|
June 2, 2023
Updates in this email:
Governor Tim Walz signed legislation that establishes Juneteenth as a state holiday. Juneteenth recognizes the historical pronouncement of the abolition of slavery on June 19, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation was said to have been first publicly read in Texas by Union soldiers.
As is the case with other holidays defined in Minnesota Session Laws 2023 Chapter 5, no public business can be conducted on this day. This means schools cannot hold classes or programs, school board meetings, athletic practices and competitions, and other school-associated events.
The Minnesota Department of Education’s Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Center invites applications to the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) Stronger Connections Grant. This competitive program is focused on reducing the risk of gun violence in our schools and communities. Local educational agencies (LEAs) are eligible to receive grants from $200,000 up to $500,000 for planning, training and implementing a wide range of programs and practices that promote a safe and healthy learning environment.
Applications are due June 9 at 5 p.m. The grant program will begin in mid-August. To learn more about the grant program, please visit Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) Stronger Connections Grant.
Through the BSCA, Congress authorized $1 billion in formula funding under Title IV, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to State Educational Agencies to provide students with safer and healthier learning environments. MDE received a total of $10 million to distribute to LEAs.
The question period for this grant has closed. The EDI Center published the Stronger Connections Grant Q&A document on the website which answers questions received during the open question period. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education has provided a Frequently Asked Questions document that may be helpful for applicants.
MDE leadership are continuing school visits across the state. They have been engaging in great discussions with students, educators, leaders and community members. Commissioner Willie Jett and members of his cabinet want to thank the following schools they visited in the last two weeks:
- Shakopee Public Schools
- Peter Public Schools
- Kato Public Charter School
- Success Academy
- Fridley Public Schools
- Oak Hill Montessori Community School
- Beacon Academy
- Minnesota Excellence in Learning Academy
- West St. Paul – Mendota Heights – Eagan Public Schools
- Quantum STEAM Academy
- Upper Mississippi Academy
- Paul School of Northern Lights
- Triton Public Schools
- Blooming Prairie Public Schools
- Hastings Public Schools (shout out to the horticulture class)
- South Washington County Schools
- Discovery Charter School
- Inver Grove Heights Public Schools
- Lakes International Language Academy
- TRIO Wolf Charter School
- Chisago Lakes School District
- North Branch Area Public Schools
Visits are continuing based on responses received in a school visit survey MDE sent earlier this year.
MDE is pleased to share a variety of professional learning opportunities supporting teacher development and evaluation (TDE) and Q Comp.
- Peer Coaching and Observation Training Series
- Student Learning Goals: Designing and Improving Systems for Student Success
- Professional Learning Community Leadership
- Teacher Leader Networking Series
- Professional Learning Community Book Study
- TDE/Q Comp Networking Sessions
These sessions are designed to serve teacher leaders, school leaders and any educators serving on local TDE/Q Comp oversight or leadership teams. To learn more about each session and to register, please view the Teacher Development and Evaluation (TDE), Q Comp, and Mentoring 2023-24 Professional Learning Opportunities announcement.
To stay connected to similar announcements for TDE/Q Comp, be sure you are subscribed to the TDE/Q Comp newsletter.
If you have questions, contact Tamara Valme (tamara.valme@state.mn.us), 651-582-8413.
As we move through this exciting and celebratory time of the year recognizing the many accomplishments of our students, their families and communities, it is imperative you be aware that the Legislature has adopted a long-overdue statute (HF 748) regarding graduation ceremony attire for American Indian students. This is effective immediately. The language reads, “A school must not prohibit an American Indian student from wearing American Indian regalia, Tribal regalia, or objects of cultural significance at a graduation ceremony”. If you have any questions regarding this legislation, please reach out to the Office of American Indian Education at mde.indian-education@state.mn.us.
Read the April 27 memorandum regarding Career and Technical Education (CTE) Levy Reporting from Assistant Commissioner Angela Mansfield, Office of Educational Opportunity, and Sally Reynolds, Director of the Career and College Success Division. The CTE Levy reporting system opened May 2 for entering the anticipated FY24 (2023-2024 school year) budgets. Budgets must be entered for approved CTE programs by June 6.
Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.4531, directs the Minnesota Department of Education to annually recalculate the authority of a school district to levy for costs associated with its CTE programs. Districts must submit annual budgets for their CTE programs to qualify for this permissive levy.
For assistance with detailed questions about the CTE Levy Program System, contact Shelli Sowles, 651-582-8403.
The 2023 Read Well by Third Grade (RWBTG) online submission platform is now open. This data is required of all Minnesota districts and charter schools that enroll students in grades K–2 and is due to MDE annually by July 1. Please see the RWBTG Launch Memo for further information.
Back to Top
|
