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April 4, 2025
Quarter three seclusion reporting (covering January 1–March 31) is now due in Stepwell MN. Please complete your quarter three seclusion reporting as soon as possible. If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding restrictive procedures reporting, please reach out directly to Ellen Seibert for assistance.
What: MTAS/Alternate MCA test administrators and special education staff are invited to meet with Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) alternate assessment specialists to give feedback, ask questions and connect with other special education staff from across the state.
Why: Give feedback on the 2025 MTAS/Alt MCA administration, learn about Spring 2026 MTAS/Alt MCA changes and have your questions answered.
When: Tuesday, April 15 from 4 to 5 p.m. Series will continue monthly, meeting the third Tuesday of each month. The last Alternate Assessment Chat and Connect for this school year is May 20 at 4 p.m. Register for the Alt Assessment Chat and Connect once for the entire series of monthly meetings.
Where: Via Zoom – link will be sent after you register.
How: Register for the Alt Assessment Chat and Connect
Contact: Alt.Assessment.MDE@state.mn.us
The April 2025 Special Education Directors’ Forum will be prerecorded, with no live session available. The recording is scheduled to be available by April 18, 2025 and will be posted to this listserv and on the Special Education Directors’ e-News Archive webpage.
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. In-person registration is full, but virtual attendance is still available. 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.
Students, parents and teachers are invited to share their stories
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) 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.
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