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March 21, 2025
Students, parents and teachers are invited to share their stories
The Minnesota Department of Education is engaging in conversations with students, families and education partners to gauge the impact of federal actions on Minnesota school communities. We invite you to visit the new public feedback portal on the homepage of our website to share your story about the impacts you are seeing and experiencing.
Commissioner Willie Jett emphasizes, "In Minnesota, we know strong public education relies on policy decisions that are based on the real experiences of students, families, and educators. In the face of unpredictable federal action, MDE will amplify Minnesotans’ stories as we continue to advocate for the stability, resources, and policies schools need to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed."
On February 5, 2025, MDE requested information about potential changes to the essential programs and protections that are currently housed within the U.S. Department of Education, but to date, those questions have gone unanswered.
As a reminder, Commissioner Jett's previous communications to Minnesota families and educators are linked below and available on the MDE News Release website for easy access and sharing.
Thank you for your continued dedication to serving our students, educators, schools and libraries.
Don’t miss our next High Incidence Disabilities Office Hours: Keeping Evidence-Based Practices Fresh While Maintaining Fidelity
The next High Incidence Disabilities Office Hours, Keeping Evidence-Based Practices Fresh While Maintaining Fidelity, will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, from 8 to 9 a.m. High Incidence Disabilities Office Hours are times set aside for updates on the following high incidence disabilities:
- Emotional or Behavioral Disorders (EBD)
- Other Health Disabilities (OHD)
- Speech Language Impairment (SLI)
- Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
During each session, special education support specialists cover research from the field, training resources, team-based problem solving, and tips on intensifying or targeting specialized instruction (behavior and academics).
Save the Date: The final High Incidence Disabilities Office Hours for the 2024-25 school year, Teaching Like Your Hair is On Fire While You’re Running on Fumes, is scheduled for May 7, 2025, from 8 to 9 a.m.
March 25, 2025: Register on ZoomGov in advance for Keeping Evidence-Based Practices Fresh While Maintaining Fidelity
Join us for the Autism Resource Symposium and Fair, an event hosted by Minnesota state agencies, dedicated to supporting individuals with autism, their families, and professionals through education, connection, and empowerment. This year's event will place a special emphasis on mental health and well-being, highlighting the importance of emotional resilience, self-care, and access to supportive services.
What to Expect
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Keynote Presentations and Panels – Hear from leading experts on the intersection of autism and mental health, including strategies for managing stress and accessing services and supports.
- Workshops and Breakout Sessions
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Resource Fair – Connect with organizations offering autism services, mental health supports, advocacy groups, and healthcare coverage.
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Networking Opportunities – Meet parents, self-advocates, educators, and service providers to build a strong, informed, and supportive community.
- Whether you are an autistic individual, a parent, a caregiver, or a professional, this symposium will provide valuable insights and tools to promote mental wellness and enhance quality of life.
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Date and Time: April 9, 2025, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Location: Minnesota Department of Education, 400 NE Stinson Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Let’s work together to create a future where autism support prioritizes mental health, self-care, and community well-being. Stay tuned for more details.
Register for Autism Resource Symposium and Fair on Alchemer. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information to join.
Please contact Erin Farrell, Ed.D., BCBA, Autism Spectrum Disorders Specialist, with any questions.
April 23-24, 2025
Best Western Kelly Inn Meeting Center in St. Cloud, MN
Medicaid in Education: Third Party Reimbursement (TPR) Spring Forum participants will gain an overview of the third-party billing process, including key tasks and timelines to address throughout the school year. The forum will introduce the new mental health in special education benefit and highlight essential processes related to its implementation. Attendees will engage in interactive question and answer sessions at the start and end of the day to address commonly asked questions and deepen their understanding of the topics covered.
In-person and virtual participants must register for this event. Registrations for in-person participants will close April 10. Virtual participants can register anytime and will receive a meeting link to the forum closer to the event date.
A block of hotel rooms is available until March 23, 2025. To reserve a room, call the Best Western at 320-253-0606 and mention the code MDE DHS SPRING FORUM or book online with Best Western Hotels and Resorts.
The agenda includes a meet and greet event on Wednesday, April 23, 5-7 p.m. and conference sessions on Thursday, April 24, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. CEU and Contact Hour Certificates will be available at the end of the forum.
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