Updates from MDE: 02-26-2021

department of education

February 26, 2021

Updates in this email:

U.S. Department of Education Update

Earlier this week, MDE received a letter from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) regarding assessment, accountability, and reporting requirements for school year 2020–21. We are glad that the federal government has responded to our request to waive the accountability and school identification requirements for this school year while committing to offering the ACCESS for ELLs, Alternate ACCESS for ELLs, MCA and MTAS. This information from ED is being reviewed and next steps specific to Minnesota will be communicated as soon as possible.

Learning Model Portal Updates

Thank you for continuing to update the Learning Model Portal as you transition learning models. As you meet with your teams and community and make decisions about the remainder of the school year, please update the Learning Model Portal with your future models as soon as possible. In order for us to have the most up-to-date information on what learning models are schools are in we are asking districts and charters to update the portal to be reflective of where your schools will be at on March 8 and April 15 as you are able.

Life After the Vaccine

All Minnesotans are encouraged to get vaccinated when they're able. After receiving the vaccine, here are some things to consider:

  • YES continue to get tested, wear a mask, and social distance, even after getting vaccinated.
  • YES you need to isolate if you test positive, even if you’ve been vaccinated.
  • If you are vaccinated and were exposed or in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you may not have to quarantine. See guidance from MDH.

COVID-19 Testing Resource for Families

Testing for Students and Families

MDH announced a recommendation for all school-age youth returning to school, youth sports, or extracurricular activities, and their families, to get tested every two weeks through the end of the school year. While it is not a requirement, regular testing complements other safety measures already in place, such as masking and social distancing.

Schools and youth organizations can send messages and resources available on COVID-19 Testing for Kids and Families to families to encourage testing. Getting tested every two weeks from now until the end of the school year can help keep schools open and sports operating, and ensure we are limiting the spread of COVID-19.

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT)

P-EBT benefit cards will start being distributed to eligible K-12 students at the end of March. Students who qualify for free or reduced-price (FRP) meals and receive instruction via a hybrid or distance learning model for the majority of a month will receive benefits to purchase food. Read the P-EBT Overview and Frequently Asked Questions for Schools. Note that learning model information is pulled from the Learning Model Portal, so be sure to keep that updated.

Schools must provide MDE with additional data before benefits will be issued. See the table below for data submission timelines and the benefit issuance schedule. Instructions for submitting P-EBT data are available on the P-EBT Data Submissions page.

Data Submission Deadline

Months included in payment

When families can expect to receive funds on their P-EBT cards

Friday, March 5 at 4 p.m.

September and October 2020 payment

End of March

Wednesday, March 31 at 4 p.m.

November and December 2020 payment

End of April

Friday, April 30 at 4 p.m.

January and February 2021 payment

End of May

Monday, May 31 at 4 p.m. 

March and April 2021 payment

End of June

Wednesday, June 30 at 4 p.m.

May and June (partial) 2021 payment

End of July

Any families who might be eligible for FRP meals, but are not yet approved, should submit an Application for Educational Benefits as soon as possible. Community partners across Minnesota have expressed interest in assisting outreach efforts around P-EBT. Partners have access to an interactive heat map that shows the percentage of students approved for FRP meals in 2020-21 compared to 2019-20. Data on the map are current as of January 4, 2021.

Sign up for the P-EBT bulletin to receive important updates. District and charter school MARSS coordinators and food service contacts have been automatically subscribed to the P-EBT bulletin and are the presumed points of contact.

Reminder: COVID-19 Vaccine Connector

Last week, the State of Minnesota announced the launch of the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector, which is a tool that helps Minnesotans find out when, where and how to get their COVID-19 vaccine.

We need the help of our school leaders to spread the message to staff and families in your communities.

Note: School staff continue to be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccines. Those who already completed the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Child Care Survey do not need to complete the Vaccine Connector Form.

Training Opportunities, Important Dates and Announcements

State Alternative and Extended Time Program Virtual Info Sessions

The Alternative and Extended Learning office will be offering a series of Summer Program Planning sessions to alternative programs in the state starting in February. These sessions are intended to provide updated research, best practices, helpful guidelines, resources, and statutory parameters to offer high quality summer programs to all students. Additional sessions may be added to the schedule as indicated by program participants. Please see the MDE Calendar page for the dates and times of the upcoming trainings.

Recruiting Visiting Teachers for the 2021-22 School Year

Minnesota Department of Education, Consul Gerardo Guerrero of the Mexican Consulate in St. Paul and Carlos Berrozpe of the Education Ministry of Spain in Chicago will hold an informational session about the Mexican and Spanish visiting teacher programs on Thursday, March 4, 2021, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

The programs allow districts access to teachers with native language skills to teach in immersion, dual language and world language programs. MDE is a designated J-1 visa teacher sponsor. There is no charge to districts for the visas and information about the visa process will be provided by MDE staff. Attendance at the informational meeting is not a commitment to hire a teacher.

Please email Mai Yang at mai.tong.yang@state.mn.us to register for the information session by March 1, 2021 or with questions.

Child Nutrition Emergency Operating Costs Program  

On January 26, 2021, USDA released a temporary assistance program for School Nutrition Program (SNP) and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) operators who experienced decreased meal reimbursement from March through June 2020. 

MDE plans to submit an application for these funds. USDA will not release approvals for applications until after April 26, 2021. Based on USDA’s timeline of fund disbursements, MDE estimates the funds will be disbursed to program operators late summer 2021. MDE will release additional information as it is available.  

Review the Child Nutrition Program Emergency Operating Costs during COVID-19: Implementation Guidance for State Agencies for more information.