|
From the Operations Director,
Laurie Pumper:
|
|
Committees Are Jumping into Work
Several of our MASE committees have met or will meet this month, now that everyone is back at school. The Membership Committee is planning a survey of members to learn more about what you need at this moment. It’s wonderful to see the energy as we move into our new year! There are some new names on the committee rosters—which is great news for the continued vitality of our association.
A reminder that committee work is only available to those who have paid membership dues for the 2026-27 year; the deadline to renew is coming up on September 30. Go to your Member Compass to renew. Of course, there are other benefits of membership, such as the ability to register for our SLICE of Collaboration webinars and discounted rates on events.
I appreciate the questions and requests that come into our office. It often makes us think about ways to improve your experience. Thank you for all you do!
|
|
|
✨ Share a Glimmer ✨
“Last week I watched an 8th grade boy walking to the bus at the end of the first week of school celebrating to himself, ‘I had a 100%!’ he exclaimed. He attends a Fed Setting IV Program. His head held high. He has worked so hard to feel good about being at school and today he walked away proud. This is a short story with many characters and a long history.”
– Colleen Carlson, Meeker & Wright Special Education Cooperative
Share your “MASE Moments of Awe.” These are the stories—the glimmers—that highlight the beauty and importance of what we do.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Information for Schools about Raising the Age of Delinquency
|
|
From Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Beginning August 1, 2026, and applied to acts committed on or after that date, the minimum age of delinquency rose to 13. This means that children under age 13 who are alleged to have committed a delinquent act are excluded from the definition of “delinquent child” and are no longer subject to juvenile delinquency petitions (Minn. Stat. §260B.007, Subd. 6). Children under age 13 now fall within the definition of a Child in Need of Protection or Services and will be served primarily through the child welfare system (Minn. Stat. §260C.007, Subd. 6 (18)).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What Is AI’s Role in the Special Education Dispute Resolution Process?
|
|
From K-12 Dive
In July, the Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education—a technical assistance center funded by the U.S. Department of Education—published a parents’ guide for using AI in special education advocacy. The group developed the guide, which is available in multiple languages, after conversations with people at parent centers and state dispute resolution agencies, according to Melanie Reese, CADRE’s director. Representatives of both talked about how much AI was impacting their caseloads, Reese said in an email to K-12 Dive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming OLA Special Education Director Survey
|
|
The Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA)—an independent, nonpartisan audit and evaluation office within the legislative branch of Minnesota state government—is currently conducting an evaluation, Autism Spectrum Disorder Services in Public Schools: Student Identification and Coordination with EIDBI Services.
On September 14, Special Education Directors across the state will receive an email from OLA (via Snap Surveys) asking for your participation in a survey pertaining to this evaluation. This survey, in addition to an upcoming survey of school staff, will be critical in helping OLA understand the state’s work in this area. We encourage you to complete OLA’s survey and ask that you encourage any of your staff who receive a survey from OLA to do the same.
If you have any questions about the evaluation, please contact the evaluation manager, Caitlin Badger, at Caitlin.Badger@state.mn.us or 651-297-1917.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
District: Mid-State Education District (Little Falls)
Favorite Indoor Hobby: Reading. Last year I read or listened to 43 books.
Favorite Outdoor Hobby: 4-Wheeling with a large group. The dirtier, the better!
Dream Vacation Destination: Norway and Denmark—I'm over 50% Scandinavian and my Great Grandfather immigrated here when he was 21.
Best Habit: Taking time away from all electronics to spend time with my kids.
Favorite Part about Being a MASE Member: The connections I make around the state.
Go-To Coffee or Tea Order: Coffee is icky!
Something Most People Don’t Know about Elizabeth: I have pet goats. They are about the coolest animals ever. Super cute, playful, and friendly!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minnesota Setting IV Program Leaders’ Meetings
|
|
|
October 8, 2026 | 8:30–10 a.m.
Minnesota Setting IV program leaders are invited to participate in a series of virtual meetings designed to bring leaders from federal Setting IV programs together to connect, ask questions, discuss topics of shared interest, and exchange resources, ideas, and strategies.
These meetings provide an opportunity to learn from colleagues across the state, share experiences, and collaborate around the unique opportunities and challenges of leading Setting IV programs.
2026–27 Meeting Dates:
- October 8, 2026 | 8:30–10 a.m.
- December 10, 2026 | 8:30–10 a.m.
- February 11, 2027 | 8:30–10 a.m.
- April 8, 2027 | 8:30–10 a.m.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minnesota Kids Rise Featured on KSTP-TV
|
|
|
Erica Allenburg from the Minnesota School Board Association was on Twin Cities Live on Sept. 2 to talk about “I’m a Minnesota Kid Day,” which was held on Sept. 3 at the State Fair. Erica shared that Minnesota schools are getting excellent results, are major employers in the state, and are preparing tomorrow’s workforce.
|
|
|
|
|
|
MDE School Mental Health Resources
|
|
The beginning of a new school year is an exciting time for students, families, and staff. This excitement may also come with feelings of worry or anxiety. Child Mind Institute has some helpful ideas on back-to-school anxiety and tips for how to help kids manage worries and have a successful start to the school year. Additionally, Elena Aguilar, author of Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators and host of The Bright Morning Podcast has a brief webinar on eight ways educators can build emotional resilience. MDE also has many resources for families in the Back-to-School Toolkit, including resources for supporting student health and mental health.
Here are a few additional items to be aware of:
MDE School Mental Health Office Hours
MDE's Mental Health Lead serves as a source of information and support for schools in addressing the mental health needs of students, teachers, and school staff and developing comprehensive school mental health systems in schools and districts. The Mental Health Lead hosts monthly office hours to provide technical assistance to schools, districts, and charters who have questions about supporting student mental health and educator well-being needs.
Register here: MDE School Mental Health Office Hours Registration.
Trauma-Informed Approach to Early Childhood Practice Modules
MDE has developed this asynchronous course in collaboration with the Child Health and Development Institute to support early childhood professionals in using trauma-informed practices. Through this asynchronous course, participants will learn to recognize, identify, and address the potential impacts and effects of trauma to better understand the children and families they work with and support them in the ways they need. Modules available include:
PREPaRE Workshop 1: Comprehensive School Safety Planning
MDE and the Minnesota School Safety Center are hosting the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) PREPaRE Workshop 1: Comprehensive School Safety Planning: Prevention Through Recovery course. In this one-day workshop, participants will learn how to establish and sustain comprehensive school safety efforts that attend to both physical and psychological safety. The workshop addresses critical components needed to develop, exercise, and evaluate safety and crisis teams and plans and conduct building vulnerability assessments. The model also integrates school personnel and community provider roles in providing school-based crisis preparedness and response activities. Additional topics include media/social media, communication, reunification, students with special needs, culture, and memorials. Check out the NASP Training Curriculum website for more info.
Three different training dates and locations are available. For more information, visit the training listing on MDE's School Safety Center website.
Resilient Schools Series: Trauma-Informed Strategies that Work
MDE is sponsoring a free Resilient Schools Webinar Series to provide professional development on the current best practices for trauma-informed and healing-centered school settings. Sessions will be facilitated by experts and practitioners from across Minnesota. Earn up to 20.5 continuing education hours—join for one session or all! More information and registration links are available here: Resilient Schools Series session descriptions and registration. For questions or assistance registering, contact Megan Lagasse, LICSW, Student Support Personnel Specialist at megan.lagasse@state.mn.us.
The Admin and Student Support Personnel Relationship: When We Align, Students Win
Intentional and aligned collaboration is the foundation for strong student outcomes, and every school has a powerful but often underutilized advantage: the partnership between administrators and student support personnel. When this relationship is aligned, schools move from isolated efforts to cohesive systems that truly support every student. This interactive session from IgnitED Consulting opens the playbook of practical strategies to strengthen that partnership. Participants will move beyond ideas and into action as they explore how to clarify roles, align efforts, and build effective systems. Throughout the session, participants will reflect on their current practices, engage in structured conversations, and begin building a shared vision for stronger alignment. The session will be held on October 8, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Register here: When We Align, Students Win: The Admin and Student Support Personnel Relationship.
Support to Students Exposed to Trauma Training Modules Available
Support for Students Exposed to Trauma (SSET) training is a targeted mental health intervention for students who have been exposed to a traumatic event and who are experiencing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. Delivered by nonclinical school personnel, this intervention is appropriate for students in grade 5 and above. MDE is offering free access to the 4-hour online training program for this evidence-based mental health intervention. If you are interested, fill out this SSET Request Form for more information. Free access to Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) and Bounce Back will be available soon!
|
|
|
|
|
Blue Ribbon Commission Draft Recommendations Call for $255 Million in Special Education Reductions
|
|
In the 2025 legislative session, the legislature established a Blue Ribbon Commission (BRC) on Special Education charged with developing a plan to transform special education services while maintaining a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with disabilities. Additionally, the legislature charged the BRC with the difficult task of identifying $250 million in cuts to the state special education budget. Without the identification of $250 million in savings, the reduction will be taken from cross-subsidy aid.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Order Your MASE Gear Now for Fall Events!
|
|
MASE offers a variety of T-shirts, polos, sweatshirts, and other merchandise. Show your MASE spirit at our Fall Leadership Conference and other events! Merchandise will be shipped directly to you. Here are just a few of the options available:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MDE Special Education Funding Training Webinars
|
|
Registration is open for seven webinars running until October 21. Presentation material and information on joining the webinar will be sent to registered participants the day before each training.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASE Updates from Melissa Schaller
Abraham Thinking
Abe Saffer, Director of Governmental Relations for CASE, hosted the first Abraham Thinking on September 8. The purpose of these sessions is to keep you up to date on policy and politics in Washington, D.C., and around the country, provide an opportunity to ask policy and legislative questions you may have, and to share what is happening with CASE. This is scheduled on the second Tuesday of each month from 4-5pm CST. Register on the CASE website.
This month, Abe shared three themes in Washington, D.C.: uncertainty, systematic constraints, and polarization. Some details include the physical movement of Education Department staff to other agency buildings. This is occurring even though no details are being released about the plans to implement IAAs. There has been some congressional action on IAAs, one in the House to codify IAAs, but not the moves of OSERS and OCR, and another in both the House and Senate to stop the IAAs affecting the Education Department. While it is not believed these will pass, the authors are appropriators—so we could see action with budget bills.
In news on federal education funding, I'm including a few screen grabs (see our blog post) that summarize what’s happening. While 17% is the closest to full (40%) funding we've ever reached, with the exception of one year during the recession, currently we sit at about 10.9%.
Look for potential new rules from OMB and changes to EDGAR regarding federal grants. If you are interested in federal grants available, the place to look will be grants.gov.
|
|
|
What can you do?
Check out the new CASE Legislative Action Center at casecec.org/action-center. You must be logged in.
Contact your legislators!
Share your stories! The CASE office is collecting membership testimonials. Please fill out the form and forward it to three of your CASE friends, asking them to do the same.
Renew Your Membership
With MASE membership renewals in progress through Sept. 30, we strongly encourage you to keep or add a CEC/CASE Professional Basic Membership as part of your renewal! If the CEC/CASE membership is not included in your invoice, please contact Laurie Pumper at the MASE office to get your record updated; it’s a quick process. Less than half of our Active Members currently have opted in (or out) for CEC/CASE membership—let’s get our numbers up!
CASE Conference
Registration for the CASE Conference is open. The conference takes place November 11-13 in Providence, Rhode Island. It would be awesome to have a Minnesota contingent attend. Consider adding this to your calendar. Check out details on the CASE website. If you are attending, there will be a state unit night—so don't forget to bring your MASE gear. If you are interested in CASE gear, check out their sale.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MASE Annual Meeting
Friday, November 20 | Noon-1 p.m. | Webinar
Learn what MASE has been working on in the past year—and what our priorities are for the year ahead in this one-hour webinar. This event is open to members and non-members at no cost.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Your Opinion Matters, So CEC Is Asking: Would You Attend This?
CEC is exploring the idea of creating a new series that would allow you to view 15-minute demonstrations featuring products, services, and programs from our partners all related to one subject. The subject could be anything from math instruction to IEPs or graduate programs for educators in special education.
Before CEC builds the lineup, though, we are reaching out to community members like you who have attended CEC webinars before to see if this is something you'd be interested in attending.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Room Reservations Are Going Fast!
If you are willing to share a house or cottage with some of your co-workers or other MASE friends, call Madden’s at 1-800-642-5363. If you already have a single room but are willing to switch to one of the houses with a private bath with every sleeping room and a shared full kitchen, it could help create some space for attendees who still need a reservation.
We will announce our breakout sessions soon. Nearly 250 people are already registered for this year’s conference. We are tracking ahead of last year’s record attendance—don’t miss out!
|
|
|
|
|
Sponsorship Opportunities for Fall Leadership Conference
Our sponsors and exhibitors make a significant contribution to the quality of the event—with your help, we are able to enhance our professional development opportunities. At this year’s conference, we expect over 300 special education leaders from school districts and charter schools throughout Minnesota.
All our exhibit booths are sold! You can still boost your visibility at the conference with a sponsorship. We’ve already sold several of our top tier sponsorships, but here are some opportunities that are available right now:
-
Mobile App Sponsor: Logo and link on MASE Fall Leadership Conference website and recognition on conference signage; includes 2 attendee registrations for the conference
-
Headshot Station Sponsor: Logo and link on MASE Fall Leadership Conference website and recognition on conference signage; includes 1 attendee registration for the conference
-
Keynote Sponsor: Sponsor may introduce the speaker and give a quick intro to your company; logo and link on MASE Fall Leadership Conference website and recognition on conference signage; includes 1 attendee registration for the conference
|
|
|
|
|
|
🎉 MNSELF Funding Is Available — Apply Today!
|
|
|
|
Did you know that funds raised at MNSELF events go directly back to YOU? MNSELF is now accepting proposals through our Professional Development Funding RFP—and we want to see your boldest ideas. Think beyond the typical district PD cycle: use funding for AI training to strengthen IEP quality, a book study on A Principal's Guide to Special Education, executive coaching, data literacy intensives, or legal fluency workshops. If it builds your leadership skills, we want to support it. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and reimbursement is issued after your final report is approved. Visit the MNSELF Website to access the RFP and submit your proposal—your next breakthrough in leadership development could be one application away!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members, Tell Us about Yourself
|
|
|
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. Thanks to those who have already responded!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Explore Tax Savings and Resources for Minnesota Families
|
|
|
|
Minnesota families may be eligible for state tax credits and tax relief programs. The Minnesota Department of Revenue has promotional materials you can share with families to help them take advantage of the Child Tax Credit, K-12 Education Subtraction and Credit, or free tax preparation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Student Attendance, Behavior, and Intervention Conference
October 19-20 | Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, the Depot
|
|
|
|
This 2-day conference will equip district and school leaders with practical low-burden, high-impact strategies to improve student attendance, reduce problem behaviors, and deliver effective interventions with greater confidence to produce desired results.
|
|
|
|
|
|
2026 MASA Fall Conference: Register Now!
|
|
|
Registration is open for the 2026 MASA Fall Conference in Brainerd!
Minnesota's school leaders are doing some of the most important—and most complex—work in our state. This fall, MASA gathers educational leaders from across Minnesota to learn, connect, and lead forward together.
Look for practical sessions that move beyond awareness to real implementation guidance. Hear from peers who've navigated similar challenges. Walk away with tools, strategies, and ideas you can use on Wednesday morning after our conference.
September 27-29 | Madden’s on Gull Lake, Brainerd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Next Level Speech Therapy
