Quick Connect, Weekly Education Newsletter
News and resources from Resource Training & Solutions Education Department
Resource Training & Solutions, part of the Minnesota Service Cooperatives, partners with the Minnesota Department of Education to bring COMPASS (Collaborative Minnesota Partnerships to Advance Student Success) to central Minnesota.
Through COMPASS, Resource provides free, evidence-based support, professional development, and continuous improvement with guidance in literacy, math, school climate, and culturally responsive leadership. This statewide system, which includes MnMTSS, meets diverse educator needs with targeted support to foster equitable, high-quality learning environments.
Advancing Literacy Success for Every Student Across Central Minnesota
Advancing Literacy Success for Every Student Across Central Minnesota
Empowering Educators to Elevate Math Achievement Across Central Minnesota
Empowering Educators to Elevate Math Achievement Across Central Minnesota
Building Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environments Across Central Minnesota
Building Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environments Across Central Minnesota
Fostering Inclusive Leadership for Lasting School Improvement
Fostering Inclusive Leadership for Lasting School Improvement
Building Equitable Learning Environments with Multi-Tiered Support
Building Equitable Learning Environments with Multi-Tiered Support
News and resources from Resource Training & Solutions Education Department
Looking to strengthen literacy instruction across your district? Our regional literacy team is here to help you build internal capacity and provide high-quality professional learning for instructional support staff.
On April 23, 2025, Resource Training & Solutions proudly honored 123 high school seniors at the 38th Annual Students of Excellence Award Banquet. View photos and learn more about the event.
Structured Literacy CohortTarget Audience: K-3 grade classroom teachers, K-6 EL teachers, K-12 special education teachers as appropriate, interventionists, related service specialists, or instructional coaches, administrators, others as you deem appropriate.Description: The Structured Literacy Cohort is an empowering professional learning that provides participants with a deep knowledge to be literacy and language experts in structured literacy practices. The facilitator will support participants through efficient pacing to complete online modules successfully, provide context and examples about the readings, and provide guidance on using the Bridge to Practice activities to make necessary connections back to the classroom.
Join our comprehensive 6-session training course designed for beginners and intermediate users to unlock the full potential of Excel spreadsheets or Google Sheets. Participants will learn essential skills, from basic formulas to advanced data visualization, through practical exercises that enhance productivity and data management. Perfect for school staff, this virtual course provides flexible session times and aims to boost your confidence in working with complex datasets and creating insightful reports.Attendees will have the option of 7:15-7:45am and/or 3:30-4:00pm.
The Mental Health Network is for school + county mental health professionals and related positions to come together to collaborate, share ideas, develop professionally, and stay current on resources that help students be successful in school, at home, and in the community. Presenters will be invited to multiple network meetings. Topics will include but are not limited to: trauma-informed practices, alternative discipline, brainspotting therapy, and school partnership opportunities. Mental health-related positions include but are not limited to social workers, counselors, and administration leading efforts in the areas of safety and social-emotional learning. Resource Training & Solutions will host six network meetings per school year. General CEUs will be provided when we conclude in May, based on individual attendance.
Join us for an interactive one-hour session focusing on Minnesota's revised Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs), tailored to meet the evolving needs of children and families. You will have the opportunity to explore updates, culturally responsive practices, and collaborate on practical strategies for effective implementation. This workshop promises to equip participants with essential tools and clarity for a successful rollout of the ECIPs, ensuring alignment with district goals and compliance requirements.
The Curriculum Coordinators Network (CCN) and the District Assessment Coordinators (DAC) are two groups that often deal with similar issues. As a result, these two groups can collaborate, exchange information, and share best practices regarding curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
Structured Literacy CohortTarget Audience: K-3 grade classroom teachers, K-6 EL teachers, K-12 special education teachers as appropriate, interventionists, related service specialists, or instructional coaches, administrators, others as you deem appropriate.Description: The Structured Literacy Cohort is an empowering professional learning that provides participants with a deep knowledge to be literacy and language experts in structured literacy practices. The facilitator will support participants through efficient pacing to complete online modules successfully, provide context and examples about the readings, and provide guidance on using the Bridge to Practice activities to make necessary connections back to the classroom.
The PK Structured Literacy Cohort is a professional learning experience for preschool and kindergarten teachers and support staff who desire a deeper knowledge of early literacy instruction.
Join your COMPASS Math Team for this virtual session that will give an overview of recent updates that have taken place in the 2022 math standards implementation process, and offer a protocol that can be used for unpacking the new benchmarks.
The Technology Coordinators network meets five times per school year to discuss and collaborate on current issues in the area of technology use within schools.
Want to leverage AI to improve instructional practices, but not sure where to start? This book study can help you find the right jumping off point to understand how AI can not only elevate educational practices but also create more efficiency for educators and space for creativity. The book, Elevating Educational Design with AI by Dr. Catlin R. Tucker and Dr. Katie Novak will be used as a guide to inform our learning.
The PK Structured Literacy Cohort is a professional learning experience for preschool and kindergarten teachers and support staff who desire a deeper knowledge of early literacy instruction.
Join us for a virtual six-session book study on Rethinking Disability and Mathematics: A UDL Math Classroom Guide for Grades K-8 by Rachel Lambert. This study will explore inclusive and equitable math instruction, focusing on strategies that support diverse learners.Participants will engage in discussions on key themes such as reimagining student potential, disrupting deficit-based thinking, and designing math instruction that values diverse ways of knowing. This opportunity is ideal for classroom teachers, special educators, and math coaches seeking to deepen their understanding of inclusive practices.
The Business Manager Network has been designed to provide both new and veteran business managers a forum to learn, collaborate, network and grow professionally.
Foundational Institute for Coaching Days 1 & 2This training centers on mentoring with an equity lens, exploring mentoring roles, using high-leverage tools to engage in mentoring cycles, and creating an optimal learning environment for students and teachers. Through this two-day training, mentors will acquire the tools and strategies needed to foster inclusive learning environments and promote equitable outcomes for every learner.This training will be the first two days of the four day FIC training. Participants have a choice of signing up for Days 3 & 4 in person in August or hybrid in the Fall. Days 3 & 4 are offered two times:August 21st - 22nd in person at Resource Training & SolutionsSeptember 19th & October 3rd hybridThis opportunity is partially funded with a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education using federal funding, CFDA 84.027A, Special Education - Grants to States
The School Resource Officer Network is a space for SRO’s and supporting roles to collaborate, share ideas, and develop professionally with colleagues across the state. Presenters will be invited into multiple network meetings. Topics may include but are not limited to: mental health, trauma, resilience, restorative practices, alternative discipline, self-care, and school partnerships. A MN POST credit will be offered on multiple dates.
Join Nikki Bettcher Erickson to learn more about how project-based learning can boost student engagement. This virtual training is helpful to anyone working in K-12 settings with students or coaching educators in different ways to inspire and motivate students.
Foundational Institute for Coaching Days 1 - 4This four-day training centers on mentoring with an equity lens, exploring mentoring roles, using high-leverage tools to engage in mentoring cycles, and creating an optimal learning environment for students and teachers. Through the four-day training, mentors will acquire the tools and strategies needed to foster inclusive learning environments and promote equitable outcomes for every learner.Cost for this training is reduced due to a Mentoring / Induction grant from MDE.This opportunity is partially funded with a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education using federal funding, CFDA 84.027A, Special Education - Grants to States
Join us for an engaging session designed to deepen educators' understanding of fraction operations beyond mere memorization. Participants will explore conceptual foundations through visual models, hands-on activities, and real-world problem-solving techniques. Discover effective strategies to help students develop a lasting, meaningful understanding of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions.
This practical resource offers the foundational skills and tools needed by new coaching educators, as well as presenting an overview of the knowledge and theory base behind the practice.
Join us for a workshop focused on Disciplinary Literacy, where educators will learn how to equip students with the essential skills to comprehend and analyze complex texts across various content areas. Grounded in the Science of Reading and utilizing Scarborough's Reading Rope, this session will provide practical strategies for integrating literacy demands specific to each discipline. Participants will engage in interactive discussions and leave with actionable insights to enhance their instruction and support student literacy development.
Join us for a transformative workshop on Close Reading, rooted in the Science of Reading, designed to equip educators with effective strategies for fostering deep, analytical reading skills. Participants will engage in interactive activities that promote critical thinking and enhance comprehension, guiding students through complex texts across various disciplines. Come ready to explore practical techniques that will empower your learners to analyze, question, and connect meaningfully with what they read.
Join us for a Data Day dedicated to empowering school leaders in data-driven decision-making, where participants will gain hands-on experience in analyzing student performance data and developing actionable strategies to enhance educational outcomes. Attendees will learn best practices for data collection and interpretation, explore equity-focused approaches, and collaborate to create effective action plans for instructional improvements. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach to data and foster student achievement—lunch will be provided, and the session is partially funded by COMPASS: Collaborative Minnesota Partnerships to Advance Student Success.
Get ready to transform your math classroom with this interactive workshop that equips educators with creative strategies to support all learners. Explore math language routines, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) practices, and engaging intervention activities that promote deep understanding. Through hands-on experiences and real-world examples, participants will discover flexible instruction, multimodal strategies, and inclusive techniques to ensure every student thrives in math. Join us to make math more accessible, engaging, and effective for all!SCHEDULE FOR MINI-CONFERENCE:8:00-8:30 - Check-in8:30-10:00 - Keynote: Graham Litterst: Math Language Routines10:00-10:15 - Snack Break10:15-11:30 Breakout session (choose one)11:35-11:45 ClosingBreakout session offerings:The Personalization Toolkit: Mastering Process, Pace, and ProductGame-based Math Intervention
Join us for a professional development session aimed at aligning local math assessments with statewide standards, utilizing resources from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Educators will engage in exploring best practices for curriculum alignment, analyzing assessment blueprints, and utilizing Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) data to enhance instructional planning and student outcomes. While team registration is encouraged, individuals are welcome to participate as well.
The Regional Mentor and Instructional Coach Forums are designed to give mentors and instructional coaches an opportunity to enhance their professional skills through collaboration and problem-solving with regional peers. Throughout the year, participants can attend five one-hour forums facilitated by Kelsey Harps, Mentoring Coach at Resource Training & Solutions, that include about 30 minutes of targeted learning on participant chosen topics, followed by time for collaboration on current challenges. Forums will be offered twice each day to accommodate various schedules, 7 am - 8 am and 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
Special Education Rising Educators & Mentors Forums are designed to give mentors of special education teachers and early career special education teachers an opportunity to enhance their professional skills through collaboration and problem-solving with regional peers. Throughout the school year, participants can attend four one-hour forums facilitated by Resource Training & Solutions coaches, that include about 30 minutes of targeted learning on topics, followed by time for collaboration on current challenges.
Join Dr. Andrew Nelson and Dr. Nikki Bettcher Erickson in this webinar as they share strategies for supporting autistic youth through the transition from high school to adulthood. Gain valuable insights on accessing support services, fostering self-advocacy, and navigating education and care systems during this pivotal life stage.
Rising Educators AcademyThe Rising Educators Academy is a one day workshop designed to increase confidence and capacity in early career educators; setting them up for success in the first weeks of school and beyond. Educators will engage in learning sessions to help them create an Optimal Learning Environment in their classroom that allows for the success of all learners. Rising Educators can receive continued support throughout the year through our Rising Educators Academy Plus and our Rising Educators Network Forums.Thursday, August 14, 20258 am - 3 pmCost: Full Members: $0 Associate Members: $75 Non- Members: $96*Costs reduced through grant funding.
Join us for an engaging series of in-person eduCLIMBER training sessions, featuring four modules tailored to meet various skill levels—from introductory to advanced. Led by an experienced eduCLIMBER trainer, participants will gain hands-on experience and valuable insights to enhance their educational practices. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your understanding and application of eduCLIMBER!eduCLIMBERDay 1 Session 1 - Introducing eduCLIMBER, Navigating academic data
Join us for an engaging series of in-person eduCLIMBER training sessions, featuring four modules tailored to meet various skill levels—from introductory to advanced. Led by an experienced eduCLIMBER trainer, participants will gain hands-on experience and valuable insights to enhance their educational practices. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your understanding and application of eduCLIMBER!eduCLIMBERDay 1 Session 2 - Navigating incident and attendance data, and Triangulating data
Join us for an engaging series of in-person eduCLIMBER training sessions, featuring four modules tailored to meet various skill levels—from introductory to advanced. Led by an experienced eduCLIMBER trainer, participants will gain hands-on experience and valuable insights to enhance their educational practices. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your understanding and application of eduCLIMBER!eduCLIMBERDay 2 Session 1 - Create Early Warning Systems Part 1 & 2
Join us for an engaging series of in-person eduCLIMBER training sessions, featuring four modules tailored to meet various skill levels—from introductory to advanced. Led by an experienced eduCLIMBER trainer, participants will gain hands-on experience and valuable insights to enhance their educational practices. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your understanding and application of eduCLIMBER!eduCLIMBERDay 2 Session 2 - Configuring Interventions, and Creating Interventions
Foundational Institute for Coaching Days 3 & 4* must complete FIC Days 1 & 2This training centers on mentoring with an equity lens, exploring mentoring roles, using high-leverage tools to engage in mentoring cycles, and creating an optimal learning environment for students and teachers. Through this two-day training, mentors will acquire the tools and strategies needed to foster inclusive learning environments and promote equitable outcomes for every learner.There are 2 options for Days 3 & 4August 21st - 22nd are in person datesSeptember 19th and October 3rd are hybridThis opportunity is partially funded with a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education using federal funding, CFDA 84.027A, Special Education - Grants to States
The LETRS Volume 1 Cohort 4 program is designed for Phase 1 educators, including PreK to grade 5 classroom teachers and special education professionals, to enhance their knowledge in the science of reading and literacy instruction. This dynamic professional learning experience will be conducted over eight online sessions, supplemented by engaging activities and expert video content, empowering participants to apply their learning effectively in the classroom. Registration with the state using READ Act funds is mandatory, and educators must complete necessary steps to confirm their participation, ensuring they receive access to the LETRS platform in a timely manner.
The LETRS Volume 1 Cohort 4 program is designed for Phase 1 educators, including PreK to grade 5 classroom teachers and special education professionals, to enhance their knowledge in the science of reading and literacy instruction. This dynamic professional learning experience will be conducted over eight online sessions, supplemented by engaging activities and expert video content, empowering participants to apply their learning effectively in the classroom. Registration with the state using READ Act funds is mandatory, and educators must complete necessary steps to confirm their participation, ensuring they receive access to the LETRS platform in a timely manner.
The Curriculum Coordinators Network (CCN) and the District Assessment Coordinators (DAC) are two groups that often deal with similar issues. As a result, these two groups can collaborate, exchange information, and share best practices regarding curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
The Technology Coordinators network meets five times per school year to discuss and collaborate on current issues in the area of technology use within schools.
This network is designed for those who support teachers in the integration of technology.
The Rising Educators Network Forums offer early career educators, those within their first three to five years in the classroom, an opportunity to enhance their professional skills through collaboration and problem-solving with regional peers. Throughout the school year, participants can attend four one-hour forums facilitated by Kelsey Harps, Mentoring Coach at Resource Training & Solutions, that include about 30 minutes of targeted learning on topics relevant to the time of year, followed by time for collaboration on current challenges. Forums will be offered twice each day to accommodate various schedules
Rising Educators Academy Plus provides essential support for early-career educators, particularly those holding a Tier 1/2 license and participants of the Special Education Pipeline grant. This program combines three half-day training sessions with personalized coaching cycles led by a Resource Training & Solutions Mentor Coach. Educators will engage in focused learning to foster an Optimal Learning Environment in their classrooms, ensuring success for all learners. Recommended for any Tier 1 /2 Licensed educator, teachers participating in the SPED Pipeline or any early career educator looking to improve their classroom management and standards based lessons.Dates for 1/2 day trainings from 11 am - 3 pm at Resource Training & SolutionsNovember 20, 2025January 29, 2026April 2, 2026Dates for 3 Coaching Cycles with RTS Mentoring CoachesScheduled by the participating educator and RTS Mentoring CoachCost: Full: $100 Assoc: $133 Non: $167Cost reduced through Mentorship & Induction Grant.Included for any Special Education Pipeline Educators.