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April 17, 2026
Overview of the MnKFA: The MnKFA is a new statewide, observation-based assessment using 16 items from the Teaching Strategies GOLD® integrated into daily classroom routines. The MnKFA uses an asset-based approach to understand each child’s development across four domains: Social and Emotional Development; Approaches to Learning; Language, Literacy, and Communications; and Mathematics. The MnKFA is not an accountability or kindergarten readiness test, as kindergarten eligibility is based on age.
About the Pilot: The Fall 2026 pilot provides an opportunity to influence and improve the MnKFA’s online system, training, and resources ahead of statewide implementation in Fall 2027. Participation is flexible and may include some or all kindergarten teachers and/or all or some students in a classroom. MDE has a two-page overview of the MnKFA Pilot.
Who We Are Recruiting: Teams must include (A) kindergarten teacher(s)/educator(s) - including special education and English learner teachers and others who regularly provide instruction, services, and supports to kindergartners); (B) school principal(s); (C) District Assessment Coordinator; and (D) Director of Teaching and Learning or similar role.
What Participating Teams Will Do: Teachers/educators will learn how to administer the assessment, use the MnKFA platform, and provide feedback via surveys and focus groups. Other staff will learn how to set up the MnKFA (e.g., assigning accounts and rostering students).
Benefits of Participation: Individualized support, opportunities to shape MnKFA resources, stipends for educator participation outside of contract hours, and contributing to a smooth statewide rollout. How to Participate/Learn More: Visit the MnKFA website or contact mnkfa.mde@state.mn.us (response from Jon Vaupel or Nicole Zanotelli-Wade).
Minnesota PBIS and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) are offering an opportunity for schools that have been implementing PBIS with fidelity and demonstrating the core features to share their experiences. This creates a partnership with an institute of higher education, resulting in better-equipped pre-service educators, more educators in the workforce, and compensation for the presentations ─ a winning outcome for all. If your school is interested in learning more, contact Janet Christensen (Janet.Christensen@state.mn.us) or complete the Ambassador School Program Application.
Quarter three seclusion reporting (covering January 1 through March 31) can now be reported in Stepwell MN. Please complete your quarter three seclusion reporting as soon as possible, but no later than April 15, 2025. If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding restrictive procedures reporting, please reach out directly to Ellen Seibert for assistance.
Interpreter Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice: What Interpreters and School Leaders Need to Know
Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Session Description
Educational interpreters play a critical role in ensuring equitable access, meaningful participation, and legally compliant communication for multilingual learners and their families. This session provides interpreters and school leaders with a shared understanding of the Interpreter Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice as they apply to educational settings, with particular attention to special education processes. Participants will examine ethical responsibilities related to confidentiality, role boundaries, impartiality, and professional conduct, as well as the legal implications tied to federal and state requirements, including IDEA, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and Section 504. Through real-world scenarios, participants will explore how ethical interpreting practices support collaboration, protect student and family rights, and reduce risk for schools and districts.
Presenter
Ana Soler is the Co‑Chair of the National Association of Educational Translators and Interpreters of Spoken Languages and Founder of SeSo, Inc., with extensive experience developing professional training programs for interpreters in education and healthcare. She is an adjunct instructor at the University of Georgia. As part of her doctoral studies, she developed a research-based national certification test for interpreters in education.
Free Registration
Register for the Interpreter Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice: What Interpreters and School Leaders Need to Know workshop. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Continuing Education
Two contact hours will be available to individuals who attend and complete the session evaluation.
If you have any questions, please contact Billy Brooks (billy.brooks@state.mn.us).
MDE will host a series of technical assistance webinars for local educational agencies (LEAs) that utilize and/or indicated use of CEIS under either Voluntary CEIS (FIN 425) or Mandatory CEIS (FIN 429).
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Monday, April 27, 2026, 10-11 a.m. CEIS Webinar 1: Fiscal and Program Requirements. Topics include CEIS/Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) state and LEA requirements, and their applicability to charter schools, education cooperatives, and traditional LEAs. Register for CEIS Webinar 1 to receive the ZoomGov meeting link.
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Friday, May 29, 2026, 10-11 a.m. CEIS Webinar 3: Minnesota's Reasonable Progress Standard (for Year 3 sites). Topics include understanding Minnesota's standard for LEAs that meet the state threshold for significant disproportionality but are making reasonable progress, and understanding the criteria for meeting the scaling up of the use of an evidence-based practice to qualify for reasonable progress. Register for CEIS Webinar 3 to receive the ZoomGov meeting link.
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Monday, June 1, 2026, 10-11 a.m. CEIS Webinar 4: CEIS Program and Public Reporting Requirements. Topics include CEIS reporting requirements in the Minnesota Automated Reporting Student System (MARSS) for charter schools, education cooperatives, and traditional districts. The webinar will also provide guidance for how LEAs should publicly report on the revision of those policies and practices that led to the significant disproportionality under 20 USC § 1418(d)(2)(c). Register for CEIS Webinar 4 to receive the ZoomGov meeting link.
The Departments of Education and Human Services invite you to the Medicaid in Education Spring Forum on April 28, 2026, at the Best Western Kelly Inn, St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Forum Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Describe current Medicaid policy updates and reimbursement requirements impacting school-based health and mental health services.
- Identify and utilize state-provided resources, tools, and guidance to support implementation of Medicaid-funded services across school settings.
- Apply implementation strategies through peer collaboration and discussion to address common challenges and strengthen practices within their schools.
Location and Schedule
Although the Forum will take place at the Best Western Kelly Inn in St. Cloud, MN, it is a hybrid event, and in‑person registration has reached capacity. We encourage you to join us virtually, where registration is still open.
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Forum Day: The main presentation will take place on Tuesday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Virtual attendees welcome.
Registration
Participants must register to attend this event. In‑person registration is now full; however, virtual registration remains open. A meeting link will be sent to all virtual participants as the event date approaches.
Details on conference registration, the agenda, and additional announcements will be shared soon. For questions, email Sandra Mikulsky (sandra.mikulsky@state.mn.us).
MDE has updated our Federal Updates webpage with recent communications and resources for schools and families. We recently published a new resource, Learning Choices for Minnesota Families, for parents and caregivers. Other languages are available on the Federal Updates webpage. Please feel free to share this resource in your school communities.
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