*NEW* 2019 Legislative Platform Online!
The 2019 Minnesota Legislative Session begins on Tuesday, January 8 and MASE will be at the Capitol to support the Association’s legislative priorities.

Thank you to all of you who participated in the development of MASE’s 2019 platform, especially the Legislative Committee Members, Area Representatives, and members who offered input and feedback. We will also provide the services and support you need to actively advocate for your own students, staff and community.

The MASE Legislative Committee asks for your help and support. Please contact your senator(s) and representative(s) personally to briefly introduce yourself and tell them that they will soon receive a copy of the MASE legislative platform for this year. This is a great way to reconnect if you already have a relationship with the person or to introduce yourself as a resource for them in the area of special education if you have not talked with them in the past.

MASE will provide several supports, including:

 This document will also be sent to the Governor and all legislators, education lobbyists, other education associations, and MDE leaders. The platform features four key areas of focus:

• Improve Student Outcomes through Emphasis of Evidence-Based Practices
• Increase Educational Efficiency
• Increase Qualified Special Education Candidates
• Support a Single Special Education Funding Formula that is Stable, Equitable Across Districts, and Simplified to be Predictable and Consistent

The online platform also includes access to details and background on each platform plank; simply click on the link to the expanded version of the platform at www.mnase.org/legislative for access to supporting information.

√ Regular Legislative Updates via email from MASE’s legislative consultant Brad Lundell.

√ Plan to Attend the MASE Day at the Capitol. All MASE members are welcome to attend!

March 21, 2019 • 8 am • Best Western Capitol Ridge • Room: Capitol Hall 2

The day will begin with breakfast and a legislative meeting starting at 8 am at the Best Western Capitol Ridge and the group will then head to the Capitol to meet with various legislators. The group will then reconvene back at the hotel at around 2:30 pm. If you need lodging, please call the Best Western Capitol Ridge at 651-227-8711 to request a room in the MASE room block.

√ MASE has a wealth of information on our web site that may come in handy during the session. See our legislative page, https://www.mnase.org/legislative.html, for info and resources.

Your leadership is crucial to insure that policymakers have the information they need to make sound decisions that support all students. Thank you for all you do to lead on behalf of MASE’s mission: MASE builds strong leaders who work on behalf of students with disabilities.

MASE Award Nominations Now Open!
Each year, MASE provides an opportunity to recognize outstanding members who are dedicated leaders and advocates for children and Minnesota education. We encourage you to consider nominating yourself or a colleague for recognition. Nominate someone who you feel reflects the qualities of a leader who is committed to education and who is an exemplary representative of MASE. Please remember that anyone can nominate for MASE awards. Please feel free to share award nomination information with your staff and community.

MASE Award candidates may be self-nominated or nominated by someone else. 

All the award applications can be found on the MASE homepage or at www.mnase.org/awards - look in the right hand column. 

Note: be sure to save the PDF to your computer before using the text boxes on the nomination forms.

All nomination materials are due to dchristians@mnasa.org by the end of the day January 7, 2019.

2019 MASE Distinguished Service Award

Nomination form and info: www.mnase.org/mase-distinguished-service-award

MASE has periodically selected recipients to receive the MASE Distinguished Service Award. The award is presented at the MASE/MASA Spring Conference. The award is not necessarily given on a yearly basis, but is presented when a recipient of particular merit is identified.

2019 Special Education Administrator of the Year Award

Nomination form and info: www.mnase.org/mase-special-education-administrator-of-the-year

The MASE Board of Directors established this award for members in the spring of 1991, and the first awards were presented at the 1992 Spring Conference. The purpose of the award is to honor one or more administrators from throughout Minnesota for excellence in special education leadership.

2019 MASE Legacy Award

Nomination form and info: www.mnase.org/mase-legacy-award

An important focus of the work of MASE is the support of emerging educational leaders. The MASE Legacy Award recognizes a member for their commitment to encouraging, developing, and mentoring leaders who reflect MASE’s mission.

2019 MASE New Special Education Leader Award

Nomination form and info: www.mnase.org/mase-new-special-education-leader

This award is given annually to a new leader who exhibits the leadership excellence required to be effective in challenging times. These skills include: a willingness to risk, an ability to collaborate, skills in listening and communicating, and a broad understanding of the educational system. Further, this award is given to a new leader who has demonstrated passion and commitment to the MASE mission of shaping policies and practices which impact the quality of education for students with disabilities.

All the award applications can be found on the MASE homepage or at www.mnase.org/awards - look in the right hand column. 

Note: be sure to save the PDF to your computer before using the text boxes on the nomination forms.

All nomination materials are due to dchristians@mnasa.org by the end of the day January 7, 2019.

Who can nominate?

MASE voting members may nominate officer candidates.

Anyone may nominate award recipient candidates.

How do you submit a nomination?

Complete the nomination form(s) and submit to the MASE office by January 7, 2019.

Where do I get the nomination forms?

Forms are sent to all members via email and are available on the MASE web site (https://www.mnase.org).

Is it required that you nominate through your region?

No.

Why does the committee need all the information for the award nominations?

To make a well considered and deliberate selection.

*NEW* 2019 MASE Leadership Nominations Now Open!
Nominate someone who you feel reflects the qualities of a leader who is committed to education and who is an exemplary representative of MASE!

Nominations for MASE Leadership Positions

MASE officers must be:

*Active Members in good standing in MASE.
*Members of CASE while serving their terms of office.

Nominations are open until January 7, 2019 for the MASE offices of: President-Elect and Treasurer.

Fill out the online nomination forms at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PXG6X78 

MASE President-Elect 2019-20

The President-Elect serves one year, followed by one year as President and one year as Past President. 

Duties as President-Elect:

The President-Elect shall serve in the event of resignation or absence of the President. S/he shall serve as Co-chair of the Strategic Planning and Federal Advocacy Committees, appoint a Chair/Co-chair-Elect to each Standing Committee, and have such other responsibilities as necessary in regard to matters as delegated by the President and/or Board of Directors.

The President-Elect travels to Washington, D.C. for CASE summer legislative and CASE fall Board meeting.

Duties as President - 2020-21:

The President shall preside at the annual business meeting of MASE and at the meetings of the Board of Directors. S/he shall appoint ad hoc committee chairpersons subject to the approval of the officers. This officer shall act for MASE between annual meetings, clearing, by mail, telephone, e-mail or other forms of electronic communication whenever necessary, important actions with the officers. The President, or such alternate as s/he may designate, shall represent MASE at meetings of other groups where MASE representation is desired or required. The President may appoint a parliamentarian to serve at all business meetings of MASE. The President shall serve as a standing member of the Business Partnership Committee.

MASE Treasurer 2019-21

The Treasurer serves a two year term.

Duties as Treasurer:

The Treasurer shall oversee the receipt and disbursement, upon proper authorization, all funds of MASE. S/he shall keep an accurate record of receipts and expenditures, and present a report at each annual meeting. The Treasurer shall draw up a proposed budget for the forthcoming year and submit it at the annual business meeting. S/he shall carry on financial and other responsibilities as necessary in regard to matters as delegated by the President and/or Board of Directors.

The Treasurer chairs the Business Partnership Committee.

The Business Partnership Committee:

1. Recruits MASE business partner members;
2. Monitors business partner member relationships;
3. Reviews and makes recommendations to the MASE Board of Directors regarding business partner membership benefits; and
4. Performs other similar duties at the direction of the President and/or Board of Directors.

We encourage you to nominate yourself or a colleague who you feel would be a strong leader for MASE. If you nominate a colleague, please contact your nominee to ask them whether or not they are interested in running for the position-and so that they know you have nominated them!

The MASE Directory can be found online at http://www.mnase.org/member-directory.html — password: MASE2018

Fill out the online nomination forms at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PXG6X78 

Nominations are open until January 7, 2019.

MASE Fall Leadership Conference Thank-Yous

Thanks to everyone who made our 2018 MASE Fall Leadership Conference a great success! We had three wonderful days of learning, networking, and fun.

Congratulations to Area D, who tap danced their way to winning the coveted Wine Tasting Trophy!

Congrats to Gary Lewis, 2018 Legacy Award recipient.

Thanks to all who participated in the fundraising events — because of your generosity, we raised $6,575 for MNSELF.

And thanks to our business partners and exhibitors for their valued support!

CEUs were emailed to conference participants on October 30 from members@mnasa.org.

Conferences presentations and handouts can be found on the MASE website at www.mnase.org/fall-conference-handouts.

Register Today!
Special Education Finance Bootcamp!
Registration is open for the Special Education Finance Bootcamp.

• January 16 (Metro) - this session is full
• February 13 (Staples)
• April 10 (North Mankato)
• May 15 (MASE Best Practices Conference)

2 weeks prior to each session registration will be open to other district staff (business managers/directors/superintendents/staff)

Topics Covered:

• Overview of Special Ed. Funding
• Understanding your district’s SpEd Comprehensive Aid Report
• Maximizing your Revenue
• Time & Effort Reports
• Cross Subsidy Calculation
• Tuition Billing
• Q&A Session and much more!

This one-day training is for MASE Members (preferably Directors) with a maximum of 30 participants at each training.

All sessions are from 9:00am - 3:00pm. Attendees should bring their own lunch. Beverages and snacks provided.

Cost: $125.00 per person • Maximum participants: 30

Register at: https://gced.wufoo.com/forms/z1pxfrzv16q6503/ 

Informational flyer

Please contact John Klaber at (jpklaber@gmail.com) or at 507-469-9096 if you have any any questions regarding the MASE 2018-19 Regional Finance Bootcamp.

Directors’ Forum Dates
Location: MDE in Conference Center B

December 7, 2018
March 22, 2019
May 3, 2019

SEAP Dates
Location: MDE in Conference Center A, Room CC-13

November 30, 2018
January 25, 2019
April 26, 2019

MASE Leadership Issues: January 24, 2019
Please join us at the next meeting of the MASE Leadership Issues (formerly Rural Issues):

January 24, 2019
10am – 2pm
Benton-Stearns Ed. District
517 2nd St S, Sartell, MN 56377 | Map

Schedule
10 am - Build Agenda
10:15 am - Discussion
12 noon - Lunch
2 pm - Adjourn

Join your colleagues from across the state for good company and great discussion about current topics in special education leadership!

If you have any questions please contact MASE Executive Director John Klaber (jpklaber@gmail.com).

You're Invited!
MASE Day at the Capitol
Date: March 21, 2019
Time: Meeting will begin at 8 am
Location: Best Western Capitol Ridge | 161 St Anthony Ave, St Paul, MN 55103
Room: Capitol Hall 2

The day will begin with a hot breakfast and legislative meeting starting at 8 am at the Best Western Capitol Ridge and the group will then head to the Capitol to meet with various legislators. The group will then reconvene back at the hotel at around 2:30 pm.

All MASE members are welcome to attend!

If you need lodging, please call the Best Western Capitol Ridge at 651-227-8711 to request a room in the MASE room block.

Have You Moved?
Whether for new jobs, retirements, or new staff, now is the time of year when many of our members start to make changes for the new school year. Help us keep track of our members — and keep MASE benefits and services coming your way! If your position is changing, or you know of someone who is making a change, please let us know and we will follow up. Just send us an email (members@mnasa.org) or give us a call (651-645-6272 or 1-866-444-5251). Also, if you have new colleagues in your area who are not yet MASE members, let us know and we will send membership information to them for the new school year.

MASE Business Partner Program Brochure
MASE has a new business partner program brochure. The program brochure provides an overview of the benefits of becoming a MASE Business Partner - including a break down of the three different program tiers. Feel free to use it in conversation with your partners!

View it directly here - and be sure to check out the MASE Business Partner webpage at www.mnase.org/business-partnerships.

Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement Professional Learning Opportunities
We are excited to share some news with you! We are offering a variety of professional learning opportunities this school year to help meet our vision of building Minnesota educators' data-based decision-making capacity. We currently have scheduled the following sessions geared toward building and/or district teams:

• Data boot camps to provide protocols for examining universal screening and/or progress monitoring data
• Training for building-level problem solving teams on using a systematic problem solving approach to guide their work
•  Networked Improvement Communities to help find solutions to common problems of practice and evaluate the impact
• Two guided book studies
  • Learning to Improve: How America's Schools Can Get Better at Getting Better (Bryk, Gomez, Grunow, LeMahiew, 2015)
  • Effective Universal Instruction: An Action-Oriented Approach to Improving Tier I (Gibbons, Brown, Niebling, 2018)

Additional details have been included in the attachment. These offerings are available to CAREI Assembly Members at a 20% discount. In addition to the attachment in this email, more details are provided for you at this link: https://www.cehd.umn.edu/carei/pd.html

If you would like more information on becoming a CAREI member, please contact Amber Humm Patnode (ahummpat@umn.edu). Check out a copy of our agenda for our first meeting. We hope to see you at one or more of these opportunities!

Bethel Announces New Undergraduate Special Education Programs
Beginning in 2019, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Special Education program will give students credentials and hands-on experience they can put into practice immediately. The B.A. in Special Education will help you become a skilled professional in a high-demand profession. You’ll learn to customize programs to meet individual needs and serve students with compassion in a variety of roles. This program will build your knowledge base and refine your skills in assessing, supporting, and educating students with mild to moderate disabilities. You'll build a solid, foundational base of knowledge and after completing your B.A., you'll be and be able to add additional licenses to serve students in several disability categories. Bethel offers stackable licenses in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD), and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD).

Check out their new website here: www.bethel.edu/adult-undergrad/academics/special-education/

You can read their blog post about their new program online!

Checklist of High-Leverage Practices for K-12 Special Education
This checklist, presented at the CAREI District Assembly meeting in January 2018, is a tool for special education and leadership teams to use in evaluating their systems for serving students receiving special education services. The checklist has clearly defined criteria in the areas of (a) collaboration, (b) assessment, (c) social/emotional/behavior practices, and (d) instruction and will help teams identify goals, coaching needs, and systems for measuring success.

Higher Ed Program Resource Page
We would like to inform you that as a service to our members, the Minnesota Administrators for Special Education (MASE) will post information we receive from colleges/universities about their licensing programs.

This information will be posted on the MASE web site at www.mnase.org/higher-ed-program-resources (Higher Ed Program Resource Page).

Institutions that are MASE Business partners will have the MASE Business Partner Logo next to their posting. If institutions are not currently partners and would like information, they can contact the office at 651-645-6272 for materials or go to www.mnase.org/joinmembership

Please submit your information to Jeanna Vohnoutka at the MASE Offices.

Here is the current list of MASE retirees who are available for interim and/or consulting work:

Pauline Bangma
paulinebangma@gmail.com
763-257-5528
Type of work: Mentoring, consulting, projects, other SPED administrative tasks
Region: All of MN

Dar Bell
darlenebell90@gmail.com
612-201-2020
Type of work: Projects, due process monitoring, staff supervision, grant-writing, hiring activities, and other administrative tasks
Region: Three hour radius from Twin Cities

Ann Bettenburg
ann.bettenburg@gmail.com
612-201-9763
Type of work: Mentoring, fill-in, consulting, anything that could be considered helpful to a district or director
Region: Primarily Region 11, open to others

Stephanie Corbey
stephaniecorbey@gmail.com
(612) 664-8966
Type of work: Consultant for special education K-transition programs, mentoring, projects
Region: Primarily Region 11, open to others

Lori Fildes
bscottfildes@gmail.com
612-508-3875
Type of work: Administrative due process, employee training and support, program review E-12
Region: Northern MN, Lakes area, some metro

Gary Lewis
g_e_lewis@charter.net
507 649-7452
Type of work: Consulting, Training
Region: All of Minnesota

Douglas Millaway
dmedia5162@gmail.com
320-267-2540
Type of work: Program review, special education in alternative settings, mediation, and independent evaluations
Region: All of Minnesota

Charlene Myklebust
ckmyklebust@gmail.com
612-240-6103
Type of work: Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma competent schools, brain-based learning, mindfulness, children's mental health
Region: All of Minnesota

Carla Schulz
carla.schulz@strategicss.com
651-470-1986
Type of work: Consultant for special education needs
Region: Greater Twin Cities Area

Chris Sonenblum
sone0001@umn.edu
612-723-2405
Type of work: Mentor for new and interim directors and leaders
Region: Twin Cities Metro Area

Kris Tolzmann
kat02@bevcomm.net
507-995-2272
Type of work: E/BD consultant, Behavior program planning K-12
Region: Any

• November 19
• November 26