PURPOSE
MASE strives to:
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Offer information that is concise, consistent and predictable to support the work you do in your communities
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Streamline our communications and reduce the number of messages in your mailbox
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A message from Erin Toninato,
MASE Executive Director:
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 Access to Special Education Is a Responsibility
Over time, I have been part of—and listened to—many conversations about special education funding. After those discussions, I often find myself thinking about the word burden. At times, the cost of access, services, and support is described that way. I understand the very real pressures within our systems, and we all know the shortfall continues to grow.
I will be honest—that word always lands a little heavy for me. It tends to stay with me long after the conversation ends and causes me to reflect on how language shapes how things are viewed.
A burden can feel heavy and imposed. Going forward, I am choosing to use the word responsibility. Responsibility reflects purpose, commitment, and shared ownership. Ensuring access for students receiving special education services is not a burden placed on our schools. It is a responsibility entrusted to us—by students, families, and communities.
This work is complex and, at times, challenging. It is also deeply meaningful and grounded in who we are as educational leaders. Words help shape how this work is understood, valued, and sustained.
The way we carry this responsibility matters, and I am grateful we carry it together. That shared responsibility—and the way we support one another—continues to define the strength of MASE.
And as always...thanks for all you do.
PS: MDE Forum Reflection
During the Forum today, there was much discussion about EIDBI. It was clear that MDE needs to look further into the questions that are being asked. Their request was for MASE to share stories so they have context. I was happy to hear at the end that MDE will work with us to set up a discussion session for dialogue. Stay tuned!
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✨ Share a Glimmer ✨
MASE Legislative Tri-Chair Heidi Nistler is quoted in a recent article on the K-12 DIVE website, sharing how St. Paul Public Schools are working to continue individualized services for students with disabilities who are suddenly out of the school building.
“When we started even talking about a virtual learning option, it really came from a place of concern for our students and their access to education,” Heidi said, in her position as assistant superintendent of specialized services for St. Paul Public Schools in Minnesota.
Read the full article
Share your “MASE Moments of Awe.” These are the stories—the glimmers—that highlight the beauty and importance of what we do.
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CASE Members: Nominations Are Open for Executive Committee
CASE invites members to consider serving the organization in a leadership capacity on the CASE Executive Committee. CASE seeks nominations for the positions of Treasurer, Member at Large, and President-Elect. If you are interested, click the link below to apply. A current résumé and professional photo are required. The application deadline is Friday, Feb. 27.
All three positions are for two-year terms beginning on July 1, 2026.
Nomination Application
Message from MDE Commissioner Willie Jett
As Commissioner Jett shared in a recent letter to Minnesota families and educators, MDE remains committed to ensuring every child—of every background, zip code and ability—has the opportunity to access a world-class education. After continued conversations with our partners in the Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, the commissioner shared new guidance for navigating changes in federal immigration policy within your school communities. Please consider this guidance—and similar resources listed below—as you develop plans to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for every student we serve. We know that uncertainty in the federal education landscape poses real challenges for students, families and educators. In the face of unknown federal action, MDE will continue to keep you informed. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students and schools.
Additional Resources for Schools to Support Students
Support for Students Exposed to Trauma (SSET): MDE's Project AWARE offers free training opportunities in Support for Students Exposed to Trauma (SSET). SSET is a targeted mental health intervention for students who have been exposed to a traumatic event and who are experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Delivered by nonclinical school personnel, this intervention is appropriate for students in grade 5 and above. SSET consists of 10 student-group meetings and periodic communication with parents to keep them informed about progress in the program. MDE is offering access to the 4-hour online training program for this evidence-based mental health intervention. If you are interested, email School.MentalHealth.MDE@state.mn.us for more information.
STRONG curriculum: Schools can also consider Supporting Transition Resilience of Newcomer Groups (STRONG). STRONG is an evidence-based, school-based intervention for immigrant and refugee youth (Grades K-12). STRONG aims to build resilience and address psychological distress associated with the newcomer experience from a culturally contextualized lens. STRONG is delivered by school mental health clinicians and is comprised of 10 group sessions, one individual student session, and teacher and parent education sessions. Elementary and Secondary versions are available. STRONG is currently being implemented in schools throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. STRONG can be implemented as part of a multi-tiered system of supports for newcomer students.
The Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health (MACMH): MACMH hosted a virtual mental health training event titled Supporting Children During Immigration Enforcement Operations, and it is available to watch online for free.
MDE Special Education Updates, February 6 | Read more
MDE Ed-Fi Updates, February 9 | Read more
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CASE Membership
We recently learned that CASE membership in Minnesota is down 34% from last year. CASE is an important resource for leaders in special education and we encourage you to consider membership in the upcoming school year. It is simple to sign up and can be done at the same time as MASE membership.
With that said, if you are unsure if you have an active CASE membership, please reach out to Melissa Schaller (melissa.schaller@isd917.org) and she can double-check against our roster for Minnesota. We did have a few issues with CASE memberships as we transitioned our management.
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MDE Special Education Funding Training Webinars, March–April 2026
Registration is open for each of the webinars listed below. To register, simply click on the training date and follow the instructions. Presentation material and information on joining the webinar will be sent to registered participants the day before each training.
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Download the 2026 MASE Legislative Platform
 The MASE Legislative Committee, working with lobbyist Valerie Dosland, has created our Legislative Platform for this session of the Minnesota Legislature. With Day at the Capitol less than a month away, read the platform so you’re aware of the issues our team will focus on. Key focus areas are fair and sustainable funding (including repeal of the $250 million cut to special education cross-subsidy aid), and flexible and supportive policy—especially pertaining to special educator recruitment and retention as well as safe and secure school environments.
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Register Now! MASE Day at the Capitol
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Advocacy is a core part of our work as special education leaders and MASE Day at the Capitol on March 4 gives us an opportunity to ensure our voices are heard. Decisions made at the state legislature directly impact students with disabilities, the professionals who serve them, and the systems we lead every day. By meeting with legislators and sharing real-world experiences from our schools and districts, we reinforce the importance of special education in statewide decision-making.
More details will be shared as we get closer, but the current plan is to meet at the State Capitol at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4. Once registered, you’ll receive instructions on how to use our advocacy software to schedule meetings with legislators who represent your school district.
To help members feel prepared, MASE will host a virtual session on February 27 at 10:30 a.m. This session will cover key issues, provide tips for effective legislative conversations, and walk through what to expect during the day, so you feel confident engaging in meaningful discussions and making the most of your time on March 4.
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Members, Tell Us about Yourself
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We are bringing back the MASE Member Spotlights! We have some new questions and we’re hoping to hear from some of our members. We will feature Member Spotlights in this newsletter and in our social media posts so that members get to know more about one another.
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Join Us for Our Next SLICE of Collaboration Session: CEEDER & the High Leverage Practices
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Tuesday, February 17 | 12 p.m.
The topic for our next SLICE webinar is CEEDER & the High Leverage Practices, with presenters Kellie Krick Oborn and Lynn Stansberry Brusnahan (faculty from University of St. Thomas) and perhaps others. Join us at Noon for informal conversations with your colleagues from across the state. These sessions are open to members only. You'll receive the link to join in your confirmation e-mail. Reminder: You must login to our website to see the registration button for this event.
Reminder: You must login to our website to see the registration button for this event.
You can register for additional SLICE sessions on the MASE website—check our Calendar.
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