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River Bluff Education Center Specialized Education Services River Bluff Education Center (RBEC) opened its doors in the fall of 2015 and serves preschool through age 21. RBEC provides specialized education services to more than 150 students each year from mostly GCED member districts. Specialized Learning Environment: The 68,000-square-foot RBEC school was designed down to the last detail to serve students who struggle in their home school. Natural light is abundant, classroom spaces adaptable and the acoustics softened to provide students with a more soothing school environment. Services to Meet Complex Student Needs: Services are designed to support pre-K to age 21 students who have complex needs and require specialized services. Programs at RBEC RBEC provides specialized educational services. Enrollment is referral-based from resident districts for the following programs: REACH (referral-based) STEP (referral-based) Pathways Location River Bluff Education Center 395 Guernsey Lane Red Wing, MN 55066

Human Resources Information Forms & Resources Federal and State Employee Notices Employee Insurance and Benefits FMLA Information General Safety, Fire Safety, OSHA and Decorating Guidelines Accident/First Report of Injury /Workers' Compensation System MN Workers' Compensation System First Report of Injury Request for Remote Work (Ad-Hoc) External Items Request Form Time Sheet Comp Time Request Form Mileage Reimbursement Form Travel & Miscellaneous Reimbursement Form Flex Plan Web Portal Instructions Flex Plan Reimbursement Form 403b Approved Vendors List 403b Deduction Form W-4 Tax Withholding Form Connect with us Brian Cashman Send a Message: bcashman@gced.k12.mn.us Assurance of Compliance/Required Trainings Title 01 Change the text and add your own content, including any information that is relevant to share. Then customize the font, size and scale to make it your own. Extended School Year (ESY) Title 02 Change the text and add your own content, including any information that is relevant to share. Then customize the font, size and scale to make it your own. First Report of Injury Title 03 Change the text and add your own content, including any information that is relevant to share. Then customize the font, size and scale to make it your own. Insurance and Benefits Job Posting Lane Changes Leave (FMLA, MN Paid Leave, etc) Licensure Notifications of Assignment/Letters of Appointment Position Descriptions Procedures, Paperwork & Forms Systems (Frontline, Red Rover, SMARTeR)

eduCLIMBER Overview eduCLIMBER is a comprehensive data warehouse tool designed for educators and administrators. It integrates data from multiple sources, including student information systems (SIS), state assessments like MCA, FastBridge, and custom assessments. The platform enables users to visualize and analyze this data through intuitive dashboards and reports, supporting data-driven decision-making to improve student outcomes. Currently the tool integrates data from Infinite Campus, Synergy, JMC, MCA, FastBridge, as well as other custom imports. Launch eduClimber Logging In How to log in Open the eduClimber website. If prompted, enter District ID: 1274 Select Sign in with Google eduCLIMBER recognizes your school Google Account. If you see multiple Google accounts, be sure to select your school account. Watch how to log in Log in Questions What if I can’t log into eduCLIMBER? If you can't log in to eduCLIMBER, there are a few common reasons why: Account de-activation due to non-use: eduCLIMBER automatically deactivates your account if you don't log in for two years. You don't have students rostered to you: eduCLIMBER automatically creates new accounts for district staff when it gets rostering files from your student information system. If you hold a position in which you need access but don’t have students rostered to you, contact Jess Whitcomb. You worked in one GCED district and now work in another. You have selected the wrong Google Account at log in. If you can't log in for any reason, simply email Jess Whitcomb and ask for your account to be created/reactivated. What access levels can people have? Unless otherwise designated, staff only have access to students who are rostered to them. Key Features Key Features Tutorial Watch a tour of the launchpad and the features available. Key Features Tutorial Charts How are a group of student doing? Use bar charts and line graphs to visualize assessments, letter grades, discipline referrals, attendance, etc. by clicking into the data, you can also drill down to look at individual students. Charts Tutorial Data Walls Spreadsheets that auto-upate. Pull up multiple pieces of data on a group of students — discipline, grades, attendance, screening assessments, high school credits, etc. Data Walls Tutorial Collections Folders, for saving and sharing information. By pinning a chart or spreadsheet to a collection, it makes it easy to find your stuff later rather than having to recreate it from scratch. It also allows you to easily share the data with your colleagues. Collections Tutorial Tags Filter students with custom categories. By default, eduCLIMBER lets you filter students by common demographics like gender, ethnicity, disability status, etc. But tagging students allows you to group up students however you want to. Tags Tutorial Thresholds Create criteria to find students and complete tasks. eduCLIMBER can comb through your data on whatever schedule you want, watch out for whatever data "thresholds" you specify, and when students trigger those thresholds eduCLIMBER can automatically email people, tag the students, or generate paperwork for the students. Thresholds Tutorial Students 3D eduCLIMBER’s Group Level Search and Visualization. It lets you search for students with a certain assessment performance, discipline incident count, grade level, disability status, ethnicity, etc. You can even combine these searches to quickly isolate a group of students who meet a certain set of criteria. Student 3D Tutorial Student Profile A profile page containing all of a student’s data. When you view individual students in eduCLIMBER, you can see assessment scores, grades, attendance, discipline, and more. Student Profile Meeting Tutorial Intervention Tutorial Smartforms Tutorial Which features fit your role? Click below to learn about the eduCLIMBER tools that will be most helpful to you depending on what role you have in your school. Gen Ed Teachers Data Walls are "smart spreadsheets" that display multiple types of data and update themselves automatically. You can make one for students who are rostered to you. Student Profiles show you an individual student's assessment data, grades, attendance data, discipline incidents, notes educators have left about the student, and more. SPED Teachers and Interventionists Interventions equip you to track and graph progress monitoring data, mark changes you're making to the intervention, and more. Use the Meeting feature by yourself, with a team of colleagues, or both. It lets you go student-by-student down a list, and for each student you can quickly access all their progress monitoring graphs + other relevant data (assessments, grades, attendance, discipline, etc.). It lets you take notes and leave comments on students. Data Walls are "smart spreadsheets" that display multiple types of data and update themselves automatically. You can make one for students who are rostered to you, a whole grade level, or the whole school. Data Walls are also how people Tag students. Tags let us filter and sort students by custom categories. They're required for students receiving ADSIS-funded interventions. Student Profiles show you an individual student's assessment data, grades, attendance data, discipline incidents, notes educators have left about the student, and more. Data Facilitators and Instructional Leaders Charts are how we get the "big picture" on assessment data, grades, discipline incidents, etc. Once you make one, you'll probably want to pin it to a Collection (essentially a folder to keep stuff so you can find it later). After you get that big picture view, teams typically drill down and look at individual student data using Data Walls. These are "smart spreadsheets" that display multiple types of data and update themselves automatically. You can make one for the whole school, a grade level, or for specific teachers. Teams often use these to help decide which students need an intervention. Data Walls are also how people Tag students. Tags let us filter and sort students by custom categories. Interventions equip the school to graph progress monitoring data. You probably won't be setting up graphs or entering data, but you will be part of teams that review it and use it to make decisions. Look for the "Managing Interventions" heading and then click "Reviewing data." The Meeting feature is often used by teams that are reviewing data for students who are already receiving interventions. Meetings let you go student-by-student down a list, and for each student you can quickly access all their progress monitoring graphs + other relevant data (assessments, grades, attendance, discipline, etc.). It lets you take notes and leave comments on students. Thresholds let us specify ultra-specific "triggers" across multiple pieces of data (e.g., grades, attendance, discipline) and once a student hits certain triggers, eduCLIMBER will automatically do things for us (e.g., tag the student, email certain people, etc.). Students 3D lets you sort students by demographics, assessment data, etc. and actually shows you students' faces. It can help you drill down to find a group of students that meets a certain criteria across multiple pieces of data and/or it can make for a compelling visual in a staff presentation. School Counselors and other Support Staff Data Walls are "smart spreadsheets" that display multiple types of data and update themselves automatically. You can make one for a whole grade level or for specific teachers. Once you make one, you'll probably want to pin it to a Collection (essentially a folder to keep stuff so you can find it later). Data Walls are also how people Tag students. Tags let us filter and sort students by custom categories. The Meeting feature is often used by teams that are reviewing data for students who are already receiving interventions. Meetings let you go student-by-student down a list, and for each student you can quickly access all their progress monitoring graphs + other relevant data (assessments, grades, attendance, discipline, etc.). It lets you take notes and leave comments on students. Thresholds let us specify ultra-specific "triggers" across multiple pieces of data (e.g., grades, attendance, discipline) and once a student hits certain triggers, eduCLIMBER will automatically do things for us (e.g., tag the student, email certain people, etc.). Students 3D lets you sort students by demographics, assessment data, etc. and actually shows you students' faces. It can help you drill down to find a group of students that meets a certain criteria across multiple pieces of data and/or it can make for a compelling visual in a staff presentation. School Psychologists Charts are how we get the "big picture" on assessment data, grades, discipline incidents, etc. Once you make one, you'll probably want to pin it to a Collection (essentially a folder to keep stuff so you can find it later). Data Walls are "smart spreadsheets" that display multiple types of data and update themselves automatically. You can make one for a whole grade or for specific teachers. Data Walls are also how people Tag students. Tags let us filter and sort students by custom categories. The Meeting feature is often used by teams that are reviewing data for students who are already receiving interventions. Meetings let you go student-by-student down a list, and for each student you can quickly access all their progress monitoring graphs + other relevant data (assessments, grades, attendance, discipline, etc.). It lets you take notes and leave comments on students. Student Profiles show you a student's assessment data, grades, attendance data, discipline incidents, notes educators have left about the student, and more. Thresholds let us specify ultra-specific "triggers" across multiple pieces of data (e.g., grades, attendance, discipline) and once a student hits certain triggers, eduCLIMBER will automatically do things for us (e.g., tag the student, email certain people, etc.). Students 3D lets you sort students by demographics, assessment data, etc. and actually shows you students' faces. It can help you drill down to find a group of students that meets a certain criteria across multiple pieces of data and/or it can make for a compelling visual in a staff presentation. Principals and Other Administrators Charts are how we get the "big picture" on assessment data, grades, discipline incidents, etc. Once you make one, you'll probably want to pin it to a Collection (essentially a folder to keep stuff so you can find it later). Thresholds let us specify ultra-specific "triggers" across multiple pieces of data (e.g., grades, attendance, discipline) and once a student hits certain triggers, eduCLIMBER will automatically do things for us (e.g., tag the student, email certain people, etc.). Students 3D lets you sort students by demographics, assessment data, etc. and actually shows you students' faces. It can help you drill down to find a group of students that meets a certain criteria across multiple pieces of data and/or it can make for a compelling visual in a staff presentation. Data Walls are "smart spreadsheets" that display multiple types of data and update themselves automatically. You can make one for a whole grade. Data Walls are also how people Tag students. Tags let us filter and sort students by custom categories. The Meeting feature is often used by teams that are reviewing data for students who are already receiving interventions. Meetings let you go student-by-student down a list, and for each student you can quickly access all their progress monitoring graphs + other relevant data (assessments, grades, attendance, discipline, etc.). It lets you take notes and leave comments on students. Educlimber graphic and text was provided courtesy of St Croix Education District

Type III Driver Training Online Training Module Welcome to Type III driver training! During this course, you will read through an approximately 20 minute PowerPoint presentation handout and take a short quiz. You will receive information that is important for the safe operation of Type III vehicles. The course information is from the Minnesota School Bus Operators Association, Department of Public Safety Minnesota State Patrol, and Minnesota Department of Education. You should contact your District or Company for specific policies and procedures you should follow regarding Type III vehicle operation. This course will cover the following: • Types of buses • Driver requirements • New legislation • Student conduct • Students with special needs • Rules of the road • Loading and unloading • Seat belts • Pre-trip inspection • Required safety equipment • Child safety check To get started, please click the link below. You can download the presentation handouts and take the test at any time. You must read the presentation before completing the quiz. The test will be processed during normal business hours. Presentation Training Quiz Driving Record Request FAQs What is a Type III vehicle? Type III vehicles are less than 10 passengers including SUVs, vans, cars, trucks, and taxis Who needs Type III vehicle training? All drivers of Type III vehicles need training How often do I need this training? The Type III Driver Training needs to be completed annually . Who can I contact if I have questions? Your school district Department of Public Safety Minnesota State Patrol MN School Bus Operators Association Where can I get forms from? Driver Evaluation Evaluator Certification Pre-Trip Inspection Driver Notification of Violation Training File Requirements

Social Worker/Counselor Resources Resources & Basic Needs Housing & Homelessness Red Wing Housing Authority Three Rivers Community Action Program HOPE Coalition Economic Support & Basic Needs Goodhue County Salvation Army Three Rivers Community Action Program (Energy Assistance) HOPE Coalition C.A.R.E. Clinic (Dental & Medical) Hispanic Outreach United Way of Goodhue, Wabasha, & Pierce Counties Red Wing Area Food Shelf Lake City Food Shelf Pine Island Food Shelf Zumbrota Food Shelf Mental Health Goodhue County HHS PIIC Prairie Island Family Services (651-385-2554) Fernbrook Family Center Crisis Response for Southeast Minnesota MNSure Crisis Numbers Cheat Sheet Psychology Today (search for a provider) Care Solace Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Haven of Hope (HOPE Coalition) Goodhue & Wabasha County Sexual Assault Advocacy Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault Minnesota Indian Women's Sexual Assault Coalition Violence Free Minnesota Men as Peacemakers Crisis Numbers Cheat Sheet Academics & Planning Academics Registration 2023-2024 Graduation Requirements (COMING SOON) Post Secondary Education Options MN Dept. of Ed. PSEO Trades/Unions/Apprenticeships MN Building Trades Apprenticeships MN Dept. of Labor & Industry Apprenticeships Driver's Ed College Planning Information & Resources Registration 2023-2024 ACT SAT Letter of Recommendation Request Form Financial Aid FAFSA US Department of Education College Search Websites Minnesota Office of Higher Education College Board Big Future Connect with our Staff Heidi Raasch 5RO School Counselor Send a Message: hraasch@gced.k12.mn.us Schedule a Meeting Whitney Bartholome 5RO School Counselor (7th and 8th grade) Send a Message: wbartholome@gced.k12.mn.us Schedule a Meeting Lauren Aagesen 5RO School Social Worker Send a Message: laagesen@gced.k12.mn.us Schedule a Meeting Resources & Basic Needs Housing & Homelessness Red Wing Housing Authority Three Rivers Community Action Program HOPE Coalition Economic Support & Basic Needs Goodhue County Salvation Army Three Rivers Community Action Program (Energy Assistance) HOPE Coalition C.A.R.E. Clinic (Dental & Medical) Hispanic Outreach United Way of Goodhue, Wabasha, & Pierce Counties Red Wing Area Food Shelf Lake City Food Shelf Pine Island Food Shelf Zumbrota Food Shelf Mental Health Goodhue County HHS PIIC Prairie Island Family Services (651-385-2554) Fernbrook Family Center Crisis Response for Southeast Minnesota MNSure Crisis Numbers Cheat Sheet Psychology Today (search for a provider) Care Solace Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Haven of Hope (HOPE Coalition) Goodhue & Wabasha County Sexual Assault Advocacy Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault Minnesota Indian Women's Sexual Assault Coalition Violence Free Minnesota Men as Peacemakers Crisis Numbers Cheat Sheet Academics & Planning Academics Registration Graduation Requirements (COMING SOON) Post Secondary Education Options: MN Dept. of Ed. PSEO Trades/Unions/Apprenticeships MN Building Trades Apprenticeships MN Dept. of Labor & Industry Apprenticeships Driver's Ed College Planning Information & Resources Registration 2023-2024 ACT SAT Letter of Recommendation Request Form Financial Aid FAFSA College Search Websites Minnesota Office of Higher Education College Board Big Future Connect with our Staff Heidi Raasch 5RO School Counselor Send a Message: hraasch@gced.k12.mn.us Schedule a Meeting Whitney Bartholome 5RO & River Bluff School Counselor Send a Message: wbartholome@gced.k12.mn.us Schedule a Meeting Tips for Online Student Success (K-6) Make sure your student has adequate supervision: Are they logged on during the appropriate class times? Is their camera on? Are they participating? Create a routine: Set alarms if you need help remembering. Plan in advance! Make sure your student has regular mealtimes. Build in movement breaks! Quiet learning space: Create a specific space for your student to learn/set up their materials. Is it quiet and free from distraction? Communication with your student's teachers: Reach out when things come up. Respond to school/teacher communication (phone/email/etc.). Partner with teachers and staff to help your student be as successful as they can be! Tips for Online Student Success (7-12) Don't procrastinate: Complete the alloted amount of assignments for each week. Break them down into smaller chunks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Break them down into daily tasks rather than looking at the whole week ahead. Create a routine: Set specific days/times for class work and stick to it. Build in meal and movement breaks. Use a planner. Ask for help if needed! Communicate: Take advantage of teachers' office hours! Ask for help/more information when needed. Reach out to your classmates. Respond to emails/communication from your teachers. Caregiver responsibilty: Know what your learner is up to! Communicate with teachers and school staff. Check in with your student and review their progress/engagement.

5RiversOnline K-6 Learners 7-12 Learners Enroll FAQs Help Center Contact Our Staff 5RO MENU Close OUR 5RO Staff First Name Last Name Search Reset Tanya Bergman Special Education Teacher 5RO tbergman@gced.k12.mn.us Amy Buchal Assistant Director of SPED KW/5RO 507-789-7026 abuchal@kw.k12.mn.us Alea Cekala SPED Teacher 5RO acekalla@gced.k12.mn.us Kim Cory Principal GCED RBEC/5RO 651-388-4441 kcory@gced.k12.mn.us Jacob Flynn STEM Teacher 5RO jflynn@gced.k12.mn.us Stacey Hauschildt 5RO Teacher 5RO shauschildt@gced.k12.mn.us Maggie Hentz 7-12 Science Teacher 5RO mhentz@gced.k12.mn.us Diana Klein School Psychologist 5RO/KW dklein@gced.k12.mn.us Cari Kohrs Elementary Teacher 5RO ckohrs@gced.k12.mn.us Mike Matuska 7-12 Math Teacher 5RO mmatuska@gced.k12.mn.us Amy Matuska 7-12 ELA Teacher 5RO amatuska@gced.k12.mn.us Ariana Nemanich Elementary Teacher 5RO anemanich@gced.k12.mn.us Rebecca Quelle EL Teacher 5RO/RBEC 651-923-4447/507-263-6800 rquelle@gced.k12.mn.us Heidi Raasch Counselor 5RO/RBEC 651-388-4441 hraasch@gced.k12.mn.us Katie Rausch Art Teacher 5RO/RBEC 651-388-4441 krausch@gced.k12.mn.us Catherine Roath 7-12 Social Studies 5RO croath@gced.k12.mn.us Jennifer Sharp Elementary Teacher 5RO jsharp@gced.k12.mn.us Rachel Shea ML Teacher 5RO rshea@gced.k12.mn.us Jason Soltis Ed Tech Support Specialist 5RO/RBEC 651-388-4441 jsoltis@gced.k12.mn.us Sara Sorenson Administrative Assistant 5RO/RBEC 651-388-4441 ssorenson@gced.k12.mn.us Rebecca Susag Speech Language Pathologist 5RO/RBEC 651-388-4441 rsusag@gced.k12.mn.us Mary Testen Occupational Therapist Colvill/RWHS/RBEC/5RO 651-385-8000 mtesten@gced.k12.mn.us Lisa Toivonen World Languages Teacher 5RO ltoivonen@gced.k12.mn.us Doug Toivonen Phy. Ed. Teacher 5RO dtoivonen@gced.k12.mn.us AJ Yusten 7-12 Business Teacher 5RO ayusten@gced.k12.mn.us

Every Student. Every Journey. At GCED, we believe individualized education will transform lives. We work alongside our member districts to provide the programs and services that help students thrive in learning and in life. 5RiversOnline 5RiversOnline provides a tuition-free, flexible K-12 online public school designed to inspire, challenge and support learners from across Minnesota to become the best version of themselves. Learn More Our Programs Every Student. Every Journey. At GCED, we believe individualized education will transform lives. We work alongside our member districts to provide the programs and services that help students thrive in learning and in life. Alternative Learning Through our alternative learning programming–Pathways, 5RiversOnline, Credit Recovery, Extended School Year, Targeted Services and Work Based Learning–we provide students with non-traditional options for academic and social development through innovative and unique programming. Learn More Special Education All students in our member districts are eligible to receive special education services provided by or through GCED. It is the goal of the GCED to achieve the highest standards of excellence for students with disabilities based upon their individual strengths and needs. Learn More Early Childhood Programs Early Childhood Programs include Birth to 3 Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education, Learning Readiness Home Visits, Early Childhood Family Education, Preschool, and Early Childhood Screening. Learn More Reading Center The GCED Reading Center is dedicated to ensuring all students receive high-quality reading instruction, achieve reading proficiency, and grow into lifelong readers. Support is provided for free to parents and families. Learn More

ASD/DCD Resources Articles Free Articles & Strategies Offer Opportunities for Expression Zones Book Nook - THE ZONES OF REGULATION: A CONCEPT TO FOSTER SELF-REGULATION & EMOTIONAL CONTROL Apps ‎The Zones of Regulation on the Mac App Store Exploring Emotions App - THE ZONES OF REGULATION: A CONCEPT TO FOSTER SELF-REGULATION & EMOTIONAL CONTROL Information to Share with Parents Resources for Kids at Home | Parent Toolkit? Other Resources Autism Society of Minnesota Free Work Tasks Professional Development Autism Certification Center (ACC) Autism Internet Modules | Welcome Read-Aloud Books & Social Stories Autism Educators Caring for Each Other on Sesame Street Coaster: Story time with Paula Kluth Discover Online Stories Famous People Reading Children's Book Julia Cook Online Stories When My Worries Get Too Big Self Care Mindfulness: The Mental Trick you can use to Get Through any Stressful Situation

Career & Technical Education Southeast Perkins: High-Quality Career and Technical Education in Southeast Minnesota About Southeast Perkins The Southeast Perkins Consortium is comprised of 21 high schools, 2 education districts, and 1 post-secondary institution. Staff and Faculty from these 23 secondary school districts and Minnesota State College - Southeast work together with each other and key stakeholders to provide quality technical education, career development, and increased opportunity for students. Learn more in the 2024-25 Plan. Member Districts and Communities Caledonia Cannon Falls Chatfield Dover-Eyota Fillmore Central Goodhue Houston Kenyon-Wanamingo La Crescent-Hokah Lake City-Lincoln Lanesboro Lewiston-Altura Mabel-Canton Plainview-Elgin-Millville Red Wing Rushford-Peterson St. Charles Spring Grove Wabasha-Kellogg Winona Zumbrota-Mazeppa Goodhue County Ed. District Hiawatha Valley Ed. District Contact Brian Cashman Secondary Coordinator, Southeast Perkins Consortium 651-764-9016 bcashman@gced.k12.mn.us CTE Program Approval Due Date: November 1, 2025 Recommended Submission Date: June 6, 2025 Questions? Contact: Brian Cashman Program Approval Form (March 2024) Program Course License Codes (May 2024) Southeast Approved Program Database (May 2024) Program Approval Checklist and Timelines (July 2024) Advisory Committees and Business Partnerships AFNR - T& I PA Information FCS PA Information

Postsecondary Enrollment What is PSEO? Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion college-level, nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions. Availability Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Each participating college or university sets its own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. Students in 11th and 12th grade may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis; 10th graders may take one career/technical PSEO course. If they earn at least a grade C in that class, they may take additional PSEO courses. No Cost There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course. Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09. Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. More Information School must provide information to students in grades 8-11 and their families by March 1, every year. Students must notify their school by May 30 they want to participate in PSEO for the following school year. For current information about the PSEO program, visit the Minnesota Department of Education's Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) webpage.

Family Resources Parent Advisory Councils Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) MEETINGS December 2025 Slides May 2025 Slides October 2024 Slides April 2024 Slides Recording Resource Guide February 2024 (Spanish) Slides WHAT IS SEAC? A SEAC (pronounced “seek”) is an acronym for Special Education Advisory Council, which is a group that provides input on special education issues to its local school district. Its purpose is to advise and advocate, not to decide policy. Minnesota law requires each school district in the state to have a SEAC. WHY IS SEAC IMPORTANT? SEACs advise school districts on the development of programs and services to meet the needs of children with disabilities and their families. By sharing their unique perspective of what it is like to use these services, parents can help the district to be more effective. As a result, outcomes for children with disabilities and communication among schools, families and community members should improve. WHY WOULD I WANT TO BE A PART OF SEAC? Parents give many reasons for joining a SEAC, including these: I may be able to help other families and children with disabilities in my school district. I can share what I’ve learned since my child began his education. I can support the school professionals in my district. I will be a good role model for my child. I feel good when I make a contribution to this community. I will learn information and skills that may help me work more effectively with my school district. I may build positive relationships with others in my district. I will become more knowledgeable about special education. SEAC MEMBERS SOUGHT! If you are a parent or a provider to a special education student, please consider serving on this council. Those interested in learning more about SEAC are encouraged to come to a meeting. This is a great opportunity to increase your awareness of special education while providing valuable input. Questions? Please contact: Cherie Johnson , Executive Director WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES? Desire to help improve programming for all special education students Willingness to read current literature relating to special education best-education practices Willingness to listen to the opinions of others and contribute ideas and perspectives Ability to work in a team atmosphere Regular attendance at meetings WHAT IS THE COUCIL TIME COMMITMENT? Council meets four times a year, in September, November, January, and April. Meetings are held on Tuesday evenings from 5:00-6:00 p.m. via Zoom. OTHER QUESTIONS? Questions? Please contact: Cherie Johnson, GCED Executive Director 651-388-4441 cjohnson@gced.k12.mn.us American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) MEETINGS & CO-CHAIRS You are invited to our monthly meeting, held the second Monday of the month at 6 p.m. Upcoming Meetings April 14, 2025 May 12, 2025 Join Our Meeting Co-Chairs Trish Mosser trishmosser@gmail.com Corey Western Boy cwesternboy@gmail.com WHAT DOES THE AIPAC DO? AIPACs serve in an advisory role to the district and help to ensure that American Indian students are receiving culturally relevant and equitable educational opportunities. AIPACs are critical to the achievement and success of American Indian students statewide, and their presence, input, and knowledge is key to strengthening district and parent partnerships. WHY IS THERE AN AIPAC? Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.78, subdivision 1, states that a school district in which there are 10 or more American Indian students enrolled and each American Indian school must establish an American Indian education parent advisory committee. Commonly referred to as American Indian Parent Advisory Committees (AIPACs), these committees serve in an advisory role and help ensure that American Indian students are receiving culturally relevant and equitable educational opportunities. These committees are critical to the achievement and success of American Indian students statewide and offer a valuable opportunity to strengthen district and parent partnerships. WHO CAN BE ON AIPAC? The American Indian Parent Advisory Committee must be comprised primarily of parents/guardians of American Indian students within our district. American Indian district staff are also eligible to serve on the committee, as are American Indian community members. While non-Native district staff may participate in the Family Committee meetings, they are not permitted to be committee members and should not be included on the District Family Committee roster. District staff should not outnumber committee members at meetings. WHAT IS THE AIPAC BUDGET AND NARRATIVE? The budget and narrative are collaboratively prepared by the AIPAC and School/District Leadership prior to the submission of the application on Nov. 30. Mid-year, the narrative and budget progress "goals" are presented to the AIPAC by District Leadership. RESOLUTION OF CONCURRENCE OR NONCONCURRENCE Prior to March 1 of each year, the AIPAC must meet to discuss whether they concur with the educational offerings that have been extended by the district to American Indian students. It is required annually for the school to receive Indian Education funding. If the AIPAC finds that the district and/or school board have been meeting the needs of American Indian students, they issue a vote and resolution of concurrence. If they find that the district and/or school board have not been meeting the needs of American Indian students, they issue a vote and resolution of nonconcurrence. The vote and resolution must be presented to the school board by one or more members of the AIPAC. If the vote is one of nonconcurrence, the AIPAC must also provide written recommendations for improvement to the school board at the time of the presentation and the School board is given 60 days to respond in writing to the AIPAC recommendations. Information About Student Assessment MEASURING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT Testing is used in schools to measure student achievement. State tests are given in a district once a year by grade and subject area. Classroom tests are given by individual teachers on a more regular basis, including quizzes, mid-terms, chapter tests, and final exams, etc. Additionally, the Goodhue County Education District uses FastBridge Learning measures, in both math and reading, to gather additional data about student learning. 25-26 GCED Assessment Calendar STANDARDS-BASED ACCOUNTABILITY ASSESSMENTS The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) and alternate assessment Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards and also meet the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Students take one test in each subject. Most students take the MCA, but students who receive special education services and meet eligibility requirements may take the alternate assessment MTAS instead. TESTS BY SUBJECT AND GRADE LEVEL Reading: MCA or MTAS in grades 3-8, and 10 Mathematics: MCA or MTAS in grades 3-8, and 11 Science: MCA or MTAS in grades 5, 8, and high school STATEWIDE STUDENT ASSESSMENT English Language Proficiency Assessments : The ACCESS for English Learners (ELs) and Alternate ACCESS for ELs are developed by the WIDA consortium and administered to English learners in order to measure progress toward meeting Minnesota’s standards for English language development. English learners who also receive special education services and meet the participation guidelines may take the Alternate ACCESS for ELs. ACCESS Parent Fact Sheet Pearson Access : Additional resources, including Item Samplers and Pearson’s Perspective. Item samplers help students and teachers become familiar with the format and type of content included in the state tests. Click on "Minnesota" to access the resources. JUST FOR PARENTS Minnesota Department of Education information on all aspects of helping your student succeed in school. In English MCA : Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment fact sheet for parents MTAS : Minnesota Test of Academic Skills fact sheet for parents Test Preparation : Suggestions for parents to help students with test preparation En Español las MCA : Preguntas y respuestas sobre las MCA en matemáticas, lectura y ciencias el MTAS : ntas y respuestas sobre el MTAS en matemáticas, lectura y ciencias Preparación del examen : Sugerencias para la preparación del examen para padres y maestros Parent Resources and Tools Resources for Child Advocacy Arc Minnesota : support and advocacy for persons with developmental disabilities and their families Autism Resource Network : merchandise and information for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and the people who love, care for, and educate them Cystic Fibrosis Foundation : resources for people living with and caring for people with cystic fibrosis DeafBlind Services MN : resources for deafblind individuals throughout MN. Since each individual has unique needs, challenges and abilities, these services are primarily customized to that person’s needs. Down Syndrome Association of MN : information, resources and support for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and their communities Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health : national family-run organization linking more than 120 chapters and state organizations focused on the issues of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs and their families Mental Health MN (formerly, Mental Health Association of MN) : enhances mental health, promotes individual empowerment, and increases access to treatment and services for persons with mental illnesses Minnesota AIDs Project (MAP) : education and services to stop HIV through prevention, advocacy, awareness and services MN Department of Education (MDE) : information Just for Parents on all aspects of public education, student needs, and student services MN Department of Human Services : child protection services, out-of-home care, permanent homes for children, child support, food assistance programs, child care services, health care coverage and children's mental health services MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (for youth and young adults) : high school students with disabilities that affect their ability to plan and prepare for work may apply for transition services through the Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) program National Center for Learning Disabilities : improves the lives of the one in five children nationwide with learning and attention issues—by empowering parents and young adults, transforming schools and advocating for equal rights and opportunities National Indian Child Welfare Association: provides training, policy, and development services to help American Indian children grow up safe, healthy, and spiritually strong PACER: expands opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents  MN Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People: services and information to help Minnesotans who are deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing and their families Southeast MN Independent Living: free, statewide information and referral resource for persons with disabilities SEMCIL: Independent Living SEMCIL: Personal Care Assistant Services MN Special Education: leadership to ensure a high-quality education for Minnesota's children and youth with disabilities. Specialists help students, parents, educators and administrators through guidance, training and sharing best practices in areas including educational programs in care and treatment facilities, secondary transition and statewide assessment for students in special education. U. S. Department of Education, OSERS: improve results and outcomes for people with disabilities of all ages Understood.org Student Handbook Read the GCED Student/Family Handbook for general information, academics, rules and discipline, health and safety and more. Student Handbook Student Handbook (Español) Minnesota Welcome Guide for Newcomers Welcome Guide Welcome Guide (Español) GCED Newsletter Click the button below to access the GCED Newsletter Newsletter Military Information Release Denial PDF Denial of Release of Directory Information PDF School Medication Physician Order and Parent Authorization Form Click the button below to download the School Medication Physician Order and Parent Authorization Form PDF

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