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March 25, 2022
Updates in this email:
The public release of 2021 graduation rates will occur at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, March 30.
ICYMI: ELC Funds can now be used for Air Filtration Systems
Districts and charter schools must spend their Epidemiology Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Reopening Schools Grant funds by June 30, 2022. Due to continued interest from schools, the State of Minnesota is now expanding the allowable expenses under the grant to include small, portable fan or air filtration systems.
Ventilation is an important COVID-19 mitigation strategy for schools and childcare programs. Along with other preventive actions, ventilation can reduce the likelihood of spreading disease by reducing the number of virus particles in the air. To assist schools in improving ventilation, ELC funds can now be used for portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) fan/filtration systems or other small items that may allow for improved air circulation. Each item purchased must cost less than $5,000. For additional information on ventilation best practices refer to CDC: Ventilation in Schools and Child Care Programs.
Questions about funds, allowable expenses and school testing programs can be emailed to COVIDtesting.MDE@state.mn.us.
The new Minnesota Multi-tiered System of Supports (MnMTSS) is central to the work of COMPASS. MnMTSS is a systemic, continuous improvement framework for ensuring positive social, emotional, behavioral, developmental, and academic outcomes for every student.
This week, MDE announced two new COMPASS Pathways: MnMTSS, six-session course and nine-month cohort, for district and school leaders that want to bring MnMTSS to their schools. The six-session course will provide district or charter school leadership teams with the opportunity to complete a self-evaluation while engaging in professional learning in each of the five components of MnMTSS. The nine-month cohort is for district leadership teams interested in continuing to enhance implementation of MnMTSS. Through the cohort, leadership teams will build on the learning and planning started in the six-session course. An interest form is available now for schools wishing to participate in the course or the course and cohort. The interest form will close at midnight on Friday, April 15.
Additionally, this week MDE released the revised MnMTSS Framework and a draft MnMTSS Team Guidebook, which will be used in both the course and cohort and can be used independently by district and school leaders.
In case you missed it, the COMPASS Literacy team is hosting a webinar on the Science of Reading within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports Framework in partnership with Dr. Kim Gibbons from the University of Minnesota Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI). This session will place an emphasis on literacy assessment, instruction, and the district’s role in implementation. The webinar will be held on March 31 from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Registration is required.
Non-Exclusionary Discipline Training and Support Grants Announcement – Due April 15, 2022
The Minnesota Department of Education makes funding available to provide grants to develop training and to work with schools to train staff on non-exclusionary disciplinary practices that maintain the respect, trust, and attention of students and help keep students in classrooms. These funds may be used for planning and implementing a professional learning plan around non-exclusionary discipline practices. Funds can be used for substitute staff pay, staff stipends, off-contract work, employees on special assignment, contracts to trainers and/or planning time to develop a professional learning plan around non-exclusionary discipline. If you have any questions about this grant, please contact the program specialist Heather Hirsch, School Climate Coordinator at heather.hirsch@state.mn.us or 651-582-8628.
Maximum grant amount: $150,000 to be used through September 2024.
Maintenance of Equity Identification and Exemption Training
The MDE COVID-19 Funding Monitoring Team invites you to participate in these webinar training sessions to facilitate identification of maintenance of equity (MoEquity) requirements, application of exemptions, and reporting requirements. Program components include training and technical assistance on federal requirements focusing on documentation and reporting.
These trainings are for superintendents, business managers, and related personnel involved with MoEquity. Related personnel may include those required to submit documentation to MDE during required reporting periods or monitoring.
Pre-registration is required for each session. Materials and instructions for connecting to the webinar will be sent to registered participants prior to the event.
Email Bridgette Ramaley to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event. Note: MDE requires advance notice in order to provide the requested accommodation and requires a 48-hour notice to cancel a requested accommodation.
Restorative Practices Trainings
The Minnesota Department of Education School Climate Center is offering both Restorative Practices Trainings, June 13-16 and June 20-23, and Restorative Practices Affinity Circles for Connection and Support, June 16-17 online and June 23-24 in person. The trainings include restorative skills sessions, circle, using circle in the classroom, repairing harm and implementation. Training registration fees range from $135-$300.
The Affinity Circles are two days for educators to explore, reflect and learn from each other the lessons of the last two years. Offered both as support and as time for learning, the Affinity Circles are open to anyone, regardless of experience with Circle or restorative practices training. Affinity Circles registration fees are $100 for the 2 days.
For more information, go to Implementing Restorative Practices (mn.gov), or contact Nancy Riestenberg, Minnesota Department of Education, 651-582-8433.
Reminder: The 2022 Hormel Symposium: Live, Interactive and Virtual June 14-16
The Hormel Foundation Gifted and Talented Education Symposium provides an opportunity for attendees to gain greater understanding of the unique needs of gifted and high potential learners. Participants may choose to attend in-depth sessions on a variety of topics. Daily sessions focus on: equitable identification practices and services; social and emotional needs; creativity; talent development and underrepresented populations. Invited presenters include many of the field’s most knowledgeable experts. This is a great event for educators, policy makers, counselors, psychologists and administrators. The 2022 virtual symposium will be held June 14-16, 2022. Visit www.gtsymposium.org to learn more and register.
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