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April 8, 2025
Yesterday, Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Commissioner Willie Jett sent a response to the April 3 U.S. Department of Education (ED) request for certification of compliance and
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.
As a reminder, Commissioner Jett's previous communications to Minnesota families and educators are available on the MDE News Release website for easy access and sharing.
Thank you for your continued leadership in advancing educational opportunities for all students now and in the future. MDE will continue to advocate for the stability, resources, and policies that ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
There is still time to register and join us virtually for the Autism Resource Symposium and Fair held tomorrow, Wednesday, April 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is 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 emphasize mental health and well-being, highlighting the importance of emotional resilience, self-care, and access to supportive services.
Register for the Autism Resource Symposium and Fair on Alchemer. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to join.
The 2025 Part B Annual State Application includes statements of assurances for Minnesota's program for children with disabilities and proposed descriptions for the use of federal grant funds. The plan must be publicly available throughout the state for a minimum 30-day public comment period. . The 2025 Part B Annual State Application is available for comment March 20-April 19, 2025. If you wish to submit a public comment, please send it to Sonia Smith at .
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 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. The 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. A 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.
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