2023 Handouts
Breakout Sessions Round 1
Supporting Educator Wellbeing and Resilience | Slides
Continuous Improvement Support through the COMPASS System, within the MnMTSS Framework | Slides
Introduction to Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems (CSMHS) | Slides
Early Learning Services: New Legislation | Slides
Special Education Updates: Trends in Enrollment and Workforce | No materials provided
The Minnesota Free School Meals Program | Slides

Breakout Sessions Round 2
Non-Exclusionary Discipline Practices | Slides
Introduction to Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems (CSMHS) | Slides
The Read Act | Slides
Family and Community Engagement | Slides
The Minnesota Free School Meals Program | Slides

Breakout Sessions Round 3
Updates on State Investments & Programs to Address Teacher Shortages | Slides
The Read Act | Slides
Hiding in Plain Sight—The Hidden Gem of CTE Programming | Slides
Continuous Improvement Support through the COMPASS System, within the MnMTSS Framework | Slides
American Indian Education Updates | Slides
Making Equity-Oriented Decisions, Policies, and Practices | Bookmark | Cover Sheet | Slides

Closing General Session: Education Finance | Slides
Cathy Erickson, Director of School Finance, MDE

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Past Conference Years

2020

 2020 Available Handouts
 Tuesday, August 11

GENERAL SESSION
Anchoring our Work during COVID-19
Susan Klammer, Epidemiologist at the Minnesota Department of Health, School Liaison for the COVID-19 Response
HANDOUT

BREAKOUT SESSIONS - Round 1
School Year 20-21 Planning for Students with Disabilities: Overview on Health and Education Programming, Due Process, Funding Issues and Guidance for Delivering Direct Student Support Services
Presenters: Robyn Widley, MDE, Director, Special Education; Denise Herrmann, MDH, Child Health Consultant, Child, and Teen Checkups; Marikay Canaga Litzau, MDE, Director, Compliance, and Assistance; Sara Winter, MDE, Supervisor, Compliance, and Assistance; Paul Ferrin, MDE, Supervisor, Special Education Funding; Tom Delaney, MDE, Supervisor, Special Education
HANDOUT

Restorative Practices in Schools: Building and maintaining relationships
Presenters: Nancy Riestenberg, Restorative Practices Specialist, School Climate Center; Rebecca McCammon, Restorative Practices Program Coordinator, St. Paul Public Schools, Office of School Support 
HANDOUT

PreK-3 in Current Times—New Tools to Support Your Work
Presenters: Mike Brown, Early Learning Services Education Specialist; June Reineke, Early Learning Services Education Specialist; Elizabeth Vaught, School Support Educator Development and Evaluation
Presenter(s): Andre Prahl, Director of Agency Finance; Michael Diedrich, ESEA Policy Specialist
HANDOUT

CARES Act Funds in Education
Presenter(s): Andre Prahl, Director of Agency Finance; Michael Diedrich, ESEA Policy Specialist 
HANDOUT

BREAKOUT SESSIONS - Round 2
Partnership During Pandemic
Presenters: Leah Larson, State Libraries LSTA Grant Coordinator; Edina Public Schools Media Staff - Steve Buettner, Sean Beaverson, Sara Swenson, and Mike Walker 
HANDOUT

Examples From the Field: Comprehensive School Mental Health Quality Improvement Initiatives in All Three Scenarios
Presenter: Lisa Hoogheem, Student Support Specialist
HANDOUT

State-District Partnerships: Developing Implementation Capacity to Improve Equitable Outcomes
Presenters: MDE - Carolyn Cherry, Supervisor, Results and Improvement-Special Education; Eric Kloos, Assistant Director, Special Education; and Osseo Area Schools Jan Bitzer, Student Services Coordinator; Kate Emmons, Director of Student Services; Cory McIntyre, Superintendent
HANDOUT

Responding to COVID and Serving Families and Communities through the Full-Service Community Schools Model
Presenters: Dennis Duffy, School Improvement Supervisor; Jackie Blagsvedt, School Improvement Program Specialist; June Reineke, Early Learning Services Education Specialist; Julie Ruzek, Coordinator of Family and Community Partnerships, Rochester Public Schools
HANDOUT

BREAKOUT SESSIONS - Round 3
State of State Assessment System
Presenter: Jennifer Dugan, Director, Statewide Student Assessment and Data Analytics
HANDOUT

Serving School Meals in a COVID-19 World
Presenter: Debra Lukkonen, MDE School Nutrition Program Supervisor
HANDOUT

COVID-19 Testing Process
Presenters: Meredith Vadis, Regional Administrator, Metropolitan Council, and State Testing Workgroup Lead; Grace Arnold, Deputy Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Commerce
HANDOUT
HANDOUT - REGIONAL STAFF
HANDOUT - BILLING

Leading with a Learner Lens
Presenters: Ann Mitchell, Principal Leadership, School Support Panelists: Dr. Shawn Harris-Berry, Associate Superintendent, Minneapolis Public Schools; Yusuf Abdullah, Principal, Patrick Henry High School; Rachel Udstuen, Superintendent, Spring Grove Public Schools
HANDOUT

BREAKOUT SESSIONS - Round 4
Reflecting on Distance Learning to Inform Planning for the Effective Use Technology with Title, IV, Part A
Presenters: Sarah Carter, STEM/Computer Science Specialist/Title IV, Part A Co-Program Specialist Lead; Kate Beesch Title IV, Part A Program Specialist Lead
HANDOUT

Equity and Civil Rights in Education
Presenters: Irina Vaynerman, Minnesota Department of Human Rights Deputy Commissioner; Dr. Lanise Block, Minnesota Department of Human Rights Education Equity Consultant and Founder/CEO of Sankore Consulting
HANDOUT

We Are a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) – A focus on Truancy, Attendance, and Grades
Presenter: John Gimpl, State Implementation Specialist
HANDOUT

Ed-Fi and Staff Support
Presenters: Sharon Peck, School Finance Supervisor; Tara Chapa, School Finance Technical Support Specialist; Susan Anderson, Brainerd Public Schools; Sonja Rowland, Bemidji Area Schools; Mark Bjornrud, Schoolcraft Learning Community; Miriam Janechek, PhD, Public Engagement & Outreach | Statewide Student Assessment and Data Analytics
HANDOUT

Wednesday, August 12

BREAKOUT SESSIONS - Round 1
What is Ed-Fi?: Now and the Future
Presenters: Gayra Ostgaard, Data Management Coordinator, Data Analytics; David Reeg, IT Development Supervisor; Sharon Peck, School Finance Supervisor; Tara Chapa, School Finance Ed-Fi Technical Support; Avisia Whiteman, Early Education Research Analyst; Karen Millette Data Analytics Project Manager; Susan Anderson, Brainerd Public Schools; Sonja Rowland; Bemidji Area Schools; Mark Bjornrud; Schoolcraft Learning Community
HANDOUT

Reimagining Assessment and Data Practices to Guide Learning for All Students During the Pandemic
Presenters: Kendra Olsen, Outreach Specialist Statewide Student Assessment and Data; Ann Mitchell, Principal Leadership School Support; Ben Barton, Superintendent of Princeton Public Schools; Donna Roper, Director of Research and Evaluation Edina Public Schools; Michael Walker, Director of Black Student Achievement Minneapolis Public Schools; Jessica Town-Gunderson, Director of Teaching and Learning – Princeton Public Schools
HANDOUT

How to build relational trust and dismantle systems and expectations that divide schools and families
Presenters: Jackie Blagsvedt, School Improvement Program Specialist, Jeanne Dickhausen, Head Start Collaboration Director
HANDOUT

Increasing Achievement for Multilingual Learners in Greater Minnesota
Presenter: Dr. Amy Young, EL Specialist, School Support
HANDOUT

​BREAKOUT SESSIONS - Round 2
CDC and MDE assistance in fall school reopening activities after the spring distance learning period due to COVID-19
Presenters: Bobbie Burnham, Assistant Commissioner; Sheila Oehrlein, Supervisor, Youth Development and Health Promotion Team; Margo Chresand, RN, LSN, MPH, MS, Education Specialist; Gail Anderson, MPH, Project Coordinator; Terri Swartout, School Health Coordinator; Mary Thissen-Milder, Ph.D., Physical Education Consultant; Jeremy Vann, School Health Services Coordinator
HANDOUT

Promising Practices in Distance Learning for Students with Disabilities
Presenters: MDE - Carolyn Cherry, Supervisor, Results and Improvement-Special Education; Eric Kloos, Assistant Director, Special Education; Dan Torrez, Alternative and Preventative Services Specialist, Special Education; UofM - Jana Ferguson, Check & Connect Project Coordinator
HANDOUT​

2021

2021 Handouts
Click here for session handouts.
 

2022

2022 Handouts
Breakout Sessions - Round 1
Making Equity-Oriented Decisions, Policies, and Practices presented by Macarre Traynham, EDI Center Director
Resource 1 | Resource 2

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and World's Best Workforce Identification
​presented by Teresa Taylor, Student Access and Opportunity Director; Greg Keith, School and Educator Support Director; Michael Diedrich, ESEA Policy Specialist; Angela Mansfield, COMPASS Program Manager

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Mental Health
presented by  Brienne LaHaye, Project AWARE Coordinator; Sabrina Winkleman, Social Emotional Learning Specialist; Nikki Kovan, Early Learning Services Interim Director; Tom Delaney, Special Education Interagency Partnerships Supervisor

MDE COMPASS Literacy Offerings
presented by  Jennifer Wazlawik, Literacy Project Manager; Chris Bretz, COMPASS Literacy Specialist; Julie Novak, RCE Advocate Literacy Lead
Minnesota Multi-tiered System of Supports (MnMTSS)presented by Jean Duffy, MnMTSS Coordinator and Susan Burris, RCE MnMTSS Education Systems Specialist

Breakout Sessions - Round 2
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and World's Best Workforce Identification presented by  Teresa Taylor, Student Access and Opportunity Director; Greg Keith, School and Educator Support Director; Michael Diedrich, ESEA Policy Specialist; Angela Mansfield, COMPASS Program Manager

Making Equity-Oriented Decisions, Policies, and Practices
presented by Macarre Traynham, EDI Center Director
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Mental Healthpresented by  Brienne LaHaye, Project AWARE Coordinator; Sabrina Winkleman, Social Emotional Learning Specialist; Nikki Kovan, Early Learning Services Interim Director; Tom Delaney, Special Education Interagency Partnerships Supervisor

Planning for Literacy Success: Minnesota’s BOLD State Literacy Plan
presented by  Jennifer Wazlawik, Literacy Project Manager; Amy Schulting, Dyslexia Specialist; Chris Bretz, COMPASS Literacy Specialist

ESSA Tribal Consultation
presented by  Graham Hartley, Student Access and Opportunity Education Specialist; Jane Harstad, D.Ed., American Indian Education Director; Melanie Franks, Tribal Liaison

Table Talks
TABLE 1
Family Engagement
Handout 1
Leads:  Angela Mansfield, COMPASS Program Manager; Jackie Blagsvedt, Education Program and Policy Specialist
Please join us to learn more about COMPASS (Collaborative Minnesota Partnerships to Advance Student Success)! We will share a table talk conversation aligning family engagement with the new MnMTSS framework. 

TABLE 2
Data and Assessment Literacy
Handout 1
Leads:  Kendra Olsen, COMPASS Data and Assessment Literacy Lead; Brendan O’Shea, COMPASS Data and Assessment Literacy Specialist
Please join us to learn more about COMPASS (Collaborative Minnesota Partnerships to Advance Student Success)! We will share a table talk conversation aligning data and assessment literacy with the new MnMTSS framework. 

TABLE 3
Repository of Evidence-Based Practices
Handout 1  | Handout 2
Leads:  Stephanie White, COMPASS Coordinator; Monica Hooker, COMPASS American Indian School-Community Specialist
Please join us to learn more about COMPASS (Collaborative Minnesota Partnerships to Advance Student Success)! We will share a table talk conversation aligning the Repository of Evidence-Based Practices with the new MnMTSS framework. 

TABLE 4
Student Voice: WHY? Who? How? When?
Lead:  Ann Mitchell, Principal Leadership Support
Learn from other superintendents and principals what has driven them to center student perspectives in decision-making processes, whose perspective helps us learn, and ways to be intentional in this practice.

TABLE 5
Strategies for Meaningful Engagement with Multilingual and Multicultural Communities
Lead:  Lee Her, Public Engagement Director; Luda Anastazievsky, Educator and Ukrainian Community Activist; Amina Baha, Afghan Cultural Society Operations Director
This session will highlight promising practices for schools and district when it comes to stakeholder engagement that values and affirms the lived experiences all students, families, and their broader communities.

TABLE 6
Teacher Diversity
Leads:  Tyler Livingston, Educator Workforce Programs Supervisor; Tamara Valme, Teacher Development Specialist
Join colleagues to discuss the importance of recruiting and retaining teachers of color and American Indian teachers. MDE staff will share an overview of state and federal funding sources, as well as some compelling diagnostic tools and guidebooks from the Alliance for Resource Equity that may help local leadership teams take strategic action to diversify their educator workforce. 

TABLE 7
CTE Pathways
Leads:  Michelle Kamenov, Career Development and CTE Supervisor; Sally Reynolds, High School Initiatives and Minnesota Career Information Systems (MCIS) Supervisor
Is your district looking for ways to add relevance and better connect students to today’s hot job market? This session will include conversations around steps schools can take to make sure students have a clear, easily accessible path to whatever comes next in their future. 

TABLE 8
ESSER
Leads:  Alicia Waeffler, Student Access and Opportunity Programs Supervisor; Andre Prahl, Agency Finance and Operations Director
Join MDE staff to learn about ESSER and GEER funding. Topics will include expiring funds, the plan amendment process for finance codes 160 & 161, and questions from attendees. 

TABLE 9
Supporting Multilingual Learners
Leads:  Leigh Schleicher, Student Access and Opportunity Supervisor; Amy Young, School and Educator Support EL Specialist 
MDE staff will be on hand to address issues impacting Multilingual learners including those identified as English learners. They will respond to participant questions and concerns. Resources will be provided. 

TABLE 10
Minnesota Authorizer Performance Evaluation System (MAPES) Overview
Lead:  Paula Higgins, Charter Center Supervisor
Description: Join MDE Charter Center Staff to learn about the Minnesota Authorizer Performance Evaluation System (MAPES). This statutorily required system is used to evaluate charter school authorizer performance and identify high-quality authorizing practices to promote authorizer excellence in Minnesota.

TABLE 11
Educator Hiring and Retention Ideas
Leads:  Chris Ramadan, Teacher Mentoring Coordinator; Elizabeth Vaught, Principal Leadership Support
Staff shortages—exacerbated by the pandemic—are impacting us all. This session will be a facilitated conversation among leaders to share practices throughout the recruitment, hiring, placement, and retention phases. What proactive steps can we take to improve new staff recruitment and retention?

Breakout Session - Round 3
Achievement and Integration (A&I): All You Need To Know 
presented by  Pam Booker, Achievement and Integration Specialist; Venessa Moe, Achievement and Integration Specialist

Special Education
presented by  Robyn Widley, Special Education Director; Eric Kloos, Special Education Assistant Director; Aaron Barnes, Special Education Supervisor; Danielle Hayden, Early Learning Supervisor

Early Learning Services (ELS)-Why Do Mixed Delivery Partners and Partnerships Make a Difference—Where do we start?presented by  Jeanne Dickhausen MA Ed. ECE, Head Start Collaboration Director; June Reineke PhD, Early Learning Education Specialist
Resource 1 | Resource 2

School Finance Updates
presented by  Daley Lehmann, School Finance Assistant Director; Paul Ferrin, Special Education Funding Supervisor

Changes to American Indian Education Aid for the Upcoming Year presented by  Jane Harstad, D.Ed., American Indian Education Director; Anjanette Parisien, Indigenous Education Specialist; Kimberly Brenden, Administrative Support; Melanie Franks, Tribal Liaison

2023

2023 Handouts
Breakout Sessions Round 1
Supporting Educator Wellbeing and Resilience | Slides
Continuous Improvement Support through the COMPASS System, within the MnMTSS Framework | Slides
Introduction to Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems (CSMHS) | Slides
Early Learning Services: New Legislation | Slides
Special Education Updates: Trends in Enrollment and Workforce | No materials provided
The Minnesota Free School Meals Program | Slides

Breakout Sessions Round 2
Non-Exclusionary Discipline Practices | Slides
Introduction to Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems (CSMHS) | Slides
The Read Act | Slides
Family and Community Engagement | Slides
The Minnesota Free School Meals Program | Slides

Breakout Sessions Round 3
Updates on State Investments & Programs to Address Teacher Shortages | Slides
The Read Act | Slides
Hiding in Plain Sight—The Hidden Gem of CTE Programming | Slides
Continuous Improvement Support through the COMPASS System, within the MnMTSS Framework | Slides
American Indian Education Updates | Slides
Making Equity-Oriented Decisions, Policies, and Practices | Bookmark | Cover Sheet | Slides

Closing General Session: Education Finance | Slides
Cathy Erickson, Director of School Finance, MDE