THE HENTON HEADLINES
March 28, 2024

Have you Voted for MASA President-elect and Representatives to the Board of Directors?

Whether you are an active or retiree member, you should have received an email from Dave Christians on Monday, March 18, with voting instructions. If for some reason, you did not receive that email, please contact Taylor Ethen at taylor.ethen@mnasa.org.

We have multiple ties for positions that are up for a vote this spring. Please remember to cast your ballot! Voting closes on April 5. 

Computer Science Working Group Update:

Minnesota’s Computer Science Working Group has completed their work to develop a State Strategic Plan for computer science, as required by MN Statute 120b.241. The final plan can be viewed on MDE’s Legislative Report page: https://education.mn.gov/MDE/about/rule/leg/rpt/. The comprehensive plan includes recommendations that are aligned to the requirements outlined in the legislation, such as teacher licensure, high-quality professional development, continuous improvement, and standards, among others. Also included with the plan is a comprehensive budget estimate (Appendix 2) that would be necessary for effective implementation should the plan move forward, including on-going funding for school districts to support staffing in computer science. This plan was a collective development from multiple perspectives including representation from higher education, PELSB, students, teachers, administrators, school board members, and indigenous education.

It is not yet clear what legislative steps may be taken next, but there is one bill advancing that is related to this plan. HF 3492 establishes grants for the development, recruitment and licensure of computer science teachers in Minnesota.

Thank you to Osseo Executive Director of Technology Anthony Padrnos for serving on the working group and for this report.

What is Community Engaged Leadership? Here is a Resource for you to Learn more about this Effective Practice:

In this article article, “Taking a leap toward community-engaged leadership” by Darrius A. Stanley, Dan Brogan and Emily Colton, information is presented on how to more effectively and authentically involve the community in schools. The “LEAP” model for engagement is discussed with relevant examples provided. The St. Anthony-New Brighton Schools Superintendent Dr. Renee Corneille provided this resource that challenges the reader to consider how to engage their public differently.

Frameworks Culture Change Project

Research on communications surrounding race and equity is provided by Frameworks and shared with us via Katie Pekel, Ed.D., Executive Director of Educational Leadership, University of Minnesota. Most of the resources provided by Frameworks are free. Here is guidance is guidance on how to communicate about transgender youth. 

Leadership Matters!

“For me [leading wellbeing] means being a role model, embracing well-being myself—living that kind of lifestyle. It’s not just about health—physical, mental, spiritual—but also about being vibrant and joyful.”

       Susie Ellis, Chief Executive Officer, Global Wellness Institute

Detailed information may be found at

https://www.mnasa.org/whats-new.html

and the MASA Calendar