Join Carol Swanson, COMPASS Regional Literacy Lead, and her team for this monthly virtual Community of Practice!

Registration Link

Please note, the dates/times listed under the title of this opportunity are not accurate; licenses will be made available within 48 hours of registration/purchase.

Paraeducator is recognized by the Minnesota Department of Education as an option for the formal assessment required to consider a paraprofessional highly qualified. Paraeducator also provides high quality professional development that districts can use to support all paraprofessionals.

Paraeducator Online Courses Include

• 150+ self-paced courses covering general education and special education environments (Course listing)
• Courses that are organized into bite-sized units and are perfect for training days.
• Post-tests at the end of each course that are automatically graded.
• Training and assessments to highly qualify paraprofessionals and meet Title I, Part A requirements.
• Transcripts and course certificates that paraeducators can access to document their training.
• Content that aligns with CEC standards for paraeducators endorsed by CASE.
• Research-based content written by experts in the field.

Assessment Information

Highly qualified prep courses in the areas of mathematical skills, reading skills, writing skills, and supporting instruction, will be assigned to those taking the assessment. We strongly recommend that individuals complete these prep courses prior to taking the assessments (estimated to take 8-12 hours to complete). The passing scores are 65% for the Instructional Support test and 70% for the Knowledge and Application test.

Instructions for Registering/Purchasing a Paraeducator License

If an individual would like to take the Paraeducator Assessment, he/she should select the Paraeducator Online Course + Assessment License rate when registering. ($85.00/license/year)

If an individual does not need to take the Paraeducator Assessment, he/she should select the Paraeducator Online Course License (no assessments) rate. ($65.00/license/year)

Once an individual has registered/purchased a license, he/she will be contacted via email with next steps for accessing his/her license and for those purchasing the license + assessments, information on scheduling the assessment.

*Individuals planning to take the assessments must have registered here and be assigned a license prior to the testing date and must provide their own internet-accessible laptop.

Districts also have the option to provide testing at their site with a designated proctor.

License Costs

$85 / license - Access to highly qualified online prep courses, access to all online PD courses, and assessments

$65 / license - Access to all online PD courses only

$20 / attempt - Each additional assessment retake (if taken with an SSC provided proctor)

Please use your school email address when registering, even if paying with personal credit card.

Structured Literacy Paraprofessional Train-the-Trainer Pilot 

The MN READ Act requires paraprofessionals and other unlicensed school staff, including volunteers who provide literacy interventions, to receive training in evidence-based literacy instruction. The COMPASS Statewide Literacy Network teams will deliver training to districts and schools across the state. However, some districts may benefit from having internal trainers, allowing for greater efficiency and sustainability in training, and supporting paraprofessionals at the district and school levels.

Cost: Free

When: June 10 & 12 or June 17 & 18

Time: Sessions will be 7 hours (6 hours for training; 1 hour for lunch, on your own)

Who: Individual(s) who will facilitate the literacy training for the paras in the district. It could include one (or more) individuals from the following list:

• Primary Audience:  District Literacy Leads and Local Certified Facilitators
• Secondary Audience:  district and school-based instructional coaches, administrators, curriculum coordinators, and other qualified personnel.
• ALL participants must have successfully completed one of the following: CAREIALL, OL&LA, or LETRS Volume 1.

Stay tuned for details regarding the agenda.

Structured Literacy Paraprofessional Train-the-Trainer Pilot 

The MN READ Act requires paraprofessionals and other unlicensed school staff, including volunteers who provide literacy interventions, to receive training in evidence-based literacy instruction. The COMPASS Statewide Literacy Network teams will deliver training to districts and schools across the state. However, some districts may benefit from having internal trainers, allowing for greater efficiency and sustainability in training, and supporting paraprofessionals at the district and school levels.

Cost: Free

When: June 10 & 12 or June 17 & 18

Time: Sessions will be 7 hours (6 hours for training; 1 hour for lunch, on your own)

Who: Individual(s) who will facilitate the literacy training for the paras in the district. It could include one (or more) individuals from the following list:

• Primary Audience:  District Literacy Leads and Local Certified Facilitators
• Secondary Audience:  district and school-based instructional coaches, administrators, curriculum coordinators, and other qualified personnel.
• ALL participants must have successfully completed one of the following: CAREIALL, OL&LA, or LETRS Volume 1.

Please note, the dates/times listed under the title of this opportunity are not accurate; licenses will be made available within 48 hours of registration/purchase.

Paraeducator is recognized by the Minnesota Department of Education as an option for the formal assessment required to consider a paraprofessional highly qualified. Paraeducator also provides high quality professional development that districts can use to support all paraprofessionals.

Paraeducator Online Courses Include

• 150+ self-paced courses covering general education and special education environments (Course listing)
• Courses that are organized into bite-sized units and are perfect for training days.
• Post-tests at the end of each course that are automatically graded.
• Training and assessments to highly qualify paraprofessionals and meet Title I, Part A requirements.
• Transcripts and course certificates that paraeducators can access to document their training.
• Content that aligns with CEC standards for paraeducators endorsed by CASE.
• Research-based content written by experts in the field.

Assessment Information

Highly qualified prep courses in the areas of mathematical skills, reading skills, writing skills, and supporting instruction, will be assigned to those taking the assessment. We strongly recommend that individuals complete these prep courses prior to taking the assessments (estimated to take 8-12 hours to complete). The passing scores are 65% for the Instructional Support test and 70% for the Knowledge and Application test.

Instructions for Registering/Purchasing a Paraeducator License

If an individual would like to take the Paraeducator Assessment, he/she should select the Paraeducator Online Course + Assessment License rate when registering. ($85.00/license/year)

If an individual does not need to take the Paraeducator Assessment, he/she should select the Paraeducator Online Course License (no assessments) rate. ($65.00/license/year)

Once an individual has registered/purchased a license, he/she will be contacted via email with next steps for accessing his/her license and for those purchasing the license + assessments, information on scheduling the assessment.

*Individuals planning to take the assessments must have registered here and be assigned a license prior to the testing date and must provide their own internet-accessible laptop.

Districts also have the option to provide testing at their site with a designated proctor.

License Costs

$85 / license - Access to highly qualified online prep courses, access to all online PD courses, and assessments

$65 / license - Access to all online PD courses only

$20 / attempt - Each additional assessment retake (if taken with an SSC provided proctor)

Please use your school email address when registering, even if paying with personal credit card.

Audience: Upper elementary (grades 3+), middle school, and high school math teachers from small and rural districts

Session Description: Are you the only math teacher in your grade level—or even in your building? Join fellow singleton math teachers from across southeastern Minnesota for a collaborative day of professional learning and planning focused on the new 2022 Minnesota Math Standards.

Led by COMPASS Math Lead Erik Durand, this session is designed specifically for small schools. Together, we’ll:

• Build understanding of the 2022 Minnesota math standards and mathematical practices
• Analyze instructional strengths and areas for growth using Pearson Benchmark Reports and MCA data
• Collaborate across districts to support both vertical and horizontal alignment
• Begin planning for a smooth and thoughtful transition from the 2007 standards to the 2022 standards

This is a great opportunity to connect with other math educators facing similar challenges, share ideas, and walk away with practical next steps for your classroom and your district.

This workshop is offered for FREE ​thanks to COMPASS (Collaborative Minnesota Partnerships to Advance Student Success), the statewide system for continuous improvement created through a collaboration between the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota Service Cooperatives.

Lunch will be on your own.

This hands-on in-person kickoff session is scheduled from 9:00-11:00 AM and is designed to show school leaders how to frame and lead AI adoption. You'll explore how to talk about AI in your district, review AI policy resources, and see how to use AI in everyday leadership tasks. The focus is on zooming out, so you can work on your school, not just in it. You'll walk away with practical ways to use AI to spend more time on what matters most.

Stay after the session for SSC’s Open House with FREE lunch and more!

Participants receive full access to the Gruvy Training Portal that guides participants step by step through the session to keeps things organized, interactive, and easy to revisit later. The portal will include all recordings, tutorials, prompts, materials, and resources we use during the session and will remain live after the training so everyone can return to it anytime as a reference.

The participation fee includes THREE follow up webinars outlined below, scheduled from 1:00-2:00 PM virtually.

1. September 30: AI for Data and Communication - This session focuses on using AI to analyze data and improve communication. You’ll learn how to summarize feedback, build reports, draft clear emails, and save time while staying aligned with your leadership goals.
2. October 21: AI for Operations and HR - Learn how to use AI for human resources, business services, and task delegation. You’ll explore real examples of how leaders use AI to create school improvement plans, grant applications, proposals, and automate repeat tasks.
3. November 4: Advanced AI Use + Teacher Support - This session explores advanced AI use cases for school leaders. You’ll also learn how to support teachers in using AI efectively across grade levels and subjects. Walk away with ready-to-share examples and tools to drive schoolwide impact.

About the Presenter: William Grube is the founder of Gruvy Education. Through Gruvy Education, he partners with over 150 schools and several state-level organizations to provide AI training. He equips educators with the skills and knowledge to use AI effectively in their specific roles.

This 2-hour hands-on session shows local government employees how to use AI. You'll learn how to apply AI to everyday tasks, like drafting clear public messages, analyzing community data, writing grants, and responding to constituent questions. We'll also cover how to think about AI, transparency, and ethical use. Walk away with real examples, tested prompts, and tools you can start using right away.

Participants will also receive access to a custom webpage that guides participants step by step through the session to keeps things organized, interactive, and easy to revisit later. The portal will include all prompts, materials, and resources we use during the session and will remain live after the training so everyone can return to it anytime as a reference.

William Grube is the founder of Gruvy Education, and he partners with over 150 schools and several state-level organizations to provide AI training. He equips professionals with the skills and knowledge to use AI effectively in their specific roles.

Attendees learn 12 foundational behavior management strategies based on applied research in more than 50,000 classrooms. The strategies prioritize connection with students while disrupting common patterns of frustration, confusion, and inequity in schools.

Strategies address shifting students’ attention, providing clarity to maximize engagement during the lesson, and promoting success during times when students are completing practice activities to applying their learning.

This interactive and engaging course offers real world, tangible examples, purposeful reflection, and opportunities to collaborate and practice with other educators who are committed to preserving relationships, increasing engagement and equity, while allowing for more curriculum time.

Participants will receive a printed workbook ($25 value) as part of the registration fee.

PREPaRE is a three day training open to school administrators, directors, and student support personnel. PREPaRE training is ideal for schools committed to improving and strengthening their school safety and crisis management plans and emergency response. All individuals who receive PREPaRE training will gain a better understanding of the organization and function of a comprehensive safety and crisis team and the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the mental health needs of students and staff in the aftermath of a crisis.

Dates: September 11, 12, and 18

Questions? Contact Sonya Kuznetsov Duffy, SHAPE Specialist, Healthy Supportive Schools at MDE by phone 651-582-8708 or email Sonya.Kuznetsov.Duffy@state.mn.us.

Introducing the "Gruvy Tuesday" webinar series related to AI in education. Join us for the three-part series or just a single webinar. This session focuses on using AI to analyze data and improve communication. You'll learn how to summarize feedback, build reports, draft clear emails, and save time while staying aligned with your leadership goals.

Participants receive full access to the Gruvy Training Portal that guides participants step by step through the session to keeps things organized, interactive, and easy to revisit later. The portal will include all prompts, materials, and resources we use during the session and will remain live after the training so everyone can return to it anytime as a reference.

William Grube is the founder of Gruvy Education. Through Gruvy Education, he partners with over 150 schools and several state-level organizations to provide AI training. He equips educators with the skills and knowledge to use AI effectively in their specific roles.

Facilitated by Shannon Helgeson and Ross Herdina of Agile Ideas Leadership, this is an opportunity for instructional coaches and educational leaders of all levels of experience, and for those who want to strengthen their facilitation skills.

Peer-to-peer leadership, such as in instructional coaching and peer mentorship, can have a significant impact on student achievement and lead to actual implementation of initiatives and professional development. However, many schools implementing this model discover quickly that peer support roles can be difficult - and even isolating. Topics for this 3-part cohort include: Coaching Conversation and Feedback Models, Facilitating Adult Learners, and Building a Culture of Learning through Transformational Coaching.

By the end of this series, participants will be able to do, know, or understand a) how to establish a coaching system in your organization, b) structured conversation models that drive decision making and create team buy-in, c) feedback systems and culture, d) the power of facilitative leadership, and e) the partner approach to learning and growth.

Participants will have opportunities to share ideas, practice conversational and coaching strategies, increase their professional skills, and establish strong systems that will help your coaching program flourish. Instructional coaches and others who lead teams and give feedback are encouraged to participate.

Audience: Instructional coaches, peer mentors, and others who provide job-embedded feedback and support

Dive into Next Gen Personal Finance’s free curriculum and resources, collaborate with other educators, and get ready to meet the new MN personal finance graduation requirements!

MASA Region 1 - Agenda Coming Soon

Learn how to use AI for human resources, business services, and task delegation. You'll explore real examples of how leaders use AI to create school improvement plans, grant applications, proposals, and automate repeat tasks

Participants receive full access to the Gruvy Training Portal that guides participants step by step through the session to keeps things organized, interactive, and easy to revisit later. The portal will include all prompts, materials, and resources we use during the session and will remain live after the training so everyone can return to it anytime as a reference.

William Grube is the founder of Gruvy Education. Through Gruvy Education, he partners with over 150 schools and several state-level organizations to provide AI training. He equips educators with the skills and knowledge to use AI effectively in their specific roles.

This session explores advanced AI use cases for school leaders. You¾ll also learn how to support teachers in using AI effectively across grade levels and subjects. Walk away with ready-to-share examples and tools to drive schoolwide impact. 

Participants receive full access to the Gruvy Training Portal that guides participants step by step through the session to keeps things organized, interactive, and easy to revisit later. The portal will include all prompts, materials, and resources we use during the session and will remain live after the training so everyone can return to it anytime as a reference.

William Grube is the founder of Gruvy Education. Through Gruvy Education, he partners with over 150 schools and several state-level organizations to provide AI training. He equips educators with the skills and knowledge to use AI effectively in their specific roles.

Facilitated by Shannon Helgeson and Ross Herdina of Agile Ideas Leadership, this program is ideal for those seeking to expand their influence, drive transformative change, and cultivate a collaborative culture.

Middle leadership is uniquely positioned to drive transformative change and spark lasting engagement. Departmental teams and cross-functional groups often serve as the birthplace ofinnovation and operational excellence. This workshop equips middle leaders with the skills andconfidence to influence decision makers, navigate informal power dynamics, and become effective agents of change.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to do, know, or understand

• Understand how leading from the middle can create authentic buy-in and influence change through informal networks.
• Apply proven techniques to ensure that all team members contribute and are heard during collaborative sessions.
• Employ structured frameworks to handle delicate discussions and resolve conflicts with confidence.

Audience: Designed for middle managers, team leads, and emerging leaders who bridge the gapbetween senior executives and frontline teams.

Shannon Helgeson is a growth-focused coach and facilitator who supports leaders in becoming the “lead learner” in their schools and communities. With an emphasis on team collaboration and responsive leadership, she moves teams from "going through the motions" to team buy-in and decision making. Ross Herdina is an organizational consultant focused on instructional leadership, culture and climate, and system design. He is a literacy specialist with 20 years experience

designing, implementing, and consulting on literacy frameworks. He has served as a dyslexia ambassador training leaders and teacher on the science of literacy.

Facilitated by Shannon Helgeson and Ross Herdina of Agile Ideas Leadership, this is an opportunity for instructional coaches and educational leaders of all levels of experience, and for those who want to strengthen their facilitation skills.

Peer-to-peer leadership, such as in instructional coaching and peer mentorship, can have a significant impact on student achievement and lead to actual implementation of initiatives and professional development. However, many schools implementing this model discover quickly that peer support roles can be difficult - and even isolating. Topics for this 3-part cohort include: Coaching Conversations and Feedback Models, Facilitating Adult Learners, and Building a Culture of Learning through Transformational Coaching.

By the end of this series, participants will be able to do, know, or understand a) how to establish a coaching system in your organization, b) structured conversation models that drive decision making and create team buy-in, c) feedback systems and culture, d) the power of facilitative leadership, and e) the partner approach to learning and growth.

Participants will have opportunities to share ideas, practice conversational and coaching strategies, increase their professional skills, and establish strong systems that will help your coaching program flourish. Instructional coaches and others who lead teams and give feedback are encouraged to participate.

Audience: Instructional coaches, peer mentors, and others who provide job-embedded feedback and support

MASA Region 1

Facilitated by Shannon Helgeson and Ross Herdina of Agile Ideas Leadership, this is an opportunity for instructional coaches and educational leaders of all levels of experience, and for those who want to strengthen their facilitation skills.

Peer-to-peer leadership, such as in instructional coaching and peer mentorship, can have a significant impact on student achievement and lead to actual implementation of initiatives and professional development. However, many schools implementing this model discover quickly that peer support roles can be difficult - and even isolating. Topics for this 3-part cohort include: Coaching Conversations and Feedback Models, Facilitating Adult Learners, and Building a Culture of Learning through Transformational Coaching.

By the end of this series, participants will be able to do, know, or understand a) how to establish a coaching system in your organization, b) structured conversation models that drive decision making and create team buy-in, c) feedback systems and culture, d) the power of facilitative leadership, and e) the partner approach to learning and growth.

Participants will have opportunities to share ideas, practice conversational and coaching strategies, increase their professional skills, and establish strong systems that will help your coaching program flourish. Instructional coaches and others who lead teams and give feedback are encouraged to participate.

Audience: Instructional coaches, peer mentors, and others who provide job-embedded feedback and support