May 5, 2022

Return to School Roadmap Released

COVID-19, Special Education

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services released a Return to School Roadmap: Development and Implementation of Individualized Education Programs in the Least Restrictive Environment under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Many topics are covered including meeting timelines, ensuring implementation of initial evaluation and reevaluation procedures, determining eligibility for special education and […]

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2021-22 Special Education Family Engagement Survey

Special Education

Each spring the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Special Education Division invites families of students with individualized education programs (IEPs) to complete a family engagement survey. Through the survey families have an opportunity to share feedback on their student’s IEP and the IEP process, teachers, and administrators. MDE shares a summary of family responses with

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USDA Distributes $1.5 Billion to Strengthen School Meal Program

Education

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the Biden-Harris Administration is providing up to $1.5 billion to states and school districts to help school meal program operators deal with the challenges of supply chain disruptions. The funding announced will help to provide our nation’s children with the nutritious foods they need to thrive. Minnesota will be

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Apply for Partners in Policymaking!

Students with Disabilities

The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities is accepting applications for the Partners in Policymaking Class 40. Partners in Policymaking was created 35 years ago by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. The program is designed for parents and legal guardians of young children with developmental disabilities and adults with disabilities. Through informative and

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U.S. Department of Education issues a new fact sheet doubling down on the responsibilities to provide compensatory services to students with disabilities

Students with Disabilities

A rise in complaints has led federal education officials to publish a new fact sheet to remind school of their duties under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The COVID-19 pandemic has not changed those obligations. Children with disabilities have a right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) “regardless of the challenges

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Ideas and Suggestions for Schools and Restorative Practitioners

Education, Students with Disabilities

Deepen Your Practice Regular circle practice provides a way to build relationships and practice social emotional learning skills. When the learning environment is disrupted, it provides a practice to reach for. Disruptions can come from within the school or classroom like when frustration spills over into harm. Or it can come from outside the school

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Online Learning and Students with Disabilities FAQ Available

Education, Students with Disabilities

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has prepared a document of frequently asked questions about online learning for students with disabilities. This is to assist school districts and charter schools in continuing to provide equitable access to online learning programs and high-quality special education and related services. You can view the document here.

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COVID-19 Vaccination Information for Children with Disabilities

COVID-19, Students with Disabilities

The Minnesota Department of Health has released two fact sheets with information about COVID-19 vaccinations for children with disabilities and those who work with and care for them. “Information for Caregivers” includes facts about the vaccines, side effects and accommodations that can be requested at vaccination sites. It states, “the known benefits of COVID-19 vaccination

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