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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 the
MASE Office:
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 A Mini MIYM
We have just a few quick updates and reminders to share this week! We will resume our regular newsletter schedule next week.
As always...thanks for all you do!
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✨ Sharing a Glimmer ✨
“Last year I challenged my leadership team to present at Professional Conferences. They took that challenge to heart. This past fall a group presented at MASE and another is submitting presentations for Charting the C's. I know a few others are planning to submit to MASE for the spring conference as well. Seeing others willing to share their expertise, experiences, and challenges with others is encouraging in a world that seems to challenge us at every turn. I am grateful for my leadership team and the knowledge they are sharing to hopefully lighten the workload for others.”
– Jen Johnson, Paul Bunyan Ed. Cooperative
Share your own “MASE Moments of Awe.” These are the stories—the glimmers—that highlight the beauty and importance of what we do.
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MDE OFP Guidance
I was recently made aware that there is additional guidance related to Out-of-Field Permissions (OFPs) posted on the MDE website, and I wanted to be sure to share that update here. At the Fall Conference, we were told by MDE that additional guidance would be coming very soon, and many of us have been watching for it. I am not aware that this information was shared through the listserv, and there is no date included on the "additional information" page, so it is unclear whether this reflects the most recent update.
MDE OFP page
I hear your frustrations and concerns and will continue to seek clarification, share your stories. I will share any additional information as it becomes available.
– Erin Toninato, MASE Executive Director
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Grant Opportunity:
Grow Your Own (GYO) FY27 Grant Now Posted
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From MDE
The FY27 competition for the Grow Your Own (GYO) grant is now posted.
GYO programs are partnerships between districts, charter schools, service cooperatives, or Tribally Controlled Schools, and teacher preparation programs that help local residents—such as parents, school staff, and students—become teachers in their own communities, with a focus on diversifying the teacher workforce by prioritizing candidates of color and Indigenous candidates. Districts, charters, cooperatives and Tribally Controlled Schools may apply for either adult, student, or both programs to support candidates to become teachers.
For assistance with questions, contact Kleber Ortiz (Adult Pathway) or Kristie Anderson (Student Pathway). The grant application is due on January 15, 2026.
Read more in the Dec. 5 MIYM
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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 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.
Complete Our Short Questionnaire
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Member Survey: Identifying Cost-Savings in Minnesota Special Education
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Last session, the legislature established a Blue Ribbon Commission on Special Education to advise and assist the legislature and governor in transforming special education services.
The purpose of the commission is to develop an action plan for transforming special education services while maintaining a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities by Oct. 1, 2026. Tied to the work of this commission is the expectation to find $250 million in savings or cross-subsidy aid will be reduced by the same amount in the FY28-29 biennium. Read More
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Join Us for Our Next SLICE of Collaboration Session: Onboarding Paraprofessionals
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Tuesday, January 6, 2026 | 12 p.m.
The topic for this session is Paraprofessional Onboarding with presenter Brandon Yoney from Moorhead Area Schools. These sessions are open to members only. You'll receive the link to join in your confirmation email.
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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Aspiring Leaders Session: January 20, 6:30–8 pm | Virtual
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Has someone tapped you on the shoulder and complimented your leadership capabilities? Join us for Professional Development opportunities with other aspiring leaders who are considering going back to school for Special Education Administration. Questions? Contact Amy Waldspurger, awaldspurger@isd721.org. So that we have a better idea of how many people will be there, please register today!
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CAREIMath
Improving math outcomes is a priority for districts nationwide, but many efforts fall short because they focus on isolated strategies rather than the system as a whole.
At the University of Minnesota’s Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI), we partner with districts and states to turn research into practice in ways that strengthen instructional systems. CAREIMath was created to do exactly that—bringing coherence, consistency, and evidence-based practices to mathematics instruction across an entire district.
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School Psychology Graduate Program at MSU-Moorhead
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MSU-Moorhead currently has MDE School Psychology Pipeline funds to help defray costs for attending our graduate program and reduce barriers for people interested in a career in Minnesota—up to $27,000 in scholarships and support for the first two pre-internship years of coursework.
The program has both in-person (10-12 slots) and remote (4-6 slots) options in our NASP-approved program and encourage Grow Your Own applications—but because it is very competitive (especially for the remote spots) it is a good idea for the district and applicant to talk to us during the application process so we can get an idea of who is applying and what regional/MN needs they would be filling.
MSU-Moorhead has an upcoming virtual open houses for people to get some more information about our program, application (due Feb. 1), grants, etc., on Jan. 14.
Contact: Lisa Stewart, Director of the School Psychology graduate program at MSU-Moorhead
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CSTAG: Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines Training
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Hosted by SWWC Service Cooperative
Join us this January for a hands-on, evidence-based training designed to help school teams move beyond awareness and build a safe, systematic, and sustainable K–12 threat assessment and management model.
Participants will learn CSTAG’s structured decision-making process, receive practical implementation tools, and leave with a district-specific plan aligned with legal and best-practice guidelines.
📅 January 22, 2026 | ⏰ 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Registration 8:00–8:30 a.m.)
📍 Redwood Area Community Center, Redwood Falls, MN
👤 Trainer: Mark Muscat, School Psychologist & Behavior Intervention Specialist
💡 Registration Deadline: January 15, 2026
Lunch, materials, and resources included.
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Click the button above to submit your news and/or job openings! Also, please whitelist info@mnase.org and laurie.pumper@mnase.org to ensure that you receive your newsletter without interruption.
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