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July 12, 2024
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) are collaborating through a workplan to examine the paraprofessional qualifications following the 2024 legislative session.
Purpose
The MDE and PELSB workgroup will provide recommendations to the Legislature on revisions to Minnesota Statutes 2023, section 120B.363, and the qualifications used to determine eligibility for state special education aid calculations. The workgroup will evaluate the 2024 legislative requirements for the ways a paraprofessional can meet the federal personnel qualifications. PELSB may revise Minnesota Rule 8710.9000. A paraprofessional may demonstrate competencies established in Minnesota Rule 8710.900, subpart 4, as one way to meet the federal personnel qualifications required in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, section 300.156.
Workgroup Consultation
The workgroup will consist of staff from MDE and PELSB in consultation with:
- One representative from the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA),
- One representative from the Minnesota Administrators for Special Education (MASE), and
- One representative from at least two organizations representing paraprofessionals with confirmed representation from:
- American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
- Education Minnesota (EdMN)
- Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 284.
Duties
The workgroup will meet monthly, starting on or before July 15, 2024, to discuss revisions to the paraprofessional qualifications used to determine the eligibility for state special education aid calculations.
If you have any questions about the workplan, please email the MDE special education division (MDE.Special-Ed@state.mn.us) or email PELSB representative Debby Odell.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is offering school IAQ plan trainings in fall 2024, in-person statewide and via a webinar. This training will discuss requirements and best practices for school IAQ. School staff, service providers, and others are welcome to attend. The training is free. Registration is required. See MDH School IAQ Plan Training for details and registration.
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), in collaboration with the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB), is seeking English learner (EL) Task Force members. The EL Task Force was established by the Legislature during the 2024 legislative session. The purpose of the EL Task Force is to:
- Analyze how public schools use EL revenue at the site level and administrative level
- Consider how micro-credentials or other certifications may be used to improve collaboration between teachers working with ELs
- Make recommendations on how EL revenue can be used more effectively to help students become proficient in English and participate meaningfully and equally in education programs.
Applications must be received by July 12, 2024. Visit the MDE EL Task Force webpage for further details regarding this opportunity and for the English Learner Programs Task Force Application. Contact ELTaskForce@state.mn.us with questions.
State Library Services is pleased to announce the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) competitive grant opportunity for Federal Year 2024.
An estimated $400,000 is available to fund grant proposals ranging from $10,000 to $75,000 that help to achieve Minnesota’s LSTA Five-Year Plan (2023-2027). Grant awards will support projects that address LSTA Goals A, B and C. The overarching goals are to reduce barriers to access, promote equity, showcase libraries contributions to community, and empower Minnesota’s library workforce.
Completed applications are due July 12, 2024.
Grant applications and instructions are available on the Minnesota Department of Education's LSTA Grants website. If there are questions or additional information is needed, please contact Maddie Rudawski, State Library Services, 651-582-8400.
All educators from K-12 and higher education are invited to the 2024 Minnesota Summit on Learning and Technology, an offering of the Minnesota Learning Commons (MnLC), on Thursday, August 8, at St. Cloud State University. Registration is $50 and includes access to all Summit activities, food, and refreshments. If you cannot join in person, there is a virtual option available.
Breakout sessions will include generative AI in both K-12 and higher education, quality instructional practices, innovative practices, digital equity and more. The full program will be available in early June.
Register for the 2024 Minnesota Summit on Learning and Technology. If you have questions, please contact Mary Mehsikomer, Sourcewell, 218-541-5314.
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