Let us know what you think about the new design. Email [email protected] with your feedback.
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| District Highlights | Getting Ready: NGA Tips and Resources (PARCC, DC Science) | Important Dates and Deadlines | Announcements |
| Professional Development | Event |
District Highlights
- OSSE Parent and Community Conversations Kickoff Tonight
- Arne Duncan presses his case for innovation grants at D.C. school
- ICYMI: District Students Attend White House SoSTEM Address
Getting Ready to Knock It Out of the PARCC: Next Generation Assessments Tips and Resources
- Resources for Schools
- Resources for Parents/Community
>>>Learn More
Important Dates and Deadlines
Dates
- 2015 DC Assessment Timeline (NEW)
- 2/19: PARCC/CCSS Mathematics Professional Development Series
- 2/19: NGSS 1.0: Introducing the Next Generation Science Standards for LEAs and School Leaders
- 2/23: School Wellness Team Training
- 2/26: PARCC/CCSS Mathematics Professional Development Series
Deadlines
- 2/17: Healthy Schools Act School Health Profile Due
- 2/17: Request For Applications for the 2015 CTE Certification Program
- 2/23: Request For Applications for the 2015 DC Career Academy Network (DC-CAN)
- 2/26: PARCC/CCSS Mathematics Professional Development Series
- 4/1: PAEMST 2015 Award Nominations Open
Announcements
New
Sponsors and Sites Needed for the 2015 DC Free Summer Meals Program
OSSE’s Division of Wellness and Nutrition Services, which administers the U.S. Department of Agriculture Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), known locally as the DC Free Summer Meals Program (FSMP) is currently recruiting organizations to serve as sponsors and sites during the summer of 2015. An information session for all new organizations interested in participating in the FSMP, as well as organizations that did not participate during the summer of 2014 will be held on February 24. Information regarding eligibility and participation requirements, as well as program deadlines will be discussed during the session.
Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: 810 1st Street NE, 4th floor Conference Room 4002
Link: dcsummermeals.com
Contact: Elisabeth Sweeting (202)724-7628
It Takes a City: DC Does it Best! Call for Proposals
Deadline for Proposals: March 27, 2015
OSSE is pleased to announce its final LEA Institute, It Takes a City: DC Does it Best!, to be held May 1-2, 2015, in Washington, DC. OSSE is currently accepting proposals from researchers and practitioners that reflect high quality, innovative best practices.
Proposals should focus on one (or more) of the following strand areas of research and practice: (a) Early Childhood; (b) Special Populations (i.e., instruction, positive behavior supports, related service delivery, secondary transition, ELL); (c) Instruction and the Common Core; (d) STEM and the Next Generation Science Standards; (e) Positive Behavior Supports; (f) Parent/Family and Engagement; and (g) Educator Effectiveness.
The criteria for the proposals will be evaluated according to the following standards:
- Rationale for Presentation
- Participant Outcomes
- Relevance to Learners, Families, and/or Educators of Diverse Backgrounds
- Evidence of Effectiveness
To be considered, completed proposals must be submitted by 11:59pm Eastern Standard Time (EST), Friday, March 20, 2015. Presenters will be notified of their selection no later than Friday, March 27, 2015. The State Institute Committee will review proposals. Sessions that include evidence- and/or research-based practices, emerging ideas, creative trend research, and strategic solutions to current issues that have potential high-yield results will be given preference. Proposals should encourage active learning and audience engagement, leaving time for discussion and interaction.
Interested individuals may submit proposals using the link provided on the Institute’s website: DC Does it Best! For questions or difficulties in accessing the online form, please contact the OSSE Teaching and Learning staff at [email protected] or 202-724-7878.
PARCC Personal Needs Profile (PNP) Registration System for Special Populations
This webinar is for any LEA staff who will be assisting in developing the PNP for students with disabilities. This could include LEA Test Coordinators, Special Education Coordinators, data managers, or other LEA personnel. This live webinar will:
- Compare PARCC Accessibility Features versus Accommodations
- Compare testing accommodations in SEDS for students with disabilities to PARCC Accommodations and Accessibility Features
- Clarify documentation requirements in SEDS and the PNP
- Provide guidance on completing the PARCC Personal Needs Profile (PNP)
Date: 2/19/15
Time: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Register
For questions, contact [email protected].
Register with First Book to Bring 40,000 Brand New Books to the District
Having books to read in the classroom is just as important as children having books to read at home. OSSE’s Division of Early Learning is teaming up with First Book to help distribute more than 40,000 brand-new FREE books in the District of Columbia to support educators and program leaders serving children in need.
All educators, paraprofessionals, and program leaders serving kids in need across DC are encouraged to sign-up with First Book today to participate in this free book distribution.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- Sign up now online with First Book at http:/www.firstbook.org/dcosse. Signing up is free and takes only minutes to complete. Only individuals who register at the above link will have access to this distribution initiative.
- Keep an eye on your email. First Book and OSSE will send out more information about where and when books will be distributed in the DC area during April’s Week of the Young Child.
- Help spread the word! If you know other teachers, program coordinators or community leaders serving kids in need in the District, please pass this letter on and encourage them to sign up as well.
Please note, all books received through this campaign are for the direct use of children across the district through educational programs, community outreach events, and programs targeting District families and youth. Books received are not for personal use or resale.
If you have any questions, please contact Brandee Reed.
DC PARCC Administration and Technology Webinars for the Week of February 22
As a follow up to Test Coordinator training, PARCC and OSSE will co-host two webinars the week of February 22 where participants will deep dive into preparation for computer based testing:
- Demonstration of Pearson Access Next test session setup for test administration. Recommended for: School Test Coordinators
- Technology configuration of school devices and proctor caching for PARCC. Recommended for: Technology Coordinators
Dates, times and registration information will be announced in next week’s LEA Look Forward, and webinars will be recorded and posted to the OSSE website for future reference.
Date: Week of February 22 (specific dates to be announced soon)
Contact: [email protected]
Become a Literacy Mentor
Mayor Muriel Bowser has called on the education workforce to join Deputy Mayor Jennie Niles and DCPS in their efforts to enhance the student experience, increase achievement, and prepare our young men of color for college and careers.
The District’s Boys and Men of Color initiative, 500 for 500: Mentoring through Literacy, needs committed volunteers who can dedicate at least one hour a week to mentoring.
Sign up and get more details at http:/bit.ly/EMOCsignup
Calling all high school students: Selma Speech & Essay Contest
Martin Luther King, Jr. used his words to change history. How will you use yours? To participate, go to LibertyMuseumSelmaContest.org. Grand prize: $5,000! Contest timeline: December 25, 2014 – February 15, 2015.
Who Can Participate?
The National Liberty Museum’s Selma Speech & Essay Contest is open to US High School students ages 14-18 (as of the January 30 deadline), who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States and its territories. After viewing Paramount Pictures film SELMA, contestants will respond to the Contest topic with an original 500-700 word essay and videotaped speech reading of their essay. For rules: libertymuseumselmacontest.org/guidelines
It all started with a speech:
At the age of 15, a young Martin Luther King, Jr. entered a high school public speaking competition with his submission called, “The Negro and the Constitution.” He was in his junior year, and he won the competition. On the bus ride home, young King and his three companions were told to give up their seats to a white couple who had just boarded the bus, and they stood for several hours on their way back to Atlanta.
It has been widely written that the high school speech Dr. King wrote inspired his “I Have a Dream” oration, since all of the concepts in his competition submission were encapsulated into the historic 1963 speech. There are striking parallels between the two writings. That is the power of words.
Selma Speech & Essay Contest Topic:
“The movie Selma tells the story of how Martin Luther King, Jr. and others peacefully protested to advance voting rights. What do you think needs to be done today to protect individual freedom and self-determination? What are you doing or will you do to peacefully advance those rights?”
Contest Prizes:
- One grand prize: $5,000
- First runner up: $2,500
- Second runner up: $1,000
- Seven honorable mentions: $500 each
- $300 cash prize for each teacher/mentor who sponsors a top 10 finalist
Contest Timeline:
- December 25, 2014, 12:01am EST: Official Opening of Selma Contest & limited release of Selma film
- January 9, 2015: Wide release in theaters of Selma film
- February 15, 2015, 11:59pm EST : DEADLINE for submissions
- March 2015 Winners notified
- April 20-22, 2015 Award Ceremony held in Philadelphia, PA
The Selma Speech & Essay Contest is made possible through a grant from the John Templeton Foundation and in-kind support of Paramount Pictures.
Reminder
LEAs Must Submit the Names of Non-resident Students
This is a reminder that all non-resident students who attend public schools in the District of Columbia are required to pay tuition. OSSE now manages tuition collection for all public schools in DC. In addition, OSSE now collects all tuition from non-resident students. A school’s wait list must be vetted prior to non-resident consideration. If you have not done so, please send a list of all non-resident students to [email protected] immediately. Please include each student’s parental contact information (name, email, home address, and telephone number). Ms. Baylor may also be reached at 202-741-5993.
Report Residency Fraud
LEAs are responsible for reporting all cases of suspected residency fraud. Tips may be reported through the Residency Fraud Prevention Hotline at 202-719-6500. Tips may also be submitted through the DC Residency Fraud Online Submission Form. Should you have further questions, please send an email to [email protected] or call 202-741-5993.
Resources from 2015 PARCC Test Coordinators Training Now on OSSE’s Website
On February 2 and 3, OSSE hosted its annual Test Coordinator Training for LEA Test Integrity Coordinators (LEA Assessment Leads), School Monitors (School Assessment Leads), and Technology Coordinators. The day included presentations on Test Integrity, PARCC Administration, and PARCC Technical Training. Topics covered include the following:
- School Security Plans
- Test Integrity Violations, Reporting Procedures, Sanctions
- Test Administration and Scheduling
- Student Readiness
- Accessibility Features & Accommodations
- Management of Materials
- Technology Readiness and Set-Up, Infrastructure Trials, and Tech Support
- Pearson Access–Next
Resources from the training are now on OSSE’s website. A webinar version of the Test Integrity portion of the training will soon be available on this site.
For more informations, contact [email protected].
Final SY2014-2015 Enrollment Audit Dataset Uploaded to SLED
The final enrollment audit dataset for the SY 2014-2015 UPSFF Population and Child Count Population has been uploaded into SLED for your viewing. Please note that this is the final dataset and no changes can be made. To view your data, please follow the instructions below.
Log into SLED; then click on Enrollment Audit and Child Count in the left navigation menu.
Click the Student Level tab to view the new data elements added to each of the listed displays.
Click on Enrollment Audit UPSFF Population to view your final data. Please be sure to sort by enrollment indicator=yes. Please note that according to the Enrollment Audit Handbook, in order to receive funding for students in Child Count, the student must be considered enrolled based on the audit findings.
The Office of Enrollment and Residency continues to make updates to our enrollment processes and procedures. In an effort to do this, your feedback is necessary. Next week, we will release a quick electronic survey. Please give as much feedback as you can to assist in our planning for the next school year.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected].
Guidelines on Unique Accommodations for Statewide Assessments
Requests for unique accommodations must be approved by OSSE prior to use on statewide assessments. Standard accommodations should be considered prior to requesting a nonstandard accommodation. Please review PARCC guidelines for selecting accessibility features and accommodations. You can also access a presentation on selecting, using, and evaluating accessibility features and accommodations, including a SEDS-specific crosswalk.
To apply for a unique accommodation, please complete the PARCC Unique Accommodation Request Form and send to Imani Stutely. Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis, and should be submitted no later than 4 weeks prior to the week your test window opens. For schools that begin testing March 20 or earlier, please apply by COB on February 13. Please note: For schools that begin testing the week of March 2, OSSE will issue an approval or denial no later than 2 weeks before your test window opens.
2015 X-STEM Symposium
X-STEM, presented by MedImmune, is an extreme STEM symposium for middle through high school students featuring interactive presentations and workshops by an exclusive group of visionaries who aim to empower and inspire kids about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). These top STEM role models and industry leaders are sure to ignite your students’ curiosity through storytelling and live demonstrations.
This all-day event will feature multiple presentation sessions covering a wide array of subject areas including space exploration, paleontology, bio-inspired robotics, marine biology, mathematics of origami, eco-friendly vehicle innovation and much, much more! Student attendees will have the opportunity to sit in on multiple engaging presentations, live demonstrations and hands-on workshops.
Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Time: 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p. m.
Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center,801 Mount Vernon Place NW, Washington DC 20001
Register
Districtwide Assessments: Test Integrity Training 2015 – Webinars for Public & Non-Public Schools
On Friday, February 20, OSSE will host two webinar trainings on test integrity:
Districtwide Assessments: Test Integrity Training for Public Schools (DCPS and Public Charter Schools)
February 20, 2015, 10 – 11 a.m.
Register
Districtwide Assessments: Test Integrity Training for Non-Public Schools
February 20, 2015, 12 – 1 p.m.
Register
Professional Development
New
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 include:
- 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: March 18, 2015
Time: 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.
Register
Reminder
PARCC Professional Development Series for Educators and Administrators
As a follow up to the LEA Institute on Next Generation Assessments, OSSE is offering a series of over 35 professional development sessions on PARCC entitled: “Preparing for Assessments with Strengthened Supports (P.A.S.S.) PARCC Trainings.”
This series is a combination of in-person trainings, webinar instruction, and webinar Q&A sessions, and is free to all educators and administrators in DC. All webinars will be recorded and hosted on the OSSE and LearnDC websites. Learn more about these trainings, including registration links and dates. Trainings start in February and run through March.
For more information, contact Abreyon Moses at 202-478-5993.
February 2015 Next Generation Assessment Meeting
Date: 2/26/2015
Time: 1 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Location: OSSE, 3rd Floor, Grand Hall
Contact: [email protected]
PARCC/CCSS Mathematics Professional Development Series
In an effort to support instructional best practices and provide robust training and technical assistance in mathematics throughout the District, OSSE is offering a series of standards-based mathematics professional development. This professional development opportunity is specifically aligned with the Common Core State Mathematics Standards (CCSS) and the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessment. These professional development and training sessions will include interactive workshops, targeted support, and high-quality resources for teachers and administrators to increase student performance and achievement in the area of mathematics.
Who: Math educators
Dates: February 26, 2015
Time: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Location: Charles Sumner School Museum, George F. T. Cook Conference Room (Room 101),
1201 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC
Register
Event
New
LEA Institute II: “It Takes a City to Knock it Out of the PARCC!” Recap
On January 23, 2015, OSSE hosted its LEA Institute II: “It Takes a City to Knock it Out of the PARCC!” at Gallaudet University’s Kellogg Center. This LEA Institute was focused on preparing and gearing up educators for Next Generation Assessments (NGA) including PARCC, NCSC, and NGSS. OSSE invited national and local experts to provide pertinent information and to answer the most pressing questions in the following areas:
- NGA Communication Strategies
- Curriculum Alignment and Best Practices
- Assessment Procedures and Technology Readiness
- Assessment Considerations for Special Populations
Visit OSSE’s website to read a recap of the event and view copies of all the presentations. Save the date for OSSE’s next LEA Institute, which will be held on May 1 and 2, 2015, and will focus on best practices in education.
