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February 24, 2025
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is seeking applications for membership on the Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP) throughout the state. SEAP exists to provide policy and procedural guidance with respect to special education and related services for children with disabilities in Minnesota. Our meeting agendas are designed to inform members about current special education activities in Minnesota and allow them the opportunity to:
- Comment on rules or regulations proposed by the state
- Assist with setting targets for state performance reporting
- Discuss opportunities for growth within the state
- Advise MDE in developing evaluations and reporting on data
- Provide input for corrective action plans and implementing policies
The work and duties of this panel are to be completed by SEAP members. Members are appointed by the commissioner of education as the governor's designee and represent a wide variety of stakeholders across the state, including parents, students, administrators, teachers and related service professionals. Individuals who wish to participate on the panel and partner with others to achieve its goals and purposes are encouraged to apply via the Secretary of State’s website. MDE is currently seeking applications for the following positions:
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Parent Representatives: Parents of children with disabilities (ages birth through 26)
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School/Related Service Personnel: Representatives of public, private, and public charter schools
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Student Representative: Individuals with disabilities currently enrolled in a public or private institute of higher education, high school transition or vocational program
Directors are encouraged to share this information with their local Special Education Advisory Council. SEAP will meet as a group approximately five times a year and members serve three-year terms. Prospective members should consider their ability to fulfill the time commitment necessary to attend all meetings. Deadline for submitting an application is May 31, 2025. Members will be appointed prior to August 1, 2025. If you have further questions, please contact Holly Andersen.
Thank you for your continued dedication to serving our students, educators, schools and libraries. The information below was recently shared by Commissioner Jett.
In light of recent discussions surrounding potential changes to the U.S. Department of Education and federal education funding, including executive actions impacting DEI initiatives, MDE remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring every Minnesota student thrives. Commissioner Jett’s letter to Minnesota families and educators addresses these concerns and reinforces our dedication to equity.
After continued conversations with our partners in the Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Commissioner Jett shared new guidance for navigating changes in federal immigration policy within your school communities.
In Minnesota, we know safe and supportive learning environments are essential to academic success. With that in mind, Commissioner Jett shared more information about longstanding Minnesota laws that require our educational institutions to ensure students can attend school free from discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or other identities.
These resources are available to help you create and maintain safe and supportive learning environments for all students. MDE is committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion, both internally and in our support of schools across the state.
The special education program monitoring team has added new training and resources on the program monitoring training web page.
Training Drawer: Preschool and School-Age Compliance Topics
Secondary Transition: Assessment
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Secondary Transition Assessment Recorded Presentation: Provides an overview of the assessment component of secondary transition.
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Note guide Secondary Transition Assessment: An optional resource that supports learning alongside the Secondary Transition Assessment Recorded Presentation.
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Case Study A: An optional activity which supports learning alongside the Secondary Transition Assessment Recorded Presentation.
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Case Study B: An optional activity which supports learning alongside the Secondary Transition Assessment Recorded Presentation.
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Age-Appropriate Assessment Resources: A list with links to formal and informal assessments.
Secondary Transition PDFs
New Generation Secondary Transition Training Modules: Information to address secondary transition components in three modules. Formerly recorded trainings on the webpage, made into PDFs for easier access by districts.
- Age-Appropriate Secondary Transition Tools
- Writing Appropriate Measurable Postsecondary Goals and Courses of Study
- Transition Services and Annual Goals
Training Drawer: Infants and Toddlers Compliance Topics
Transition from Part C to Part B
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Part C to B Transition: Recorded Presentation provides an overview of the transition requirements for infants and toddlers already being served via Part C early intervention services and are transitioning to special education services through Part B or other appropriate services.
Part C Eligibility
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Part C Eligibility outlines the ways in which a child can be found eligible for Part C early intervention services in the state of Minnesota and explains the process of simultaneous Part C and Part B evaluations.
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