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October 6, 2021
Seclusion Reporting Now Available in Stepwell MN
Seclusion Reporting is now live in Stepwell MN. Again, we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this process together. You may now log into Stepwell to report whether and/or how many seclusions occurred at your district during quarter one of the 2021-22 school year, covering July 1 – September 30 (including extended school year services occurring after July 1, if applicable). Please complete your quarter one seclusion reporting by October 15, 2021. If you do not see a quarter one seclusion task when you log into Stepwell, please email Carolyn Ellstra. Please note that you will only be able to report for quarter one at this time. A task for quarter two seclusion reporting will be released on December 31, 2021, with a due date of January 15, 2022.
Remember, all school districts and charter schools must complete quarterly seclusion reporting, even those that do not use seclusions or do not have a seclusion room. Questions about seclusion reporting can be directed to Carolyn Ellstra.
Reporting Deadlines
Please mark the following seclusion reporting deadlines in your calendar:
- Quarter 1 (July 1 – September 30): due by October 15
- Quarter 2 (October 1 – December 31): due by January 15
- Quarter 3 (January 1 – March 31): due by April 15
- Quarter 4 (April 1 – June 30): due by July 15 (annual physical holding reporting also due at this time)
Available Resources
Several resources are available to assist you in accessing and navigating Stepwell.
Copies of Stepwell’s September 30 training regarding seclusion and a step-by-step guide to assist Identified Officials with Authority (IOwAs) with authorizing users in Education Identity and Access Management (EDIAM) are also available. Email Carolyn Ellstra to request. A recording of Stepwell’s September 30, 2021, training session will be posted on the MDE website shortly.
Stepwell MN Office Hours for Seclusion Reporting
MDE and our partner, Red Cedar Solutions Group, will be holding optional Stepwell MN office hours, via zoom, to provide assistance as you complete your quarter one seclusion reporting. No formal presentation will be provided, but MDE and Red Cedar staff will be available to provide assistance to individuals who drop by. If you have questions, please log in to one of the following sessions:
$25.5 Billion in Provider Relief Fund and American Rescue Plan Rural Federal Funding Available
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), made $25.5 billion in new funding available for health care providers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding includes $8.5 billion in American Rescue Plan resources for providers who serve rural Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Medicare patients and an additional $17 billion for Provider Relief Fund Phase 4 for a broad range of providers who can document revenue loss and expenses associated with the pandemic. Applications are due Oct. 26, 2021. Review the HHS Announces the Availability of $25.5 Billion in COVID-19 Provider Funding webpage for more information. Review the HRSA Future Payments webpage for application instructions and a schedule of technical assistance webinars to help you navigate the application portal.
For more information, contact Julie Neururer.
The COMPASS leadership team at MDE will be hosting a webinar on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 9:30–11 a.m., to provide an overview and implementation timeline. COMPASS is the new statewide system to support student learning recovery as we navigate another school year impacted by COVID-19.
The first supports for schools available through COMPASS will be available in November, beginning with a Minnesota Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MnMTSS) Framework Overview webinar in early November and a Data and Assessment Literacy Overview webinar in mid-November.
MDE is currently working to train Regional Centers of Excellence Advocates and Minnesota Service Cooperative staff in the MnMTSS Framework and Self Evaluation of MnMTSS Implementation. More detailed information will be provided to school leaders on October 7, 2021.
As we navigate another year impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, school nutrition programs will need to be prepared for many contingencies. MDE encourages schools to have plans in place to ensure students have access to school meals no matter what this school year brings. However, there are a number of pressing issues facing school nutrition programs. Read the school nutrition briefs to learn more about critical food distribution chain disruptions, procurement strategies, meal pattern waiver flexibilities and meals for students in blended learning.
In addition to school COVID-19 testing programs, Minnesotans can get tested at local providers, pharmacies and clinics. The state is also continuing to make free testing accessible to all communities through its test-at-home program and 11 community testing sites. To meet increased testing demand, the state recently expanded its capacity by opening new community sites.
As you communicate with your families, consider sharing the following information.
How Minnesotans can get a COVID-19 test:
- Walk in or schedule an appointment for a free test at one of the state’s 11 community testing sites across Minnesota: COVID-19 Community Testing Sites.
- Order a free test through the state’s at-home testing program: COVID-19 Test at Home.
- Find other testing options near them through the state’s Find Testing Locations map, including through local providers, pharmacies and clinics: Find Testing Locations.
Who Should Get Tested
- Even if you are vaccinated, Minnesotans should get tested:
- if you have symptoms of the virus;
- if you have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19;
- if you are returning from international travel;
- or if you have attended a large gathering or event where people are not wearing masks and are not able to stay six feet apart.
- People who are unvaccinated should test before travel (domestic or international).
- Unvaccinated teachers, staff and students in K-12 should test weekly at a minimum or more frequently per Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance.
- With the at-home program and 11 community testing sites offering free testing across the state, the state has made it easy for Minnesotans to find a test.
Graphics are also available.
Beginning with the 21-22 school year, American Sign Language (ASL) will be included as a valid home language in the English learner (EL) identification process and subsequent state EL funding and English language development (ELD) service. MDE will change the student accounting reporting system (MARSS) in order to include ASL as an allowable language code for EL identification. ASL users identified as ELs will be included in the October 1 EL enrollment count. ASL users should be screened for English language development needs using statewide EL identification procedures. ASL users identified as ELs should receive English language development services as appropriate. ASL users identified as ELs will take ACCESS or ALT ACCESS annually. MDE will provide guidance to school districts regarding identification and service of ASL users identified as ELs. MARSS Coordinators will be notified via email when the MARSS edit has been updated. The update will allow ASL users who are identified as needing EL services to be reported without causing an error.
Contact mde.el@state.mn.us if there are questions about EL identification and service. Contact Mary.Cashman-Bakken@state.mn.us with questions about working with students who use ASL. Contact MARSS@state.mn.us with questions regarding MARSS reporting.
Following federal guidance issued from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota will begin administering Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots to Minnesotans who are eligible to receive one. This includes educators and school staff. Read the announcement.
Minnesota COVID-19 School Testing Program Grant Deadline Extended
To support schools in creating COVID-19 testing programs for students and staff, the State of Minnesota has extended the deadline for public and tribal schools to apply for grant funding to October 15, 2021. Read the press release.
Program Overview: Minnesota School Mental Health Training Initiative for Staff and Students
Schools and districts across Minnesota now have access to a suite of online mental health trainings for staff and students from the health simulation company, Kognito. Join our community of leaders to support the mental and emotional well-being of all Minnesota students.
Teachers, school staff, and students are in an ideal position to recognize when a student’s or peer’s behavior or when changes in behavior may be a signal of distress.
- Created in collaboration with school and mental health experts and educators.
- Research proven online simulations provide hands-on, interactive, and personalized learning through use of role-play conversations with virtual students and virtual parents/guardians.
- Learn to recognize signs of psychological distress and connect students to support services.
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Meets educator suicide prevention training requirement per Minnesota Statutes, section 122A.187, as determined by local school districts.
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Free unlimited access including implementation tools, discussion guides and technical support to roll out in your school or district.
Training Suites:
At-Risk K-12 for Educators includes three 45–60-minute modules: elementary, middle, and high school staff working with students.
At-Risk Early Childhood Educators, a 45–60-minute module prepares preschool teachers to address the needs of children ages 3-5 that might need emotional support.
Friend2Friend, a 25-minute, virtual game-based health education program that teaches students ages 13-18 how to have conversations about mental health and builds help seeking skills for themselves or a friend. This training is only available to schools and districts using the At-Risk K-12 for Educator trainings.
Join the Minnesota Kognito Community
For more information about the Minnesota School Mental Health Training for school staff and students, please register for an online informational session, the next one taking place on October 21, from 10 to 11 a.m. or visit the website for other opportunities, or contact the team at health.suicideprev.MDH@state.mn.us.
Private online schools and Oct. 1 Compulsory Instruction Reporting Requirement
MDE has received many school district inquiries related to private online learning schools. In some cases, private online schools have unilaterally told Minnesota parents/guardians of their enrolled students to file as homeschoolers.
Please note that whether a school has a physical building or is located in Minnesota has no bearing on the school’s reporting requirements when it has enrolled a Minnesota student ages 7-17.
If a private online school provides the same function for a particular Minnesota family as a more typical bricks-and-mortar nonpublic school would (enrolls, sets curriculum, provides instruction, keeps transcripts, awards diplomas, etc.) then the school, not the family, files October 1 Compulsory Instruction information with the student’s resident school district, as determined by the residency of the parent/guardian. The school, not the family, must come to an agreement with the district on a nationally normed achievement test for the student if it is not accredited by a Minnesota state-recognized accrediting agency. The family is not "homeschooling."
However, if the family is only using a private online school as a curriculum source, then the family is homeschooling. For example, a homeschool family may buy a few classes from an online school but also create or purchase/access their own courses for additional subjects from other sources. These homeschool parents/guardians are setting a distinct educational framework, providing instruction and determining grades for their homeschool transcript.
Questions? Please contact MDE Ombuds Cindy Jackson, 651-582-8572.
World’s Best Workforce Support
The division of Student Access and Opportunity at MDE is happy to announce that starting next month we will be holding virtual office hours to support districts and charter schools with their 2020-21 Combined World's Best Workforce (WBWF) Summary and Achievement and Integration (A&I) Annual Progress Reports. Districts and charters can use the time to address any questions or concerns about completing the WBWF portion of the report. Dates, times, and a link to attend our virtual office hours can be found below.
Combined World's Best Workforce (WBWF) Summary and Achievement and Integration (A&I) Annual Progress Report Virtual Office Hours:
- Wednesday, October 13, 2021: 9 – 10 a.m. (Join)
- Wednesday, October 13, 20201: 3 – 4 p.m. (Join)
- Tuesday, November 9, 2021: 1 – 2 p.m. (Join)
- Wednesday, November 10, 2021: 9 – 10 a.m. (Join)
Setting SMART Goals for World’s Best Workforce
In addition to virtual office hours to support districts and charters with the execution of their 2020-21 Combined World's Best Workforce (WBWF) Summary and Achievement and Integration (A&I) Annual Progress Reports, the division will also be hosting "Setting SMART Goals for World's Best Workforce" workshops throughout the remainder of the 2021-22 school year. Although attendance is not required, MDE strongly encourages district and charter school leaders to attend at least one workshop. The workshops are designed to:
- Provide participants with an overview of what SMART Goals are, strategies for developing SMART goals, and a clear articulation of how SMART Goals can be used to achieve a World’s Best Workforce.
Below you’ll find dates for the upcoming workshops. After determining the date and time that works best for you, please select “register” to register for the event. If you have questions or concerns, email us at mde.worldsbestworkforce@state.mn.us.
- Tuesday, October 12, 2021: 1 – 2:30 p.m. (Register)
- Monday, January 10, 2022: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Register)
- Thursday, May 5, 2022: 2 – 3:30 p.m. (Register)
Reminder: Communicating about COVID-19 Testing Options for Close Contacts
As you communicate with families when their student has been identified as a close contact of a suspected or confirmed positive COVID-19 case, please include information about COVID-19 testing options. This should include options available at your school and in the community. Below is sample language and additional communications resources are available in the COVID-19 School Testing Program Communications Toolkit.
Sample language: There are many COVID-19 testing options available to Minnesotans. Please visit COVID-19 Testing - Minnesota Dept. of Health (state.mn.us) for more information on Minnesota's free community testing sites, no-cost COVID-19 test at home , or locations at a local pharmacy, clinic or hospital.
Reminder: Apply for the Mathematics Standards Review Committee
The application for serving on the 2021-22 Minnesota Academic Standards Mathematics Review Committee is posted on the Minnesota Department of Education’s Mathematics webpage. The deadline for application is October 15, 2021.
Serving on the committee means a commitment of at least 10 full-day committee meetings from November 18, 2021 through August 2022, as well as work between these meetings. Please encourage teaching staff to participate. While it requires seven days out of the classroom, it is fantastic professional development for teachers.
The Minnesota Department of Education seeks to establish a highly qualified, diverse committee with a broad representation of stakeholders including teachers, administrators, school board members, higher education, business/industry, and citizens; content specialists with expertise across all developmental levels; people from diverse educational settings and from urban, suburban, and rural communities.
The applications for the Mathematics Review Committee are due October 15, 2021. Committee members will be announced October 25, 2021 on the Minnesota Department of Education’s Mathematics webpage.
If you have any questions, please contact Doug Paulson.
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