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PELSB updates paraprofessional qualifications work group; English Learner task force report nearing legislature submission
Summary
The board received updates that a paraprofessional qualifications draft will be submitted to the commissioner by March 1 and that an MDE–PELSB English Learner Task Force report is being finalized for imminent submission to the legislature.
PELSB staff reported on Feb. 21, 2025 that work groups addressing paraprofessional qualifications and English-learner policy are finalizing draft materials and reports for public posting and legislative submission.
Debbie Odell, identified as the licensing and operations manager, told the board the paraprofessional qualifications work group met Feb. 7 and finalized competencies from PELSB’s voluntary paraprofessional credential that may be used for local assessment options districts can use to meet federal paraprofessional qualifications for special education. Odell said the final draft ("paraprofessional personnel support qualification requirements for serving in special education") is anticipated to be submitted to the commissioner by March 1 and posted on the Minnesota Department of Education website after approval. The MDE is continuing internal discussions on revised minimum passing scores for formal assessments with a decision expected in April 2025; the work group may meet again in April or May to provide guidance on how revised scores were determined.
Separately, Grant Boulanger provided a short update on the MDE–PELSB English Learner Task Force mandated by Minnesota statute. He said committee work is finalized, multiple drafts of the task force report have been written, and a draft report has been submitted and is being finalized by MDE communications and government relations staff. Boulanger and a colleague anticipated presenting the report to the board after it has been submitted to the legislature.
What was not decided No final board votes or rule adoptions were taken on these items at the Feb. 21 meeting. Staff outlined timelines and next steps for posting and approval but did not present final rule text at this meeting.
