2024 Summer Newsletter

MASE News,
Reflecting on a Year of Growth and Looking Ahead: A Warm Welcome to Our Incoming President
by Melissa Hanson, MASE President

As I reflect on the past year serving as President of MASE, I am filled with immense gratitude and pride. It has been an absolute honor to work alongside such dedicated professionals, all committed to advancing the field of special education and ensuring that every student receives the support they need to succeed. Continue reading…

Summer Legislative Update
by Valerie Dosland, MASE Lobbyist​

The 2024 legislative session, which ran from February 12 to May 19, concluded on schedule with the passage of a supplemental budget and tax bills. However, the session's end was far from smooth. It was marked by burglary charges against a sitting senator, extensive filibusters in both the House and Senate, heated debates on high-profile bills, the failure to pass a bonding bill, and tumultuous final moments on the House and Senate floors. Continue reading…


Who’s Retiring? Who’s Still Leading? We All Are!
by Jill Skarvold, MASE Retiree Representative

On May 22, a group of MASE Retirees met virtually with Erin Toninato, MASE Executive Director, and Jill Skarvold, MASE Board Retiree Rep, for the second Retiree Roundtable. One thing is evident – Special Education Administrators do not fade into the background once they retire! Continue reading…

Legal Topics: When is a FAPE “Provided” Under Minnesota Law?
by Laura Tubbs Booth, Christian R. Shafer, and Lauren T. Kingsbeck

Under both the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”) and Minnesota law school districts are required to provide children with disabilities a free appropriate public education (“FAPE”). Continue reading…

CASE End of Year Key Performance Indicators Update
by Cherie Johnson, CASE Liaison

As we reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, it’s essential to measure progress against the key performance indicators (KPIs) that guide our efforts and reflect our commitment to excellence in special education. I’m thrilled to share with you the latest data on CASE’s KPIs, which highlight the strides we’ve made in advancing our mission and serving our community. Continue reading…

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Understanding Policy Statements and Updates
by Cherie Johnson, CASE Liaison

In an ongoing effort to advocate for the needs of students with disabilities and support the professionals who serve them, the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) regularly develops and updates policy statements. These statements are instrumental in guiding our advocacy efforts, shaping policy discussions, and informing decision-makers at local, state, and national levels. Continue reading…