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District Highlights	Enrollment Audit	Early Learning	Elementary, Secondary andSpecialized Education	Postsecondary & Career Education
Wellness & Nutrition	Data Assessment and Research	Grants Management and Compliance	OSSE in the News	General Announcements

District Highlights

1. OSSE is Accepting Nominations for the 2015 District of Columbia Teacher of the Year
2. District of Columbia Receives NCLB Flexibility Extension
3. OSSE Encourages DC Child Care Workers to Apply for T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship
4. DC State Athletic Association Announces Game of the Week Broadcast
5. Guide to the New PARCC Assessment (For Parents)
6. DCSAA Title IX and Athletics Town Hall

Important Dates and Deadlines to Remember

Dates:

• 9/12: SEDS Train the Trainer (Register)
• 9/17: LEA SE POC Monthly Support Webinar
• 9/19: Related Service Providers SEDS Training (Register)
• 9/24: DCSAA Title IX and Athletics Town Hall
• 11/2–11/7: DC College Application Week - Sign-up to become a host site
• 3/7–3/14: $5000 College Scholarship Opportunity for Student Leaders

Deadlines:

• 8/18–10/24: OSSE Scholars Application
• 9/12: Complete the Adult Degree Completion Survey
• 10/3: Nominations for the 2015 District of Columbia Teacher of the Year

Enrollment Audit

New: Enrollment Audit Training Material Available On OSSE Website

PowerPoint slides from the Enrollment Audit, Child Count, and LEP Sample Audit webinar, presented on September 9 and 10, are now available on the OSSE website.

Reminder: LEA Enrollment Audit Training Date Announced

An additional Enrollment Audit training has been added to the schedule. The new date is Monday, September 22, 2014, from 9 am – 12 pm. For questions, please contact Sean Flora or Rhonda Baylor.

Reminder: Enrollment Audit Residency Verification Documentation and Guidance

OSSE has provided residency verification training to all Local Education Agencies (LEAs) for School Year 2014-2015. Please visit our website for training presentations, translated forms and resource materials. If you have questions, please contact Sean Flora.

 

Division of Early Learning

Reminder: SY 2013-2014 Pre-K Statewide Classroom Assessments Scoring System (CLASS) Evaluation

Pursuant to the Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Act of 2008 (DC Code 38-271.03; DC Law 17-202), OSSE,, in partnership with School Readiness Consulting, conducted its annual evaluation of pre-kindergarten programs in community-based organizations and public charter schools during SY 2013-2014 using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS). The purpose of the study was to assess classroom quality and evaluate early childhood programs through collecting and reporting quantitative and qualitative data to provide useful input for strengthening the early childhood education system. OSSE will disseminate program/school level reports this week. A final comprehensive report including the District of Columbia Public Schools is expected by the end of September 2014. To learn more about the CLASS tool and evaluation process, access and watch the District of Columbia Early Childhood Program Quality Evaluation SY 2013-2014 webinar now. If you have questions concerns, contact Mahlet Getachew.

Reminder: Child Care Licensing Orientation for Centers and Homes Available Online

Are you interested in opening or setting up a licensed child development center or home facility? Access and participate in the following online licensing webinars to learn how:

• Child Development Center Webinar
• Home Based Child Care Facility Webinar

If you have questions regarding the webinar, contact Brandee Reed or call (202)741-5937.

Reminder: Child Care Emergency Preparedness Online Workshop

Improve your skills and take your practice to the next level by ensuring that all the children in your care will be protected during emergencies. Please access the online workshop through the U.S. Center for Child Development and Resiliency to complete the Save the Children’s Child Care Emergency Preparedness Training.

 

Division of Elementary, Secondary and Specialized Education

New: Time to Nominate Your 2015 District of Columbia Teacher of the Year

OSSE is currently accepting nominations for the 2015 District of Columbia Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes and honors the many contributions of our classroom teachers. The application deadline is Friday, October 3, 2014. If you would like to nominate a teacher who has at least five years of DC teaching experience, and has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to student achievement, please submit the teacher’s name and email address to Marion Nieto. Self-nominations are also accepted. Ms. Nieto will contact the teacher directly to inform him/her of your nomination and request an application submission. The application process is extensive, so please submit your nomination in a timely manner to provide the nominee with sufficient time to complete the application before the October 3 deadline. The winner of the DC Teacher of the Year will be included in the National Teacher of the Year competition.

Submit TOTY Application to [email protected] or hand-delivered to:

Marion Nieto

Office of the State Superintendent of Education,Specialized Education Department

810 First Street, N.E., 5th Floor

Washington, DC 20002

Deadline: 5 pm on October 3, 2014

Please visit OSSE’s District of Columbia Teacher of the Year webpage to download the application.

New: Child Outcome Summary (COS) Training for New Preschool Special Education Coordinators

This training is an in-depth training on the COS Process geared towards new Preschool Special Education Coordinators, though it is open to all Preschool Special Education Coordinators. The Child Outcomes Summary (COS) data collection process is a mandatory process that LEAs must follow for all students receiving IEP services in a preschool special education program. COS Entry and Exit Scores; must be captured in the DC CATS online database for each student. This training will review the COS data collection process, including:

• Important timelines and deadlines for COS Entry & Exit scores;
• The 3 functional outcome areas;
• The 7-point rating scale;
• Appropriate assessment data;
• Discuss important information about the COS process; and
• Review the COS data entry process for the DC CATS online database.

Please direct all questions and comments to [email protected].

New: 2014 Special Education Data System (SEDS) Fall Release Training

On August 13, 2014, OSSE provided a webinar training which previewed the upcoming changes for the 2014 SEDS Fall Release. This recorded webinar training video is now available for viewing on the OSSE website. The 2014 SEDS Fall Release is scheduled to occur mid-October. Prior to this date, OSSE will offer one additional training opportunity.

On Wednesday, October 1, 2014, OSSE will provide a virtual and in-person combination training. The first hour of this training, from 9 am – 10 am, will be a live webinar broadcast, which will review planned updates, and will feature any new changes that were not discussed during the August 13 webinar. The subsequent hour, from 10 am — 11 am will be an optional in-person hands-on training which will allow participants to access the system, become familiar with all changes and updates, and ask questions. Participants who wish to attend the hands-on portion are welcome to arrive one hour earlier, and listen to the 9am webinar on-site at OSSE.

Presenter: OSSE Division of Specialized Education

Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Time: 9 am – 10 am Webinar Broadcast, 10 am — 11 am Hands-On Training

Location: Hands-On Training - OSSE 3rd Floor Computer Lab, 810 First St. NE, Washington DC

Webinar Registration: Webinar Registration Link or Hands-On Training: Registration Info

For more information, please contact [email protected].

Reminder: SEDS Duplicative Enrollment Report in Reports Tab in SLED

A new SEDS Duplicative Enrollment Report has been made available in the Reports Tab that displays a list of special education students who are enrolled by more than one LEA. Duplicative enrollments frequently result in losing or preventing access to a student in SEDS. This report can be used to identify special education students who require entry/exit code updating through the SIS or coordination with other LEAs to reconcile enrollment statuses. More Information about these reports and details on how these new reports will benefit LEA SE POCs is available in the LEA SE POC SEDS Reports Tab User Guide. You can access the SEDS Reports Tab through the SLED Main Page, by clicking the blue ‘Reports’ tab and selecting the red “OSSE Reporting” logo.

Reminder: SY 2014-2015 Elementary, Secondary, and Specialized Education Program Calendar

OSSE is happy to announce its SY 2014-2015 K-12 Program Calendar. A collaborative effort within the Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Specialized Education, the K-12 Program Calendar encompasses professional development opportunities, parent trainings, and grant technical assistance opportunities. Please review the calendar to learn about key opportunities designed to support student success in SY 2014-2015. The calendar will be refreshed the last week of each month and is meant to serve as a snapshot of upcoming events. Please check osse.dc.gov for current calendar information, including training details and registration links.

Reminder: Specialized Education 2014-15 Onsite Monitoring Calendar

OSSE’s Division of Specialized Education Monitoring and Compliance Unit will conduct onsite special education monitoring at more than 30 LEAs, nonpublic schools, and Part C programs during SY 2014-2015.

Review the monitoring calendar.

Each LEA, school, or program scheduled to receive an onsite monitoring visit from the OSSE team during the SY 2014-15 will be contacted directly by the OSSE monitoring team at least two weeks prior to the onsite visit.

If you have questions about onsite monitoring, please contact Dr. Jennifer Masoodi, Director of Monitoring and Compliance, or call (202) 741-0479.

Reminder: Specialized Education Customer Satisfaction Survey

OSSE’s Division of Specialized Education (DSE) is interested in your opinion regarding activities that occurred during SY 2013-2014.

Your responses will help us in our continuous improvement efforts and inform the ways in which we engage in outreach with special education stakeholders (parents, students, educators, Community Based Organizations, etc.) in the upcoming year.

The information collected in this survey will be confidential. Your input is extremely important to our efforts. The survey will close Monday, September 15, 2014.

For questions about this survey, please contact Ms. Desirée Brown, Special Projects Manager for Community and Parent Relations at [email protected].

Access the survey.

Reminder: LEA Meeting on Special Education Monitoring and Compliance

OSSE’s Division of Specialized Education’s LEA and Nonpublic compliance and monitoring teams are hosting its first LEA meeting for the 2014–2015 school year!

Each LEA is encouraged to send its Special Education Coordinator (SEC) or an administrative representative responsible for making decisions regarding special education. The focus of the meeting will be to review the LEA monitoring processes and procedures for SY 2014-2015.

The AM session will address monitoring processes and procedures for the 2014-2015 school year for students attending LEAs. Each LEA is encouraged to send its special education coordinator or an administrative representative responsible for making decisions regarding special education. No registration or RSVP is required to attend. For additional information please contact your OSSE LEA SPED compliance monitor.

Presenters: OSSE Division of Specialized Education, LEA Compliance and Monitoring Team

Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Time: 9:30 am – 12 pm

Location: OSSE 810 First St. NE, 8th Floor Room 806A

The PM session will address monitoring issues specific to DC students attending nonpublic schools. Specifically, the session will cover preparing for an on-site monitoring visit at the nonpublic school and working with the nonpublic school to correct identified noncompliance. For the afternoon session, each LEA is encouraged to send the staff member responsible for monitoring the progress of their students’ attending nonpublic schools.

For additional information on the afternoon session please contact Dr. Edgar Stewart, Supervisory Monitoring Specialist at [email protected].

Presenters: OSSE Division of Specialized Education, Nonpublic Compliance and Monitoring Team

Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Time: 1 pm – 3 pm

Location: OSSE 810 First St. NE, 8th Floor Room 806A

Reminder: Nonpublic Point of Contact (NP POC) Quarterly Support Webinar Series

During the school year, the OSSE Division of Specialized Education hosts a quarterly webinar support series for all Nonpublic Point of Contacts (NP POCs). The NP POC is OSSE's main liaison for special education at each nonpublic program or school who serves students with disabilities from the District of Columbia. The quarterly webinars for SY 2014-2015 will take place on September 24, December 10, March 25, and May 27. Each webinar will discuss various topics, 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

All NP POCs should plan to register and participate in all 4 quarterly webinars. All webinars are recorded and archived on the SEDS Resource Site. Please register for the next upcoming webinar using the link below.

Presenter: OSSE Division of Specialized Education

Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Time: 10 am — 11 am

Registration: Register here

Final Notice: Request for SY 2014-15 Preschool Special Education Coordinator Update

OSSE Division of Specialized Education (DSE) is requesting updates with the names of the LEA staff members that will serve as the SY 2014-15 Preschool Special Education Coordinators (PSEC). OSSE recognizes that there are unique opportunities and challenges in serving the preschool special education population (ages 3-5), including:

• Child Find Responsibilities
• Early Childhood Transition (ECT) from Part C to Part B
• Child Outcome Summary (COS) Data

In 2012, OSSE’s Preschool Special Education Program (also known as the IDEA Part B 619 Program) rolled out the new Child Outcomes Summary (COS) Data System and provided training and technical assistance to LEAs on the COS collection and reporting process. In the 2014-15 School Year, OSSE’s Preschool Special Education Program plans to provide more training opportunities and technical assistance related to the preschool special education population.

Each LEA should provide the OSSE Preschool Special Education Program with the name of an LEA staff member who will serve as the Preschool Special Education Coordinator (PSEC).

PSEC information should be submitted through this link.

The PSEC contact will be responsible for coordinating responses to COS data collection, Early Childhood Transition responsibilities, receiving and disseminating information sent from OSSE regarding preschool special education to appropriate staff within the LEA, and communicating questions or technical assistance requests regarding preschool special education to OSSE.

For questions about this role, please contact: [email protected].

Reminder: Special Education Child Count (Due Date–October 6, 2014)

The special education data team is excited about the new school year, and looking forward to working with all LEAs to support the success of students with disabilities. As a reminder, the cut-off date for Child Count for SY 2014-2015 is October 6, 2014. This year, the dates have been aligned with the Enrollment Audit process to assist in reducing the burden on LEAs from having official counts occur on different dates.

Child Count is a federally mandated activity, as per 34 CFR 300.641 (a), that is reported annually and serves as the official special education enrollment number for DC. Timely submission of Child Count Certifications ensures data accuracy for all LEAs.

Any questions regarding Child Count should be directed to [email protected].

Reminder: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS): Implementing Tier 2 Targeted Supports Training

When implementing school-wide PBIS, students may need additional supports from classroom to small groups to help them be successful. This session will review how features of effective Tier 2 interventions, including an overview of Check-in Check-out (CICO) for targeted groups and simple behavior support plans for individual students. Participants are encouraged to bring their school behavior data for analysis and planning purposes.

Presenter: OSSE Division of Specialized Education

Date: Friday, October 3, 2014

Time: 8:30 am – 3 pm

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

Registration: PBIS: Implementing Tier 2 Targeted Supports

Reminder: Related Service Providers SEDS Training

The OSSE DSE is holding a SEDS training for related service providers who serve students with disabilities at LEAs and nonpublic programs in the District of Columbia.

Related service providers (RSPs) are required to use SEDS for documenting evaluations, assessments and services provided to students with disabilities. This training is designed to teach RSPs the correct way to document services in SEDS, including missed services, and will introduce tools available to make the documentation process more streamlined in SEDS. The training will also review SEDS Fall Release updates that affect RSPs.

 

Each LEA and nonpublic program should select one current related service provider representative to attend this in-person, two hour training. It is not appropriate for one LEA to send a large group of staff to this training. Upon receiving training, the selected RSP representative will return to the LEA or nonpublic program to share information and train their related service provider colleagues.

There are two dates to choose from: Friday, September 19, 2014, and Wednesday, October 22, 2014.

Presenter: OSSE Division of Specialized Education

Dates: Friday, September 19, or Wednesday, October 22

Time: 10 am — 12 pm

Location: OSSE, 810 First St. NE, 3rd Floor Computer Lab

Registration: Related Service Provider SEDS Training

For more information please contact [email protected].

Reminder: Revised Early Childhood Transition Guidelines

DC Strong Start Early Intervention Program and OSSE’s Preschool Special Education (619) Program are pleased to release revised Early Childhood Transition Guidelines.

Early Childhood Transition Guidelines provide non-regulatory guidance to Early Intervention Programs and Local Education Agencies to support the smooth and effective transition of children from early intervention into preschool special education.

For more information, please contact Kerda DeHaan at (202)741-0791 or Krista Scott at (202)741-5098

Reminder: Special Education Data System (SEDS) Train-the-Trainer

The Special Education Data System (SEDS), also referred to as “EasyIEP,” is the online database where school administrators, educators, and related service providers access special education records and document services provided to students with disabilities.

Each LEA is required to have a staff member who serves as the LEA Special Education Point of Contact (LEA SE POC). Additionally, each nonpublic school or program that serves students with disabilities enrolled in any DC LEA is required to have a SEDS Nonpublic Point of Contact (NP POC). The LEA SE POC and the NP POC are responsible for training all relevant staff on SEDS and for overseeing the use of SEDS by all staff.

The SEDS Train-the-Trainer course is a full-day, in-person training course designed to equip LEA SE POCs and NP POCs with information and resources to support them in their role as SEDS trainer.

This course also provides participants an opportunity to shape their own internal SEDS-use policy. There are currently three training dates to choose from this fall.

Presenter(s): OSSE Division of Specialized Education

Dates: Friday, September 12, Friday, October 3, or Friday, November 14

Time: 9 am – 4 pm

Registration: SEDS Train-the-Trainer

PLEASE NOTE: This course is NOT a basic user training course for SEDS. Participants should already be experienced with SEDS, or have already taken the SEDS Basic User video training course (accessed on the SEDS Resource Site).

Reminder: Special Education Point of Contact (LEA SE POC) Monthly Support Webinar Series

During the school year, the OSSE Division of Specialized Education hosts a monthly webinar support series for all LEA Special Education (SE) Point of Contacts (POC), formerly LEA Data Administrators.

This webinar series takes place on the third Wednesday of every month from 10 am – 11 am. Each month 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

All LEA SE POCs should plan to register and participate in all 10 monthly webinars, from August 2014 through May 2015. All webinars are recorded and archived. Please register for the webinar series using the link below. This registration link will automatically register participants for all 10 webinar dates, on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, August 2014 through May 2015.

Presenter(s): OSSE Division of Specialized Education

Dates: 3rd Wednesday of Each Month (next broadcast is Wednesday, September 17, 2014*)

Time: 10 am – 11 am

Registration: LEA SE POC Monthly Webinar

*All webinars are an hour in length.

Update: 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. OSSE will host a training once a month during the 2014-15 School Year.

Date(s): Monday, September 24, Thursday, October 30, Monday, November 17, 2014

Time: 8:30 am – 3 pm

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

Register

Register for other dates

Division of Postsecondary & Career Education

Reminder: OSSE Scholars Application is Now Open

The OSSE Scholars Application process is now open. The program is designed to introduce high school sophomores and juniors to postsecondary learning environments.

This free program aims to provide the District’s high achieving, academically motivated, and low-income students with the opportunity to participate in enriching summer academic programs at the nation’s top ranked universities. Application closes on Friday, October 24, 2014.

For questions contact Mike Andrews

New: OSSE GED Program: Free GED Practice Tests (For Limited Time)

OSSE GED Program Testing Center is giving away free GED practice tests to all students who come into the center. Students who take GED Ready can see for free.

Date: Monday, September 22 – Friday, October 3, 2014, Time: 9 am - 9 pm (Mon - Fri), 9 am - 6 pm (Sat)

Venue: One Judiciary Square, 441 4th Street NW, Suite 370N, Washington DC 20001

For questions, contact Deysi Ramirez at the OSSE GED Testing center or call (202) 274-7173

OSSE General Education Development Tests (GED)

OSSE GED Program - Free GED Practice Testing

New: OSSE Dual Enrollment Fund

The OSSE Dual Enrollment Fund covers the cost of unmet tuition, fees, books, and transportation (via Metro Card) for DCPS and PCS students enrolled in credit-bearing courses on a college campus. Eligibility of the fund has been extended to students pursuing dual enrollment at any accredited, licensed, not-for-profit postsecondary institution in the DC Metro Area. If any students at your schools is pursuing dual enrollment at institutions that meet this new eligibility criteria and would like more information about the Dual Enrollment Funds. Please contact by email Mike Andrews, Program Manager.

Reminder: $5000 College Scholarship Opportunity for Student Leaders

The United States Senate Youth Program, established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service.

The annual program will be held in DC on March 7–14, 2015. Two student leaders from each state, DC and the Department of Defense Education Activity will spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action.

Student delegates will hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies, as well as participate in a meeting with a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by The Hearst Foundations. In addition, each delegate will also be awarded a $5,000 College Scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science.

The USSYP 2015 application is now open. Please visit the United States Senate Youth Program webpage on the OSSE website to download and complete the application.

Contact your State Selection Coordinator, Tiffany DeJesus, for more information.

Reminder: Become a College Application Week Host Site

OSSE is excited to announce that DC College Application Week (CAW) 2014 will take place November 3–7, 2014.

CAW is part of a national effort to increase the number of first-generation and low-income students who pursue a postsecondary education.

The goal of CAW is to assist all graduating seniors, especially those who may not otherwise apply to colleges to do so, and help in navigating the complex college admissions process as well as ensure that each participating student completes and submits at least one application.

We encourage your school to host a CAW event to show your support as a college-going culture and allow your high school the opportunity to ensure all seniors strongly consider pursuing a postsecondary education.

OSSE will provide training, volunteer recruitment assistance and a resource manual to assist with the planning and organization of your CAW activities.

FInal Notice: Adult Degree Completion Survey Responses Due September 12

The Adult College and Completion Initiative (ACC), led by OSSE and community and postsecondary partners, is conducting a comprehensive needs assessment of adult learners who have attended college and left without obtaining a degree to earn their postsecondary credential.

We would greatly appreciate your circulating the Adult Degree Completion Survey to any DC resident you know who has dropped out of postsecondary education.

Our District Adult Learners’ input is critically important to improving postsecondary completion and graduation rates for DC residents. The information gathered from this survey will inform decisions on flexible and innovative post-secondary programming for adult learners in DC.

For more information on the survey and the Adult College and Completion Initiative, contact Tiffany DeJesus or call (202)741-6415.

Reminder: Request for Applications for the Career and Technology Education (CTE) Certification Fund

OSSE’s Adult and Career Education Division invites the submission of applications for the CTE Certification Fund. The purpose of this grant is to support eligible LEAs and the University of the District of Columbia Community College (UDC-CC) with full or subsidized payments of certification exams within priority career sectors in DC as identified in the CTE Strategic Plan.

Reminder: FSA Tool Publishes FAFSA Completion Numbers for the High School Graduating Class of 2014

The U.S. Department of Education is now providing high schools with current data about their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) submissions and completions so that high schools can track their progress and help ensure that their students complete the FAFSA.

 

Division of Wellness & Nutrition

Reminder: BOKS Activation Grants Available

Reebok and the Reebok Foundation are awarding $1,000 to up to 300 schools for SY 2014-2015! The grants are intended to help get kids moving in a fun way to wake up their bodies for a day of learning with BOKS (Build Our Kids’ Success), a before-school physical activity program. School staff, parents, and other community members are all invited to apply for the BOKS Activation Grant to support the launch of BOKS in their elementary and middle schools. Applications will be accepted on a rolling first come, first serve basis through October, 2014. All elementary and middle schools, public or private, across the country can apply. The BOKS Activation Grant is only for new BOKS schools. Schools that already run the BOKS program are not eligible to apply.

Reminder: 2015 DC Green Ribbon Schools Application Released

DC schools, districts, and institutes for higher education (IHE) are encouraged to apply for the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools Award. This award will recognize schools, districts, and IHE that save energy, reduce costs, feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, protect health, foster wellness, and offer environmental education to boost academic achievement and community engagement. It is also a great tool to identify ways to involve the school community in “going green”. OSSE is responsible for supporting schools, districts, and IHE in applying for this award, as well as nominating up to four schools, one district, and one IHE to the U.S. Department of Education.

The application, past awardees, and supporting documents can be found on the OSSE website- Green Ribbon School Program webpage.

Applications are due Friday, January 16, 2015.

For questions and inquiries please contact Sam Ullery.

Reminder: Growing Healthy Schools Week 2014–Save the Date!

Growing Healthy Schools Week is here again: Saturday September 27, 2014 – Friday, October 3, 2014.

View the Growing Healthy Schools Week website for more information.

Reminder: Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) Administration

Charter School Middle/High School Leaders:

On behalf of OSSE, we hope that you will agree again to participate this fall in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) administration. If you did not agree to allow your students to be anonymously surveyed in 2012, we invite you to join us now for the fall 2014. All students in grades 6-12 are eligible.

You can sign-up by emailing Julie Ost, the DC YRBS Coordinator, and confirm your participation.

Reminder: Health and Physical Education Needs Assessment

Online Survey for School Administration and Staff Only

OSSE and Johns Hopkins University’s School of Education are currently conducting a needs assessment to identify specific challenges in regards to implementing effective health and physical education in schools in DC. Each participant that completes and submits their needs assessment questionnaire will be eligible to enter into a drawing for a $100 gift card. Details regarding drawing entry are provided at the end of the questionnaire.

OSSE and Johns Hopkins University will use the data to identify potential solutions and resources to address these challenges. The needs assessment questionnaire takes approximately 25 minutes to complete. The questionnaire is completely confidential and will not be associated with your name or school.

If you have any questions please email Ms. Kafui Doe, health education manager, or call (202)741-6484.

Reminder: Serve on the DC CAS Health and Physical Education Advisory Board

OSSE is recruiting health and physical education teachers at all grade levels to advise on the future content, structure, and delivery of the DC CAS Health and Physical Education.

This advisory board will meet approximately four times a year and will be expected to participate in the content and bias review sessions for new test items.

Please email Grace Friedberger to indicate your interest in joining the board.

Reminder: DC Anti-Bullying Safe Schools Initiative for School-based Staff

OSSE invites you and your school staff to participate in a professional development opportunity on the creation and/or affirmation of safe school environments.

Co-sponsored by OSSE and the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), the goal of the 1.5 day PD session is to provide participants with the knowledge, skills and resources to create safe and affirming school environments for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.

Sessions will be led by certified facilitators from OSSE, DC Public Schools (DCPS) and local government and community based organizations at no cost to participants.

The training course runs over two days, and both days are required to complete sessions. Day one is 8 hours and day two is 4.5 hours. Indicate your interest to participate in the training.

For questions and inquiries please email Julie Ost and mention the DC Anti-Bullying Safe Schools Initiative.

 

 

Office of Data Assessment and Research

Update: SLED System Training Session

OSSE ODAR will host Statewide Longitudinal Education Data (SLED) System training for new SLED users on:

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Training session will take place at OSSE, 810 First Street, NE, 3rd Floor Grand Hall, 9:30 am – 11 am

Register for the training session, by sending an email requesting registration to [email protected].

Reminder: Guidance on the Identification and Screening of English language learners (ELL)

OSSE guidance on the identification and screening of English language learners is located on the OSSE website. LEAs must screen potential ELL students using OSSE approved English language proficiency assessments.

For questions and concerns, contact Michelle Blakey-Tuggle

Reminder: PARCC Accommodations and Accessibility Features Updates

LEAs are invited to visit the OSSE Testing Accommodations webpage to view updated information on PARCC Accessibility Features and Accommodations. Under Additional PARCC Resources, are three DC CAS accommodations crosswalks entitled:

• PARCC Accessibility Features versus DC CAS Accommodations
• PARCC Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
• PARCC Accommodations for English Language Learner

For questions and inquiries please contact Michelle Blakey-Tuggle.

Reminder: National Center State Collaborative (NCSC) Fall Field Test

In SY 2014-2015 students with significant cognitive disabilities will transition to a new alternate assessment, the National Center State Collaborative (NCSC). The current assessment, the DC CAS Alt will remain only for Science during the transition to the new science standards. Read about the Alternate Assessment Registration Window.

In preparation for the Operational NCSC assessment, schools are encouraged to participate in the Pilot Test II from Monday, October 20, 2014 – Friday, November 14, 2014.

• Pilot Test 2 will test students in grades 4 – 9 and 12.
• Only one content area will be assigned to each participating student (ELA or Math)
• Test Administrator training modules from Pilot Test 1 remain the same.

Register for Pilot Test 2 before Friday, September 19, 2014. Contact [email protected] for registration template.

Reminder: Updated Entry and Exit Code Documentation Posted

Updated entry and exit code documentation for the 2014-2015 school year is now available on the OSSE website. Updates include:

• Extended Entry and Exit Code Guidance
• Excel version of entry and exit codes
• Webinar Slides

Please visit the Entry Codes Exit Codes and Enrollment web page to download the documentation. If you were unable to attend a training webinar during the month of July, please review the documentation as there have been significant updates to OSSE entry and exit codes for the coming school year.

For questions and inquiries, please contact Sarah Sherman.

New: NCSC and DC CAS Alt Science for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities

Students in grades 3 - 8 and 11 with significant cognitive disabilities are eligible to participate in the National Center and State Collaborative (NCSC) and DC CAS Alt Science assessment.

Please contact Michelle Tuggle for more information.

 

Reminder: Updated Data Collection Calendar for LEAs

OSSE ODAR has released an updated data collection calendar for LEAs.

 

*Extensions cannot be granted

Reminder: Data Boot Camp Additional Session Added

Please mark your calendars and join us for a Data Boot Camp to discuss Faculty and Staff Data on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 and Thursday, September 25, 2014 from 1 pm – 5 pm

The Boot Camp will be held in OSSE’s Grand Hall, 810 First Street NE, on the 3rd floor.

Participants will learn:

• How do you evaluate teachers and principals?
• How do you calculate and split FTE percentages?
• When is a teacher Highly Qualified? Who’s eligible to use the HOUSSE process?

All these questions and more will be discussed as we bring the K-12 LEAs and Early Childhood CBOs together for multiple roundtable sessions. HR Managers and Data Managers will receive an invitation and agenda shortly, and everyone from LEAs and CBOs are welcome to attend.

For more information, please contact Doreen Christian or call (202)727-8320 or Hannah Page or call (202)727-8114.

Reminder: 2015 ACCESS for ELL Testing Window: April 27, 2015–May 30, 2015

A testing window is available for English Language Learners to participate in the annual English Language Proficiency test (ACCESS for ELL students) between the following dates: April 27, 2015 – May 30, 2015.

For question and inquiries please contact Michelle Blakey-Tuggle.

Reminder: LEA Data Meeting Schedule

OSSE Office of Data Assessment & Research schedule is available to LEAs. LEA Data Discussion Meeting will take place at 810 First Street, NE, on the 3rd Floor Grand Hall.

• Wednesday, October 1, 2014; 11 am–12 pm
• Thursday, November 20, 2014; 11 am–12 pm
• Thursday, December 11, 2014; 11 am–12:30 pm
• Thursday, January 22, 2015; 11 am–12:30 pm
• Thursday, February 26, 2015; 11 am–12:30 pm
• Thursday, March 26, 2015; 11 am–12:30 pm
• Thursday, April 30, 2015; 11 am–12:30 pm
• Thursday, May 28, 2015; 11 am–12:30 pm
• Thursday, June 25, 2015; 11 am–12:30 pm
• Thursday, July 30, 2015; 11 am–12:30 pm

Meeting invites and agendas will be sent before each meeting to LEA Heads of School and Data Managers. Please contact Imani Stutely if you have any questions.

Reminder: Planning for Automated Data Transfer (ADT) Maintenance

There are three types of maintenance of the ADT System:

• System Maintenance
• Major Release Maintenance
• Patch/Emergency Release Maintenance

Information regarding ADT’s maintenance window is provided for planning purposes on OSSE’s website.

Access Planning Automated Data Transfer ADT Maintenance.

New: NCSC and DC CAS Alt Science Webinar Series

OSSE is excited to offer a series of webinars to help build educator capacity as we transition to the National Center State Collaborative (NCSC) Alternate Assessment that is aligned to the Common Core State Standards.

NCSC and DC CAS Alt Science Webinar Series

Office of Grants Management and Compliance

New: Fiscal Year 2015 Reimbursement Requests from OSSE

LEAs are advised that all FY 15 funds will only be reimbursed through the OSSE Enterprise Grants Management System (EGMS). As grants are rolled out, training and technical assistance (T and T/A) will be provided to LEA’s applying for those grants. Please continue to look out for updates in the LEA Look Forward every week or on the EGMS homepage for information on training videos/webinars that OSSE will be making available in the near future on the subject.

If you are experiencing any problems while accessing or using EGMS, including the Reimbursement Request function when it becomes available, please call the Help Desk on (202) 719-6500 or email EGMS support at [email protected].

Reminder: US Department of Education (ED) Provides State Education Agencies (SEAs) Guidance Regarding the Use of Funds under Title I, Part A: Providing Services to Homeless Children and Youth

On January 17, 2014, the President signed into law H.R. 3547, the omnibus funding bill for Federal Fiscal Year 2014 (FFY14). The United States Department of Education (ED) has provided State Education Agencies (SEAs) with guidance regarding the use of funds under Title I, Part A (Title I) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA), to provide services to homeless children and youth. The following changes are now allowable for use of Title I allocation funds under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014.

View Letter to State Title I and Homeless Education Coordinators

For questions and concerns, contact Timothy Richardson.

OSSE in the News

Washington Informer

September 8, 2014

Foundation to Donate 700 School Backpacks

WTOP

September 9, 2014

Truancy-prevention programs effective in DC (Study)

Education Week

September 5, 2014

NCLB Waivers Extended for Tennessee and D.C.

Washington Post

September 8, 2014

Brookland Education Campus celebrates International Literacy Day

District to hire a chief student advocate

September 6, 2014

St. Albans shuts out Anacostia, 12-0, in the DCSAA Pigskin Kickoff Classic

 

 

General Announcements

New: DCSAA Title IX and Athletics Town Hall

Sponsored by the George Washington University Department of Athletics, the DCSAA TItle IX and Athletics Town Hall will occur on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 from 6 pm – 8 pm. The town hall is open to the public and will feature three moderated panels offering new ideas and discussing possible solutions to challenges in K-12 athletics.

New: OSSE to Participate in Howard University’s Fall Open House

Saturday, September 27, 2014, OSSE’s Kenneth Howard, Higher Education Financial Services Operations Manager, will be giving a financial aid presentation and serving on a financial aid panel for the Howard University Office of Admissions’ Annual Fall Open House for Prospective Students. Over 1,500 students and guests are expected to attend. The event will be held at the University’s Cramton Auditorium with the Ira Aldridge Theater serving as an overflow sites. For more information, please contact Kenneth Howard.

New: Tiger Woods Foundation 3rd Annual STEM Career Conference: November 15

The Tiger Woods Foundation will be hosting its third annual Career and College Conference in DC focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) on Saturday, November 15, 2014. The event will take place at McKinley Technology High School from 8:30 am – 2 pm. The conference provides an opportunity for middle and high school students, parents and educators to participate in hands-on specialized instruction, offering a range of career and college preparation workshops. The Tiger Woods Foundation is working with the District of Columbia Public Schools and area charter schools and inviting students and their families to participate.

The program is free and there is no cost to conduct a workshop and/or exhibit. The Tiger Woods Foundation will be providing workshop presenters and exhibitors with a continental breakfast and lunch. If you are interested in participating below access the request for workshop proposal below. LEAs are asked to submit proposals for any sessions they would like to facilitate for students and/or parents no later than Wednesday, October 8. The Tiger Woods Foundation will inform organizations in mid-October on whether or not requested session(s) has been selected and approved for the STEM Career Conference.

For questions and information, contact Cristina Fernandez, senior director programs, Tiger Woods Foundation or call (714) 765-8500.

Reminder: OSSE PARCC Technology Readiness Site Visit Survey

LEA leaders are invited to view the memorandum from the District of Columbia State Superintendent of Education, Jesus Aguirre, on the PARCC Technology Readiness Site Visit Survey, and the advisory factsheet from the US Department of Education on Educational Services for Immigrant Children and Those Recently Arrived to the United States.

 

 

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