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October 20, 2025
Dear Special Education Directors,
I’m reaching out as a follow-up to a recent message sent to all Superintendents and Charter Directors from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Please see the message titled Tracking Federal Investments in Your Community (included below) for additional context.
As the State Director of Special Education, I want to also take a moment to specifically address recent federal reductions in force (RIFs) within the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
The MDE Division of Special Education recognizes the uncertainty these developments may create for both state and local leaders. We want to acknowledge the concerns that accompany national-level changes, while also offering clarity and reassurance regarding Minnesota’s commitment and ongoing responsibilities to children and youth with disabilities.
Importantly, there have been no changes to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or its implementing regulations. Both State and Local Educational Agencies remain legally required to fully implement all IDEA mandates. This includes:
- Providing each eligible student with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment
- Conducting timely and appropriate evaluations
- Ensuring procedural safeguards
- Upholding all assurances tied to the receipt of federal special education funds
While there may be administrative changes at the federal level, the rights of students with disabilities—and the responsibilities of states and districts under IDEA—remain firmly in place.
The MDE Division of Special Education is actively monitoring federal developments and is working closely with the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) and other national partners to stay informed and responsive. Our goal is to ensure you have the information, technical assistance, and support needed to maintain compliance and continuity throughout this time of transition.
We deeply appreciate the dedication of Minnesota’s special education leaders and staff who continue to serve students and families with unwavering commitment and professionalism. Please know that MDE remains steadfast in our shared mission: to ensure every student with a disability in Minnesota receives the services and supports they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
Thank you for your continued leadership and partnership.
With appreciation,
Sonia R. Smith, J.D.
Director of Special Education
Tracking Federal Investments in Your Community
We know many school communities are watching federal government budget negotiations closely to understand what developments mean for your districts, your staff, and your students. To help bring clarity, MDE has launched a new “Tracking Federal Education Investments in Your Community” microsite, which shows how federal dollars support every public school district across our state. This one-stop-shop includes:
- Downloadable one-page summaries for your individual districts outlining how much federal support your school district receives and how those investments fund essential student programs like special education and nutrition.
- MDE’s federal impact story portal, where Minnesotans can share how federal cuts and uncertainty are affecting students and schools.
- Commissioner Jett’s recent letters and statements responding to federal actions that impact education in Minnesota.
As the federal government shutdown continues into its third week, this information may be useful in communicating with your school community and partners.
We’re also monitoring the recent Reduction in Force (RIF) at the U.S. Department of Education, which has affected key offices that serve states and school systems. We are concerned by information indicating the RIF impacted the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, the Office for Civil Rights, the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, and others, and are aware that a federal court has questioned the legality of RIFs during this shutdown. These layoffs are troubling and add to the uncertainty at the federal level.
We want to be clear that federal law still applies. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, federal Civil Rights laws, and more, still govern the longstanding protections and supports students and schools depend on every day.
MDE remains here to provide information, support, and connection as we navigate these changes together. In Minnesota, our commitment hasn’t changed: ensuring every student, of every background and ability, has access to a world-class education. Thank you for everything you do for your students and communities.
MDE School Leaders Update, October 16, 2025
Join the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) team of special education specialists in the Olson Boardroom (lower level) for an interactive experience exploring brief, targeted assessment tools. These tools are designed to support evaluation teams as they:
- Transition away from the discrepancy model
- Embrace a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
- Expand their assessment toolboxes with practical, focused options
Stop by to reflect, review, and recommend!
What: MDE will host regional in-person and online Reading Alternate Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (Alt MCA) Kickoff Meetings. There is no cost for these sessions. Educators will be given continuing education units. The meetings will focus on:
- Preparation and administration for the new 2026 Reading Alt MCA operational assessment.
- Tools for making decisions about student administration modes (online, paper, or hybrid).
- How to use the Alt MCA Student Readiness Tools (online and paper).
- The Learner Characteristics Inventory
- How to implement the Eligibility Requirements and Decision-Making Tool for Minnesota Alternate Assessments.
- The extended benchmarks aligned to the Alt MCA
In addition, in-person sessions will include interactive activities to engage with the Alt MCA Materials.
Who: MTAS/Alt MCA Test Administrators. District Assessment Coordinators, Special Education Directors/Coordinators, and any district staff involved in administering alternate assessments are also welcome to attend; however, the focus will be on the one-on-one administration activities.
When/Where: Registration is required.
Zoom recordings will be available at a later date.
Revised SLD Criteria Technical Assistance Sessions are designed to enhance the decision-making abilities of Special Education Teams as they evaluate and plan for students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), in preparation for the revised SLD criteria.
While these sessions are usually held on the third Thursday of the month, the October session will be held on Wednesday, October 29 due to scheduling conflicts. The session will also be recorded and available for on-demand viewing. No registration is required to participate. CEUs are available.
Contact us: For inquiries about this year’s sessions or to recommend future technical assistance topics, please reach out to Vicki Weinberg (vicki.weinberg@state.mn.us) or Patty Popp (patty.c.popp@state.mn.us).
Monday, October 29, 2025: The Big D Briefing: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) (note this session is not on the third Thursday due to scheduling conflicts)
- What “disorders” are parents requesting we evaluate for?
- Training staff to clearly communicate and reframe the concern for intervention and special education evaluation
- Most common parent concerns (guest speakers)
- Leadership tips
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