Welcome to the 2021 MDE Back to School Conference!

Wednesday, August 4, 2021
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Find the links to our breakout sessions below the session titles. Handouts, if provided, will also be posted next to the session.

A special thank you to all of our breakout session hosts!

Agenda:
8-8:30 a.m.          Welcome/Keynote
8:30-9:00 a.m.    Sessions 
9-9:30 a.m.           Sessions Repeat
9:30-9:45 a.m.     Sessions Repeat (15 minutes only)
9:45-10 a.m.         Close 

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Breakout Sessions:

​Each session presented for both of the 30 minute session times (8:30 a.m. session and 9 a.m. session) and again for the 15 minute session time (9:30 a.m.).

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Designing for Quality – Online Learning
Jeff Plaman, Online and Digital Learning Specialist; Jon Voss, Director of Teaching and Learning, Intermediate District 287

Virtual Room: Zoom link will be added shortly!

Description: Join MDE staff and experienced online educators for a look into the application and quality assurance process. This session will highlight opportunities for creating partnerships that can benefit districts and the students they serve while helping “future-proof” districts against teacher shortages, learning interruptions, and changing demographics.

Session Host: To-be-announced!

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Early Learning
Lisa Barnidge, Early Learning Director

Virtual Room: Zoom link will be added shortly!

Description: Minnesota has made great strides in expanding access to high-quality education for children. This session will cover recent updates and opportunities in early childhood education funding and how you can support successful child outcomes by enhancing your current systems and spaces to support young learners and their families.

​Session Host: To-be-announced!

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Special Education Program, Funding and Reporting Updates
Robyn Widley, Director of Special Education; Eric Kloos, Assistant Director of Special Education; Tom Delaney, Special Education Supervisor; Carolyn Cherry, Special Education Supervisor; Aaron Barnes, Special Education Supervisor; Paul Ferrin, School Finance Supervisor

Virtual Room: Zoom link will be added shortly!

This session will cover updates related to special education programming, funding and reporting in support of improving outcomes for students with disabilities. Expected topics include considerations and support for implementing evidence-based practices for students with disabilities, funding resources to support programs for students with disabilities, and updates to reporting outcome requirements for students with disabilities.

​Session Host: To-be-announced!

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Understanding and Using Your Assessment Results
Kat Edwards, Data and Research Analyst; Kendra Olsen, Outreach and Training Specialist- Data and Reporting

Virtual Room: Zoom link will be added shortly!

This presentation will discuss factors to consider when analyzing your assessment data. Topics discussed will include: balanced assessment systems, appropriate uses and other contextual information needed to interpret assessment results.

​Session Host: To-be-announced! ​

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Assistance and Compliance Updates
Sonia Smith, Director of Assistance and Compliance; Adam Heuett, Student Maltreatment Specialist; Nicole Dardis, Special Education Program Monitor; Sara Wolf, Dispute Resolution Specialist; Maurice Wilson, Fiscal Monitoring Specialist

Virtual Room: Zoom link will be added shortly!

This session will cover updates related to assistance and compliance for fiscal monitoring, program monitoring, dispute resolution, and student maltreatment. Expected topics include updates for the new Stepwell MN system, reminders about key risk assessment items and mandated reporting requirements, technical resources, the monitoring process, ADR and complaints, and any upcoming training sessions.
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​Session Host: To-be-announced!

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Federal COVID Funding Sources
Alicia Waeffler, Student Access and Opportunity Supervisor; Andre Prahl, Agency Finance Director

Virtual Room: Zoom link will be added shortly!

This session will provide school leaders with an update on the status of all Federal COVID funding sources including funding provided through the CARES, CRRSA, and ARP bills. Upcoming due dates will be discussed as will any changes in funding and new allocations known at the time of the presentation.

​Session Host: To-be-announced!

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ESSA Tribal Consultation with TNEC and American Indian Education Program Plans
Dr. Jane Harstad, Director of Office of American Indian Education; Kristen Aeikens, American Indian Education Support

Virtual Room: Zoom link will be added shortly!

This session will contain important updates for ESSA Tribal Consultation for the 2021-22 school year, as well as perspectives from the Tribal Nations Education Committee. The Office of American Indian Education has important updates for this year, specifically new templates and guidance for American Indian Education Aid.

​Session Host: To-be-announced!