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✨Back in Action: DPF Update Edition!
Dear Special Education Teachers,
Although this message is coming a bit later than planned, we want to warmly welcome you to the 2025–2026 school year.
We’re deeply grateful for your continued dedication to providing inclusive, high-quality instruction for students with diverse learning needs. Your work makes a lasting impact, and we appreciate all you do each day to support our students and families.
This DPF update is meant to share key programming updates, reminders, and resources to support your work throughout the year.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment—we’re looking forward to a strong year ahead.
With appreciation,
Gina Foreman, Abby Thein, Tyler Jachim, Marissa Mastel, Wanda Carter, Andrea Walvaert, Anne Silverman, Katie Cruz
💡 Got a Great Idea? We Want to Feature It!
We love hearing from you—submit your ideas to be included in the next DPF Update!
📬 Click here to share your thoughts
Professional Instruction Center (PIC):
Professional Instruction Center (PIC):
🎯Your Voice Matters: Complete the PIC Curriculum Survey!
The Special Education Department is asking all special educators to complete a brief, anonymous curriculum survey to help us better understand how Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) is being delivered across MPS—what curricula and tools are in use, and where gaps may exist in resources or support.
To assist you, please refer to the SDI & Curriculum Guidance Documents (linked below), which outline recommended tools by grade level, content area, and setting. While not all roles are represented, we still encourage you to complete the survey based on what you currently use.
Your input is essential in shaping future SDI resources and supports. Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your experience!
9-12 SDI & Curriculum Guidance
🔗 Click here to complete the PIC survey
💻 Reminder: Online WJ V Training Available for SPED Teachers
As a reminder, Special Education Teachers can now access the Woodcock-Johnson V (WJ V) online training anytime through Riverside Learn. This self-paced training provides essential support for administering the assessment.
To get started, simply follow the steps below:
Go to this link
https://riversideinsightsclinical.myabsorb.com?KeyName=GqgtmdpocL.Xm~iL5TvN
(If prompted, the enrollment key is GqgtmdpocL.Xm~iL5TvN, but using the link above should bypass the need to enter it.)Register
Enter your required information (First Name, Last Name, Email, Password), then click Sign Up at the bottom.Verify your registration
You will receive an email confirmation. Verify your email to complete registration, then log directly into the Riverside Learn LMS system.Access the Catalog
From your Dashboard, click the blue Catalog button. From there, select the WJ V Learning Journey.
Enroll and begin training
Click Start or Enroll in the courses listed. These courses will also appear under the Courses section on your Dashboard if you return later to continue.
📲 Need a WJ-V iPad? Be Sure to Complete the Checkout Form!
One staff member per school should complete this form to check out the iPad used for administering the Woodcock-Johnson V. Entries are logged automatically, so please double-check your info.
Due to mail delays, we recommend picking up the iPad from the PIC when possible. To request delivery, email: MPS.PIC@mpls.k12.mn.us
Indian Education:
Indian Education:
IMPORTANT REMINDER❗
If you have Native students on your caseload, make sure to include both Aquila Tapio and the Indian Education Cultural Liaison assigned to your building on the IEP team.
Invite cultural liaisons to all IEP meetings
Include cultural liaisons on MTSS teams and during the special education evaluation referral process
Reach out to cultural liaisons proactively to collaborate on student needs
Not sure which Cultural Liaison is assigned to your building? Check below or click here!
Monitoring and Compliance:
Monitoring and Compliance:
Questions? Contact: Anne Silverman and Katie Cruz
Director: Nolan Murphy
New! Monthly Due Process Workshops
We are pleased to announce a new opportunity for support:
Due Process Workshops will be held on the 2nd Wednesday of every month, hosted by the Special Education Department.
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: PIC Room 203, NorthStar Building
Address: 2410 Girard Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411 (Use Door 6)
Registration: Due Process Workshop
🙋What Are Due Process Days?
🙋What Are Due Process Days?
Licensed special education staff receive 3 Due Process Days per year to complete required paperwork.
Newly realigned staff get 1 extra day their first year.
In years 2 and 3, they may request additional time from their building.
Days must be scheduled in advance (Tues–Thurs) and entered into AESOP.
Staff are released from school duties, and buildings must have a support plan in place.
📋 Roles & Responsibilities: Team Collaboration
📋 Roles & Responsibilities: Team Collaboration
Special Education teams—please take time to complete the Roles and Responsibilities document together at your site. This collaborative activity helps build a shared understanding of each team member’s role in due process paperwork and student case management.
👉 Complete the form here to support strong team alignment!
General Programming and Instructional Supports:
General Programming and Instructional Supports:
📢 Special Education Office Hours! 📢
📢 Special Education Office Hours! 📢
Need answers to your Special Education questions? Talk to a LIVE person who’s ready to help!
📅 Tuesdays – Check the schedule below for available times.
💻 Join us here: Google Meet
🔑 Google Nickname: spedofficehour2526
🛡️ MPS Foundations Training: De-escalation & Personal Safety
🛡️ MPS Foundations Training: De-escalation & Personal Safety
Special Education Staff — Don’t miss this essential training!
Join us for the Foundations of De-escalation and Personal Safety Training, designed to equip you with vital skills in:
Crisis response
Situational awareness
De-escalation strategies
📅 View the full MPS Foundations Training Schedule for sessions being offered throughout the school year here.
Help Us Grow the Next Generation of MPS Teachers by spreading the word about MPS' Teacher Licensure Pathways and Programs
Do you know someone who would make an excellent Special Education teacher? MPS Grow Your Own informational session season is upon us!
The MPS Grow Your Own department has amazing pathways that inspire and support MPS staff to become licensed educators. Grow your Own pathways are open to all MPS staff and employees of our community partners who are interested in obtaining an initial or additional teaching license. Specifically, we focus on opportunities for non-licensed staff and teachers with tier 1 and tier 2 licenses. Learn more about our MPS Grow Your Own programs on our website, and check out one of the information sessions below.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mps.Gyo@mpls.k12.mn.us.
Thank you for considering and sharing these opportunities within MPS Grow Your Own!
MPS GYO Team
MPS + St. Thomas Teacher Residency (MSTR)
Program Requirements: Must hold a bachelor’s degree and must be interested in earning a Tier 3 licensure in either Special Education ABS as well as a master’s degree in the selected path. Learn more.
Next Informational Session: Sept. 22 from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., Google Meet
Contact: channing.jones@mpls.k12.mn.us
Program Requirements: Must hold an Associate of Arts degree and be interested in earning a Tier 3 licensure in either special education ABS license or pre-K - 6. Learn more.
Next Informational Session: Oct. 2 from 5 - 6 p.m., Google Meet
Contact: ryan.mulso@mpls.k12.mn.us
MPS-Academy (MPS-A):
Program Requirements: Must hold a bachelor's degree and be interested in earning a Tier 3 licensure in Special Education ABS. Learn more.
Next Informational Session: Oct. 14 from 4:30-5:30 p.m., Google Meet
Contact: thuythanh.tran@mpls.k12.mn.us
Tips and Tricks:
Key Benefits of Using Visual Schedules
Key Benefits of Using Visual Schedules
Promotes Independence: Schedules give students a sense of control over their day. By following a visual or written schedule, they learn to transition between activities on their own, reducing their reliance on adult prompting.
Reduces Anxiety: Knowing what to expect and when to expect it eliminates the fear of the unknown. This predictability creates a calm learning environment, allowing students to better engage with their lessons.
Improves Time Management: Schedules teach students the concept of time and how to allocate it effectively. They learn to understand the flow of the day and can prepare for upcoming events, like lunch or a special class.
Enhances Communication: For students who have difficulty with verbal communication, schedules act as a visual aid. They can point to an icon or picture to communicate what they want to do next, which empowers them to express their needs and desires.
Need Ideas??? Start here:
Special Ed Request Form:
Special Ed Request Form:
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