showing signs of mental distress, and receive tips from virtual coaches. The modules can be completed in one hour.

For more information visit the MDH website.