2025-26 Communications

Communications for the 2025-2026 School Year

August/September 2025

1) August 20, 2025 New Teacher Training Slide Show (pdf)

November 2025

November 11, 2025 Communication and Advisory Committee Slide Show (pdf)

1) SOLER Curriculum: This evidence-based curriculum, complete with ready-made materials and slideshows, is free to anyone working in Region 3. Register here. 

2) SpEd Forms: Utilize the Modify My Dashboard feature - customize how you see fit. MA Forms updates, remember to match your log date with the activity log dates. When uploading medical documents into History, remember to check the “medical” box.

3) Artificial Intelligence (AI): Use AI for efficiency and time savings, personalizing your instruction, to check accuracy and compliance, and for professional growth and thinking partners. Be aware of data privacy.

4) Inclusive & Strength-Based Language: This language is essential for writing IEPs that empower students, foster a growth mindset, and are effective.

5) Continuum of Services: High minutes of paraprofessional services are considered more restrictive; the IEP is based on needs identified by data, not schedules.

6) Amending an IEP: The Agreement to Amend form is optional; a Prior Written Notice (PWN) is still required.

7) Addressing E-Learning Days: Address these days in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) section.

8) Students who attend abbreviated days due to parent request: Refer to the Sample PWN Language.

9) Parent Request for Evaluation: You must respond within 14 calendar days through a PWN. This process requires two planned and documented pre-referral interventions conducted by general education teachers (refer to MDE Q&A).

10) Responding to Absent or Dropped Students: For chronic absenteeism, look at root causes in school; consider health, behavior, or social/emotional issues that impact attendance. Document all attempts. For a 15-day drop, the student is still entitled to education and services outlined in the IEP. Districts should make efforts to locate and communicate with families to offer continued services.

11) Writing Measurable Goals and Objectives: Must identify the gaps that need to be closed with specialized instruction and supports.

12) Secondary Transition: For Middle School students, look at age-appropriate transition assessments by understanding their interests. In High School, explore potential work and skills to assist students in reaching their postsecondary goals.

13) Re-evaluations and High School Students: Do not waive re-evaluations for high school students who typically have higher needs. Talk with families/IEP teams to determine what services or adulthood will look like to determine assessment needs.

14) Transition Summit (formerly Mentoring Day) will be on 3/9/26 from 9:45 AM to 1:30 PM for students in grades 10–12 and 18–22 years old. Includes a parent series.

15) College for a Day at LSC is on 2/3/26.

16) VRS Updates: Free online courses are available for "unmet needs" that districts cannot provide. Schools are responsible for getting applications to families and registering/scheduling the online modules. Contact the NLSEC WBL team for forms.

17) Termination of Eligibility upon Graduation: A student is no longer eligible when the evaluation shows they no longer qualify, they graduate with a regular high school diploma, they turn 22 years old, or the parent/guardian revokes consent.

18) Statewide Testing: The MTAS will become the Alt MCA with the MCA IVs. Connect with your District Assessment Coordinator (DAC) for local training.

19) Curriculum in Special Education: CAC members, please fill out this survey.

November 25, 2025 Child Count Memo sent by Billie Jo Steen