Info

MDE Program Planning Opportunity

Sat, 03 Nov 2007 18:03:00 -0400

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) would like to enter into Annual Plan Agreements (APAs) with up to twelve contractors for the implementation of the Reintegration Framework Strategic Planning Toolkit. The amount of each APA must not exceed $5,000 for staff time only and cannot cross state fiscal years. This framework supports the embedding and implementation of research and data based practices for the successful reintegration of children and youth between nontraditional separate sites and back to schools and communities through a systems level strategic planning and action-taking process. Program types in which the Reintegration Framework Strategic Planning Toolkit is to be implemented is limited to education programs in residential care and treatment facilities as defined Minn. Stat. §125A.515, education programs associated with day programs, and State Approved Alternative Programs (SAAPs). Contractors will be expected to:Coordinate and direct the work of an interagency planning team to implement the Reintegration Framework Strategic Planning Toolkit in their program; Participate in up to five meetings conducted by the MDE, two of which will take place at the MDE. The additional three meetings will be conducted through conference calls. Participate in evaluations at the program site to assist with determining the use and effectiveness of the Reintegration Framework Strategic Planning Toolkit. If you are interested in possibly becoming an implementation site email Mary Beth Schafer at marybeth.schafer@state.mn.us and put the following in the subject of the: "Reintegration Framework Strategic Planning Toolkit Strategy". Please indicate your interest in the strategy in the body of your email and include your full name, telephone number and email address. Mary Beth SchaferNontraditional Education Programs Specialist Special Education PolicyMinnesota Department of Education651-582-8818651-582-8729marybeth.schafer@state.mn.us http://education.state.mn.us

Continuing Education Opportunities Provided At Hamline University

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 21:33:00 -0400

In November and December, two 1 credit classes will be offered.

All classes will be held at Hamline Univsersity and taught by MAAP members.

Cost is $225 per credit for Continuing Education Courses (including Technology Fee).

MAEd courses are $338 per credit (including Technology Fee).

For more information visit our website at www.hamline.edu or call the Outreach Office at 651.523.2928. Registration for classes can be done on-line. To apply for the MAEd, contact the Grad Admissions office for application materials at 651.523.2900.

Educ 6190: Reaching the Alternative Learner (1 Credit)

Instructor: Frank Herman

Hamline Univserity

Wed, Nov 7^th and 14^th, 5:30-8:30 PM

Sat, Nov 17^th, 8:30 AM-2:30 PM

Successful teachers of alternative learners must shift the focus of instruction from teacher centered to a student centered community. This includes identifying push-back variables, effective instructional strategies for at-risk learners, ethics of care and student centered classrooms. This course will focus on assisting teachers in creating an environment and/or continuing to provide support for students in an alternative learning setting, using research by Wellman and Clarke. It will examine ways to personalize learning while ensuring high expectations, with dialogue about methods for teaching alternative learners most effectively.

Students will be able to. . .

Understand the unique characteristics and needs of alternative learners
Set high expectations within a caring and individualized setting
Examine and apply teaching methods for alternative learners
Establish elements for a student centered learning environment

EDUC 6185: Teaching & Learning in Alternative Ed Programs (1 Credit)

Instructor: Julia Jilek

Hamline University

Wed, November 28^th and December 8^th, 5:30-8:30 PM

Sat, December 12^th, 8:30 AM-2:30 PM

Educators in Alternative Education Programs need a strong understanding of the hot issues and concerns that are typical, yet unique to their setting. A greater understanding of topics that impact these educators includes funding resources for alternative education and the program or services provided by those funds; similarities and difference in AYP expectations and requirements; accountability expectations; quality experiences and exemplary programs; best practices for alternative learners; variations among alternative programs and services; support systems and resources for alternative education providers; and typical misunderstandings of alternative learners and programs by traditional educator and community members.

Students will be able to. . .

Explore the typical misunderstandings of alternative learners and programs
Evaluate support systems and resources for alternative education providers and programs
Examine AYP and other accountability expectations and requirements for ALCs
Identify quality experiences, exemplary programs, and best practices for alternative learners

Post Secondary Options � Twenty Years

Thu, 12 Jan 2006 22:35:00 -0400

Post Secondary Enrollment Options, a program designed to give eleventh and twelfth grade student�s access to post secondary education turned twenty years old in 2005. Minnesota�s PSEO Program was the first in the nation. This landmark was celebrated December 13 by the convening of over fifty participants to react to a report published by the Center for School Change (CSC). The title of the study is �Stretching Minds and Resources � 20 Years of Post Secondary Enrollment Options in Minnesota� by Joe Nathan, Laura Accomando and Debra Hare Fitzpatrick.

The study as well as comments from those present at the meeting hailed the many successes of PSEO as well as noted suggestions for improvement as PSEO moves into the future. Some successes included such items as strong public support (82%), strong support from participants (97% very satisfied or satisfied), 110,000 students have participated in PSEO, PSEO has helped fuel the participation of 14,000 students in �College in the Schools� in 2004-05 school year, and PSEO students are earning higher GPA�s then university students taking the same college courses.

Some parts of the study addressed the situations found in Area Learning Centers and the kinds of students attending many learning options. Eleventh and 12th grade students of color are over represented in the ALC�s versus the statewide numbers (36% versus 20%) and statewide only 14% of PSEO students are students of color. Mention was also made of some late 1980�s legislative testimony that revealed high school students with low (1.8) GPA�s and low class rank did remarkably well (3+ GPA) in PSEO classes.

In preparation for its input at the PSEO meeting, MAAP conducted a survey of members. Most reported that there was great improvement in relationships with the colleges over past years and some programs are making good use of this option. However, some reported an unawareness of PSEO, how it operated, and interference by administrators blocking PSEO participation of students in alternative programs. This last point was also mentioned in the Center for School Change study. It should be noted that �... state law does empower high school students to pursue PSEO courses without the approval of secondary school administrators ...�

The complete CSC study can be obtained by contacting CSC at 612-626-1834 or csc@hhh.umn.edu. MAAP�s report to the December 13th meeting can be found on the MAAP website in both PDF and MS Word formats.

Terrylydell@qualityci.us

PSEO and MN Options Report (PDF)
PSEO and MN Options Report (MS Word)