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February 27, 2026
The captioned recording of the February 13, 2026, Special Education Directors' Forum is available. If you attended the forum or have viewed the recording, please complete the February 2026 Special Education Directors' Forum Evaluation Survey.
Minnesota schools and districts are invited each school year to apply for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Sustaining Exemplar Recognition.
The purpose of Minnesota PBIS Sustaining Exemplar Recognition is to identify and recognize exemplar schools and districts that have achieved a high level of PBIS implementation and continue to achieve positive student outcomes. These schools and districts are able to demonstrate exemplary status by sustaining school-wide PBIS (SW-PBIS) with fidelity in the 2025-26 school year. Learn more about the Minnesota PBIS Sustaining Exemplar Overview.
Links:
Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Assessment Practices
Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Session Description
This session strengthens educators’ and administrators’ capacity to promote equitable special education evaluation practices for culturally and linguistically diverse learners. Participants will examine equity-focused approaches beginning at the pre-referral stage and explore strategies for minimizing linguistic and cultural bias throughout the evaluation process. The session emphasizes asset-based assessment practices, including the purposeful use of students’ home language and multilingual development data to inform evaluation across domains. Participants will also explore how to effectively leverage district data systems (e.g., ACCESS), collaborate with interpreters and cultural liaisons, and critically examine the use and limitations of local norms in special education decision-making.
Presenters
Heidi Engstrom is a Speech-Language Pathologist with St. Paul Public Schools for over 25 years, specializing in multilingual evaluations and early childhood assessment.
Charity Pankonin is a Special Education Evaluation Coach with St. Paul Public Schools, dedicated to advancing equitable, culturally responsive practices through collaborative evaluation and coaching.
Free Registration
Register for: Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Assessment Practices. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
If you have any questions, please contact Billy Brooks (billy.brooks@state.mn.us).
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is continuing a webinar series into the 2025-26 school year to help support educators in the implementation of proactive and positive evidence-based strategies and resources. This series will highlight local examples of work being done to align systems of support across the needs of diverse learners and to provide information on specific disabilities and include voices of individuals and families within the community alongside educators and community organizations. We are excited to announce our next webinar in the series.
March 18, 2026, 3-4:30 p.m. with Callie DeVriendt, MSW, LICSW, LSSW, Project AWARE Coordinator at MDE and Prashanth Brahmandam, BTech, MS, PG Diploma in AI/ML, Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Neural Web.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming school mental health by strengthening early identification, intervention, and student support. This session examines how AI can be effectively integrated into school mental health systems within a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) framework. Participants will explore practical applications such as a student wellness chatbot, counselor co-pilot, and intervention plan generator. Ethical, equity, and compliance considerations will also be addressed, providing educators with insights and strategies to responsibly harness AI for effective student well-being supports.
Past Webinars to Review
In addition to the current webinar offerings, MDE has posted recordings of previous webinars that may be helpful for teams to review during the current school year. These sessions provide valuable insights and resources for both general educators and those serving students receiving special education services. All recordings include closed captions and are accompanied by accessible slide decks and related materials.
Join us for the Autism Resource Symposium and Fair, 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 Equity, Integrity, and Impact: Strengthening Autism Services Through Evidence and Accountability, highlighting the importance of ensuring every autistic person has access to effective, ethical, and equitable care.
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Date: April 8, 2026
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Location: Minnesota Department of Education, 400 NE Stinson Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55413
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Time: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
What to Expect
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Keynote Presentations and Panels – Hear from leading experts and community members on autism and accessing diagnosis, 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 access to services and enhance quality of life.
Let’s work together to create a future where autism support prioritizes equity, integrity, and strengthening autism services through evidence and accountability. Stay tuned for more details!
Register for the Autism Resource Symposium and Fair on Alchemer. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information to join. Please contact Erin Farrell (Erin.Farrell@state.mn.us), Ed.D., BCBA, Autism Spectrum Disorders Specialist with any questions.
The Departments of Education and Human Services invite you to the Medicaid in Education Spring Forum on April 27-28, 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:
Best Western Kelly Inn, 100 4th Avenue, St Cloud, MN 56301, Tuesday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Meet and Greet: Join us on Monday, April 27 from 5-7 p.m. for appetizers and pizza in the Meeting Center at the hotel.
- Forum Day: The main event will take place on Tuesday, April 28.
- Check-in at 8:15 a.m.
- Presentation from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. (virtual and in-person)
- Roundtable workshops from 1:15 to 3 p.m. (in-person)
Registration and Lodging
A block of rooms is available until March 27, 2026. To reserve a room, call the Best Western Kelly Inn at 320-253-0606 and mention code MDE DHS SPRING FORUM or book online to reserve a room.
Details on conference registration, the agenda, and additional announcements will be shared soon. For questions, email Sandra Mikulsky (sandra.mikulsky@state.mn.us.)
The Minnesota Department of Education remains committed to ensuring every child—of every background and ability, and regardless of immigration status—deserves access to a world-class education. We will continue to advocate for the stability, resources, and policies that ensure every student is safe and has the opportunity to succeed.
Please take a moment to revisit our previous guidance on navigating changes in federal immigration policy. Minnesota law and binding guidance from the Minnesota Attorney General affirm that schools must remain safe spaces for all students, regardless of immigration status.
We have received many questions about online options. Here is information about options available under Minnesota statute.
Thank you for your continued commitment to student learning, safety, and well-being.
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