Author Archives: Wisdom Ndieli

SpEd Forms: Mental health in special education

SpEd Forms: Mental health in special education

Administrators, mental health providers, and MA coordinators discover the latest updates to the DHS benefit for mental health services in special education! In today’s live Thursdays at Three session, we’ll: 

 

  • Review DHS requirements for the new benefit.
  • Explore where to document medical necessity in MA Forms.
  • Learn what services are reimbursable and where to document them.

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and ensure compliance while taking advantage of this important update. You can find the meeting link on our website here:

 

Thursdays at Three

 

We look forward to seeing you today, January 23rd at 3pm! We will record and post this session to our YouTube channel if you’re not able to make it. 

SpEd Forms: Introducing the new Administrator MA Dashboard!

SpEd Forms: Introducing the new Administrator MA Dashboard!

We’re excited to share that the Administrator MA Dashboard—the second of three exciting new features—is now live!

 

🎉 December: MA claim file import

📊 January: Administrator MA dashboard

 

This game-changing feature brings the power of data visualization to your Medicaid billing process, providing you with the tools to manage claims more effectively and efficiently.

 

What makes the Administrator MA Dashboard a game-changer? 

 

✔  Enhanced Visualization: With clear, visual charts and graphs, tracking billing trends has never been easier.

✔  Improved Decision-Making: Spot opportunities and resolve issues faster with clear, visual data insights.

✔  Time Savings: Identify and address delays or inefficiencies to streamline your workflow.

 

We designed this dashboard with YOU in mind—making Medicaid billing simpler, faster, and more effective. It’s a tool we know you’re going to love!

 

What’s next?

 

We’re just getting started! Keep an eye out for our next feature: ✨ Attendance Claim Validation ✨ Coming soon to help improve the accuracy of your claims process. 

Thank you for letting us support your incredible work. We can’t wait to hear how the new dashboard makes a difference for you!

 

 

Want to learn more?

 

Check out our resources and see how the new administrator MA dashboard can show you where to investigate to increase your Medicaid reimbursements:

 

YouTube recording: Administrator MA dashboard

Google slide presentation: 250117 Administrator MA dashboard

 

Thank you for choosing SpEd Forms! If you have questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our support team.

SpEd Forms: Thursdays at Three – Data integrations and more

SpEd Forms: Thursdays at Three - Data integrations and more

Attention District Technology Specialists! Want to maximize your experience with SpEd Forms? Looking to lighten your staff’s workload, improve data accuracy, or enhance security? Join us this Thursday, January 16th at 3pm. The hour is designed to address your specific needs and allow us to answer any questions you may have. Join directly using this link:


Google Meet link


If you cannot attend, the session will be recorded and posted to our YouTube channel. We look forward to seeing many of our district technology professionals there!

MN January Updates

On Saturday, January 11th, 2025, an update¹ will be posted to all Minnesota SpEd Forms sites. The update will include the changes listed below:

 

IEP

1. Weight and height were added to the Emergency Health/Transportation form. 

(Requested by: Abel Riodique, Independent School District 199 #62284)

2. The ‘eligibility requirements for MTAS’ links found on the student’s IEP Assessments (page 1) have been updated with MDE’s newest guidance. 

(Requested by: Lindsey Pellaton, Meeker and Wright Special Education Cooperative #63110)


MA

1. The MA service dropdown located in Admin educator accounts will only display active services for the district in which the educator is assigned.

(Requested by SpEd Forms #DE-5760)

2. The mental health services MA logs for U4TM and U4HE have been updated to read ‘Progress note’ instead of ‘Description’ based on DHS guidance.

(Requested by SpEd Forms #DE-5666)

3. After finalizing an activity log, the program will no longer automatically scroll to the bottom.

(Requested by: Carla Cooper, Lakeville Area Schools #DE-5758)

4. Added the ability to mark activities as “not billable” when documenting from the MA dashboard.

(Requested by: Kathy Clarke, Shakopee Public Schools #63390)

5. An MA administrative dashboard page has been introduced under the MA Forms tab in Admin reporting. This dashboard features bar graphs and pie charts displaying key data insights, such as annual reimbursements, claim data by month, time and encounter metrics, and more.

(Requested by: SpEd Forms #DE-5662)


Reports

1. Every other day has been added to the Services and Teacher workload analysis report total minutes calculation.

(Requested by: Janea Mitchell, Wayzata Public Schools #62765)

2. A new ‘Emergency health/transportation information NOT finalized 2024-25’ quick report has been added.

(Requested by: Katie Wilder, Mounds View Public Schools #63583)

 

2.0

1. Attendance detail, Attendance entry and Attendance summary admin reports have all been converted to v2.

(Requested by: SpEd Forms #DE-5768, #DE-5716 and #DE-5777)

2. Enhancements were made to improve the Educator assessments page.

(Requested by: Trista Wochnizk, St. Cloud Public Schools #DE-5697)

 

System

1. Added the ability to set optional start and end dates for the server login message.

(Requested by: Steven Jex, Pine Island School District #DE-5191)

2. A notification has been added when a student has been shared or assigned locally to an educator. This is turned off by default and can be turned on in educator setup – profile.

(Requested by: SpEd Forms #DE-5702)

3. The Admin overview 504 plan link has been updated to show only active students.

(Requested by: Sheila Domstrand, Owatonna Public Schools #63246)

4. Password and role changes made through the Admin or Educator setup pages will now be recorded in the Access log report.

(Requested by: SpEd Forms #DE-5711)

5. A new district preference will add the word “projected” to the start dates on the IEP services pages. The additional text will also print on the IEPs. Default is off. 

(Requested by: Terri Cairns, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools #58379)

6. An admin template option was added for the Record of a team meeting part C.

(Requested by: Bill Underwood, Anoka-Hennepin School District #63051)

 

¹We’re always working hard to ensure the smooth running of SpEd Forms. During the past month, we’ve made a number of performance improvements that aren’t immediately visible to most of our users but ensure the system operates efficiently, thanks to input from our customers.

WI January Updates

On Saturday, January 11th, 2025, an update¹ will be posted to all Wisconsin SpEd Forms sites. The update will include the changes listed below:

 

System

1. Added the ability to set start and end dates for the server message.

(Requested by: Steven Jex, Pine Island School District #DE-5191)

2. A notification has been added when a student has been shared or assigned locally to an educator. This is turned off by default and can be turned on in educator setup – profile.

(Requested by: SpEd Forms #DE-5702)

3. The Admin overview 504 plan link has been updated to show only active students.

(Requested by: Sheila Domstrand, Owatonna Public Schools #63246)

4. Password and role changes made through the Admin or Educator setup pages will now be recorded in the Access log report.

(Requested by: SpEd Forms #DE-5711)


 
¹We’re always working hard to ensure the smooth running of SpEd Forms. During the past month, we’ve made a number of performance improvements that aren’t immediately visible to most of our users but ensure the system operates efficiently, thanks to input from our customers.

SpEd Forms: Thursdays at Three – January update preview

SpEd Forms: Thursdays at Three – January update preview

Educators, join us today at 3pm for an exclusive preview of our January updates and an exciting sneak peek at the new administrative MA dashboard! We will share important improvements and provide samples of the dashboard, showcasing features and enhancements that can make a real difference for your team. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and explore tools that can streamline your workflow! You can access the Google Meet details and all upcoming topics on our website here:


Thursdays at Three meet link and more


We look forward to seeing you this afternoon!

SpEd Forms: Virtual Holiday Open House

SpEd Forms: Virtual Holiday Open House

Dreaming of a White Christmas… Again?

The holiday magic is back, and we’re ready to spread some cheer! Join us for a virtual holiday open house where we’re bringing all the fun, laughter, and spirit of the season to life! Whether you’re dreaming of snow or just some festive flair, let’s make this season merry and bright together.

 

🎄 Date & Time: Thursday, December 19th at 3pm

 

❄️ Link to join: meet.google.com/usb-rjts-szn

 

🎅 What’s in store?

  

  • Meet our amazing team
  • Show off your holiday decorations or just enjoy ours
  • Wear your most fabulous holiday sweater (the more festive, the better!)
  • Have a question or suggestion about SpEd Forms? Bring it along—let’s chat and celebrate! Can’t make it right at 3pm? No problem! Drop by anytime during the hour. We can’t wait to share some holiday cheer and kick off the season with you! Grab your cocoa, your holiday spirit, and let’s make this virtual gathering one to remember! 🎁

SpEd Forms: Thursdays at Three – MA claim file import

SpEd Forms: Thursdays at Three – MA claim file import

MA coordinators, tired of manually entering MA logs from another system? Grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and join us tomorrow, December 12th, at 3pm to learn how importing a file can save you time by automatically generating claims! You can access the meeting link and all upcoming topics on our website here:

 

Thursdays at Three meet link

 

Please join us – we’re excited about this new feature!

MN December Updates

On Saturday, December 7th, 2024, an update¹ will be posted to all Minnesota SpEd Forms sites. The update will include the changes listed below:

 

IEP

1. MCA accommodations have been changed from ‘General’ Accommodations to ‘Universal’ within the dropdown options based on MDE guidance. In addition, the MCA Alt Science format (Dropdown 278) has been updated based on MDE guidance.

(Requested by: SpEd Forms #63184)

 

MA

1. A new form titled “Summary and recommendations” has been added to the Mental health folder on the student MA Forms menu. This folder is only viewable by staff with CTSS permissions.

(Requested by: SpEd Forms #DE-5665)

2. A process to import a file that will automatically create MA logs has been created.

(Requested by: Andrew Kehren, Northeast Metro Intermediate School District 916 #60398)

3. Interpreter services are now included in the dashboard documentation service dropdown.

(Requested by: Patricia Sullivan, Moorhead Area Public Schools #62090)


Other forms and logs

1. Updated Procedural Safeguards: Part C according to MDE requirements.

(Requested by: Sarah Anderson, Hastings Public School #62497)


Reports

1. The number of times a claim has been sent has been added to the Claims in error quick report.

(Requested by: Rieger Viche, Duluth Public Schools #60674)

2. A new “Progress reporting narrative from IEP page 1” quick report is available.

(Requested by: Kristen Hillesheim, Independent School District 199 #63288)

 

2.0

1. We have added an age-related warning to the SpEd dashboard when a student on an IFSP has been identified as being potentially eligible for Part B services, but the date of the transition conference is empty. 

(Requested by: Wendy Van Batavia, Midwest Special Ed Coop #60780)


System

1. The MA consent to share data form has been added to quick links for students.

(Requested by: Rieger Viche, Duluth Public Schools #60088)

2. If a ‘preferred’ phone number is selected for a parent, that phone number will be the default. If no preferred is selected, the default phone number will be set as the home phone.

(Requested by: Rieger Viche, Duluth Public Schools #60560)

 

¹We’re always working hard to ensure the smooth running of SpEd Forms. During the past month, we’ve made a number of performance improvements that aren’t immediately visible to most of our users but ensure the system operates efficiently, thanks to input from our customers.

WI December Updates

On Saturday, December 7th, 2024, an update¹ will be posted to all Wisconsin SpEd Forms sites. The update will include the changes listed below:

 

System

1. If a ‘preferred’ phone number is selected for a parent, that phone number will be the default. If no preferred is selected, the default phone number will be set as the home phone.

(Requested by: Rieger Viche, Duluth Public Schools #60560)

2. When adding assessment tools to the IE-3 or RE-5, the educator’s custom eval/assessment tools will be listed above the district’s list.

(Requested by: Trista Wochnick, St. Cloud Area School District #DE-5504)

 

Reports

1. The ‘DPI SpEd records’ tool now has a dropdown setting for the DPI school.

(Requested by: Kasie Smith, Superior School District #63058)

2. A new ‘Special factors question 5 checked Yes’ quick report is available.

(Requested by: Dena Hagen, Superior School District #62269)

 
¹We’re always working hard to ensure the smooth running of SpEd Forms. During the past month, we’ve made a number of performance improvements that aren’t immediately visible to most of our users but ensure the system operates efficiently, thanks to input from our customers.