Let us know what you think about the new design. Email [email protected] with your feedback.

Sign up to receive the LEA Look Forward every week.

PDF Version

>>>Learn More

District Highlights

• DC PARCC PBA Feedback Survey
• Call for Exhibitors - It Takes a City: DC Does it Best!
• Registration  Now Open! Federal Grants Management Conference
• Tomorrow! Meet and Greet with the New State Superintendent (FOR LEA LEADERS ONLY)

Knock It Out of the PARCC: Next Generation Assessments Tips and Resources

• Resources for Schools
  • PARCC Parent Toolkit
  • 2015 DC PARCC Administrative Guidance on Timing and Cell Phones
  • DC PARCC Infrastructure Trial Guide
  • PARCC FAQs by LEAs
  • NGA Ambassador Information
  • 2015 DC State Test Security Guidelines
• Resources for Parents/Community
  • PARCC Parent Resources
  • OSSE PARCC Parent Letter (Available in Multiple Languages)
  • Want to see PARCC items in action?
  • Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Ideas for Parents
  • Guide to the New PARCC Assessment (For Parents)

>>>Learn More

Important Dates and Deadlines

Dates

• 2015 DC Assessment Timeline
• 4/11: OSSE Adult College Completion Fair
• 4/28: 2nd Annual Infant and Toddler Conference
• 4/30: April 2015 Next Generation Assessment (NGA) Meeting
• 5/7: Children's Mental Health Awareness Day
• 5/18: NGSS Assessment Begins

>>>View the OSSE Calendar

Deadlines

• 4/9: College, Credential, and Career Ready Summer Initiative NOFA Deadline
• 5/1: AFHK School Grants for Healthy Kids Application Deadline
• 5/4: ESY 2015 Student Transportation Certification Deadline
• 5/11: Public Comment Ends for FFY 2015 Draft State Grant Application Under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• 5/20: DC Free Summer Meals Sponsor Application Deadline

Announcements

New

DC PARCC PBA Feedback Survey

As many DC LEAs finish PARCC PBA testing, LEA Testing Coordinators have received a link to a feedback survey which OSSE will use to improve support for schools around PARCC and give feedback to PARCC between PBA and EOY. Please be sure your LEA submits a response once you close out PBA testing!

ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Live Q & A Session for LEAs

WIDA will lead a live webinar on April 24 for LEA LEP Coordinators to discuss the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0. The webinar will provide LEAs with a look forward into SY 2015-2016, when the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 will be operational. The session will cover information about the transition to ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 and the new ordering process, allowing time to answer any questions during the second half of the session. There is no pre-registration for the event; interested LEAs can join the webinar by clicking here.

Date: April 24, 2015

Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Link: https://wida.webex.com/wida/onstage/g.php?d=668275982&t=a

ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Technology Coordinators Webinar

WIDA will lead a live webinar on May 1 for LEA Technology Coordinators. This webinar will focus on the steps LEA Technology Coordinators in preparation for the administration of the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 in SY 2015-2016. As LEAs look forward to the transition to this online assessment in SY 2015-2016, they should begin planning how to meet the technology requirements now to ensure successful implementation of the assessment. There is no pre-registration for the event; interested LEAs can join the webinar by clicking here.

Date: May 1, 2015

Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Healthy Schools Act Meal Reimbursement   

Local Education Authorities:

This memorandum serves as a notice that Healthy Schools Act (HSA) meal reimbursements prior to April 2013 will not be paid by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) without sufficient proof that claims were submitted within the 60 day timeframe and are complete with proper documentation.

Prior to April 2013, Healthy Schools Act additional meal reimbursement payments were determined through menu verification and tracking of local food items. Many times this verification altered the total number of meals allowed for local reimbursement compared to the federal National School Lunch (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). Upon verification, LEAs were responsible to revise the local meal claim and resubmit to OSSE within a timely manner as well as follow up around payment.

Unless OSSE can verify through official records from the LEA that the claim information matches the menu verification, unverified claims prior to April 2013 will not be processed. Any verified claims beginning with April 2013 will be handled on a case by case basis to determine if payment is warranted.

Any inquiries for HSA claims, other than for Fiscal Year 2015, must be sent to OSSE by June 30, 2015.

If there are any questions regarding this matter, please email [email protected].

Healthy Lunchtime Challenge  
 
Calling all kid chefs!  Submit a recipe for the 2015 Healthy Lunchtime Challenge, now through April 30.  There will be a winner from each state and you could be one of them! to.pbs.org/HLC ‪#‎LetsMove ‪#‎MyPlate

FFY15 New or Significantly Expanding Public Charter School Forms

All charter LEAs received notification regarding the FFY15 New or Significantly Expanding Public Charter School Forms on Tuesday, April 7, 2015. These forms must be submitted to [email protected] by no later than Noon, on Thursday, April 30, 2015. Incomplete submissions or submissions without an official certifying signature will not be accepted.  A webinar will be held to review the New or Significantly Expanding Public Charter School Notification Policy, Guidance document, and data submission form. This webinar will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2015, at 2:30 p.m., please join at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/133049741.

Call for Exhibitors - It Takes a City: DC Does it Best!

OSSE invites organizations to exhibit at its LEA Institute on Best Practices in Education at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on May 1-2, 2015.

• Organizations should exhibit programming around the following areas:
• Early Childhood
• Summer Camps
• STEM and the Next Generation Science Standards
• Positive Behavior Supports
• Parent/Family and Engagement

The State Institute Committee will review proposals. All proposals must be received by Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 11:59 PM—selected organizations will be contacted by Tuesday, April 20, 2015. Exhibitors that include programming around evidence- and/or research-based practices, creative summer programming, and summer youth employment will be given preference. Display tables should include program literature and hands on support for families that wish to sign up as participants.   Selected exhibitors must be available for both Friday, May 1, 2015 (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Saturday, May 2, 2015  (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.).  There is no registration fee associated with this conference for exhibitors or attendees. Feel free to spread the word!

Reminder

Go Blue for Strong Families and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Month

We all want every child in our city to grow up in safe and healthy families. Yet the tragic fact is that thousands of our young people fall victim to abuse and neglect each year.

In April 2015, as part of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, OSSE has partnered with the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect (MACCAN) to increase public awareness related to the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. On April 10, 2015, OSSE, along with many other DC Government agencies, will GO BLUE.  Wearing BLUE indicates that you are standing up for strong children and families in DC through the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. So, GO BLUE on April 10, 2015.

Professional Development

Reminder

Next Generation Science Standards -NGSS 2.0

This is an in-person training session targeted for school leaders. Sessions will focus on implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in classrooms and schools. LEAs will learn about the instructional shifts associated with the new science standards and discuss how to support transition successfully.
 
Presenter: Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Specialized Education
Date: April 15, 2015
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: OSSE, 810 First Street NE, Room 806
Register

Every Kid Healthy Week Teacher Training Event

Please join OSSE  and Action for Healthy Kids for D.C.’s Every Kid Healthy Week Teacher Training Event.  This week is an annual observance created to celebrate school health and wellness achievements.  Learn how to shine a spotlight on the great efforts your school is doing to improve the health and wellness of your students!   Bring nutrition, physical activity and learning to center stage, because healthy kids learn better!  Learn how to build an army of support for sound nutrition, regular physical activity and health-promoting programs in your school.

You will leave this training equipped with simple, creative approaches to education and classroom management that makes wellness a priority.  Educators will have the opportunity to participate in capacity building breakout sessions. This fun, interactive and engaging training session will offer educators 2 Professional Learning Units.  Light snacks provided.

All DC K – 12th PE/HE teachers, classroom teachers, and partners from wellness-focused community based organizations who are interested in creating a healthier school environment are invited to attend.  School principals, other administrators and parents are also welcome to attend.  Please wear comfortable clothes and sneakers.

Date:  Tuesday April 21.2015  4:00 - 6:00 PM

Location: Hosted at DC Bilingual Public Charter School

1420 Columbia Road, NW, Washington, DC

-- Metro and bus accessible with a parking garage nearby.- 0.1 miles from Columbia Heights Metro

Link:   http://www.actionforhealthykids.org/events/trainings-and-conferences/event/306

LEA Special Education Point of Contact Monthly Webinar
 
OSSE hosts a monthly webinar for all LEA Special Education Points of Contact (LEA SE POC).  The next broadcast will be Wednesday, February 18, 2015, from 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.  Various topics will be discussed, including:

• SEDS updates and alerts
• The release of new OSSE special education policies
• OSSE Support Tool updates
• Data quality, including enrollment, records transfers, compliance reports, etc.
• Training tips
• Resources and announcements

Presenter:       OSSE Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Specialized Education

Date:               Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Time:               10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.

Register

LEA Homeless Liaison Orientation

Under the federal mandates of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, every LEA is required to have an identified homeless liaison to assist students and parents experiencing homelessness.  We recognize that during the course of the school year, staffing changes may occur and there may be newly appointed homeless liaisons in need of guidance regarding their role and responsibilities.  OSSE is offering the following training for newly appointed homeless liaisons and homeless liaisons in need of a refresher training:

LEA Homeless Liaison Orientation: McKinney-Vento 101, Resources & QuickBase Homeless Student Referrals

Wednesday, April 29, 2015, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Training Location: OSSE, 810 First Street, NE, 3rd Floor (Rm 3002), Washington, DC 20002

A training invite will be sent directly to LEA Homeless Liaisons. Please note that space is limited. Therefore homeless liaisons should confirm their attendance as soon as possible after receiving the training invite.  For any questions regarding this training, please contact Nicole Lee-Mwandha.

Training for High School Homeless Liaisons on Youth Vulnerability Index and Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT)

At least one in every twenty-four enrolled public school students in the District of Columbia is homeless. OSSE is working aggressively to remove educational barriers for students in unstable and/or transitory housing.  In 2015, as a part the work of the DC Interagency Council on Homelessness (DC ICH), OSSE is partnering with other District agencies to design, implement, and test a system of coordinated entry for at least 150 unaccompanied homeless youth (without children in their custody) within 100 days.  The primary focus of this effort is to ensure that the most vulnerable students receive more timely supports and interventions.  In order to succeed in achieving this ambitious goal, OSSE is encouraging homeless liaisons from every District high school to attend this important training facilitated by The Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness, if they have not attended a previous VI-SPDAT training.

To register for this VI-SPDAT training, please click on the registration link below:

McKinney-Vento Liaison VI-SPDAT Training for Unaccompanied Youth

Tuesday, April 22, 2015, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Register here

Training Location: 1331 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

All sessions will begin promptly on time. Please note that parking is limited.

For any questions regarding the VI-SPDAT Training, please contact Nicole Lee-Mwandha.

Mandated Reporting Training

In collaboration with the DC Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA), OSSE will host a mandated reporting training.  Mandated reporters are professionals obligated by law to report known or suspected incidents of child abuse and neglect.  The training will provide information on:

• How to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect.
• How to talk to child and youth victims.
• When to report.
• How to report.

For any questions, or further information about child abuse and neglect, please contact Yuliana Del Arroyo, OSSE Director of Special Programs, at: [email protected].

Presenter: Child and Family Services Agency

Date: April 27, 2015

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: OSSE, 810 First Street NE, Room 806

Register

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.

Presenter:       Department of Behavioral Health (DBH)

Date:               Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Time:               8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location:         OSSE, 810 First Street, NE, 3rd Floor Grand Hall

Register

Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training
 
The Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training program, developed by Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), is embraced worldwide as a highly effective behavior management system for organizations committed to providing quality care and services in a respectful, safe environment. The strategies taught in the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training program provide participants with a proven framework for decision making and problem solving to prevent, de-escalate, and safely respond to disruptive or assaultive behavior. This event will not go over physical restraint techniques. Please wear comfortable clothing, closed-toed shoes, and bring a water bottle.

Presenter:       OSSE Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Specialized Education

Date:               July 21 and August 11, 2015

Time:               8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Location:         OSSE, 810 First Street, NE, 3rd Floor Grand Hall

Register

Funding Opportunities

Reminder

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) –Apply Now!

Are you interested in the opportunity for your students to learn more about the variety of fruits and vegetables available at their fingertips?  Through the FFVP, you can offer your students a free fresh fruit or vegetable snack during the day, to supplement your participation in other Child Nutrition Programs.  Enhance your school’s healthy environment with the FFVP, by providing healthy snacks, and education about nutrition and wellness.

To be eligible you must:

• Be an Elementary School
• Have 50% or more enrolled students eligible for Free or Reduced-Price meals
• Participate in the National School Lunch Program
• Offer free fresh fruits and vegetables to all enrolled students during the structured school day
• Serve fresh fruits or vegetables a minimum of 2 days per week
• Publicize the availability of free fresh fruits and vegetables

School Year 2015-2016 FFVP Applications are available here.  Applications due by 5:00 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2015.

Fire Up Your Feet! Spring Challenge

Fire Up Your Feet is a core program of the Safe Routes to School National Partnership available to any elementary and middle school (grades K-8) nationally. Made possible in partnership with Kaiser Permanente, this program offers free resources, an online activity tracker, a school fundraising organizer, and more, all aimed at increasing physical activity before, during and after school for students, parents, school staff and teachers.

The Fire Up Your Feet Spring Activity Challenge awards more than $100,000 to schools in participating regions across the country that bike, walk, dance, jump and are the most active! It is all about the most participation in your active school – so grab your parents, students, teachers, administrators and school staff – that's right, everybody can move and help you earn cash awards to help improve your school!

For additional questions and general inquiries, please e-mail [email protected].

For a Fire Up Your Feet! School District Toolkit: http://fireupyourfeet.org/assets/pdf/2015_school_district_toolkit_v1.pdf.

Events

New

Registration  Now Open! Federal Grants Management Conference

The District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education is pleased to announce the opening of registration for its annual Federal Grants Management Conference. The conference, sponsored by OSSE’s Office of Grants Management and Compliance (OGMC), will take place on Thursday, June 4, 2015, 8AM – 4:30PM, at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center at Gallaudet University.  
       
The conference will address issues related to:

• The federal grants management process;
• Available funding opportunities and resources;
• Basic grants management; and
• Procurement.

These topics and more will be discussed during the conference. To register, click here.

Date:  Thursday, June 4, 2015, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Location: Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center at Gallaudet University - 800 Florida Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002

For further information about the conference, please contact Angela Clemons.

Reminder

Registration Now Open: It Takes a City: DC Does it Best!

OSSE is pleased to announce that registration is now open for its final 2014-15 LEA Institute, “It Takes a City: DC Does it Best!”, to be held May 1-2, 2015, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in downtown Washington, DC.

DC public school and public charter school teachers, administrators, service providers, parents and families are invited to attend this exciting two-day event.  During the institute, participants will select from over 100 workshop sessions on topics including:

• Instruction and the Common Core
• STEM and the Next Generation Science Standards
• Positive Behavior Supports
• Special Education
• English Language Learners
• Educator Effectiveness
• Early Childhood
• Parent and Family Engagement (including sessions for parents/families, as well as LEA staff)

Participants will receive OSSE Professional Learning Units (PLUs) for workshop attendance.

Register Now

Meet and Greet: New State Superintendent of Education Hanseul Kang (For LEA Leaders Only)