MASE Platform 2008

Special Education Funding-Detail

 

MASE supports adequate and predictable funding for Minnesota’s public schools that includes a cost-based, fully funded revenue system for special education.

 

bullet MASE believes paying for federal and state mandates to provide free and appropriate services for students receiving special education is a complex and expensive undertaking that requires significant state support. MASE supports adoption of the funding framework proposed by P.S. Minnesota, as it reflects a comprehensive formula for adequately funding Minnesota schools.

 

bullet MASE believes that access to timely, accurate data is necessary in order to make strategic decisions regarding allocation of resources. MASE supports the development and implementation of a modern, integrated database to replace the fragmented and outdated data systems employed by MDE (i.e., MARSS, UFARS, EDRS, STARS, EMAP) and the various student, financial and other data management systems utilized by districts.
  1. MASE believes a single, integrated database would increase the efficiency and accuracy of data available to legislators, MDE and district staff.
  2. MASE believes a single, integrated database would greatly expand data manipulation and analysis options available to legislators, MDE and district staff.
  3. MASE believes an integrated database would greatly reduce or eliminate duplication of data entry by districts, saving countless hours of district staff time.
  4. MASE believes that adopting a single, state-wide integrated database would result in significant long-term financial savings as districts would no longer need to purchase separate student, financial and other data management systems that do not communicate directly to MDE databases.
  5. MASE believes that adopting a single, statewide integrated database would facilitate the efficient, electronic exchange of data between schools as students move from one district to another. 

 

bullet MASE believes providing dedicated categorical aid for early identification and intervention programs for at-risk students will help reduce the need for and the cost of long-term special education services.

 

bullet MASE believes adequate funding for special education preserves the integrity of general education funding.

 

bullet MASE believes requirements that exceed federal mandates increase costs to local districts.