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
District Highlights
- OSSE is Accepting Nominations for the 2015 District of Columbia Teacher of the Year
- OSSE hosts 2nd Annual Let’s Move! DC - Children and Families Health Expo
- OSSE to Provide Free GED Test Preparation to District Residents
- District of Columbia to Offer Free SAT to All High School Seniors and Juniors
- OSSE DOT Bus Drivers and Attendants of Special Education Students Recognition Program
- DC College Application Week
- OSSE Encourages DC Child Care Workers to Apply for T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship
- DC State Athletic Association Announces Game of the Week Broadcast
- Guide to the New PARCC Assessment (For Parents)
Important Dates and Deadlines to Remember
Dates:
- 9/19: Related Service Providers SEDS Training (Registration required)
- 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
- 10/3: Nominations for the 2015 District of Columbia Teacher of the Year
Enrollment Audit
Reminder: 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 9am–12pm. 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.
New: Enrollment Audit and Child Count Data Certification
Welcome to the Enrollment Audit and Child Count 2014 effort. Leading up to October 6, please frequently review the Enrollment Audit and Child Count Reports Section in SLED. The information is updated daily based on data successfully transferred to SLED the night prior from the LEA SIS, SEDS, and the EA/CC QuickBase application.
For additional information about each of these systems as well as guidance on resolving data issues, please review the 2014-2015 Enrollment Audit and Child Count Handbook and the webinar trainings. The deadline for data to be included in the enrollment audit is October 6 at 5pm. Then LEAs have from the morning of October 7 until October 8, 2014 at 5pm to certify the completeness, accuracy, and validity of the data.
The Enrollment Audit UPSFF Population report is the official roster for local funding. The Child Count Population report is the official roster for IDEA child count. The requirements to enter these official rosters are stringent, because a student record must be complete and error free for the independent auditors. If a student record does NOT appear in these official rosters, there are errors.
In order to be counted in the Enrollment Audit 2014 official roster, a student record must have a proper stage 5 enrollment record (NOT a pre-enrollment, which is entry code 1800) and enrollment date at the claiming school and LEA as of October 6, 2014.
In order to be included on the Enrollment Audit UPSFF Report, the student’s record must have valid and complete information for all of the following data fields:
- Proper stage 5 enrollment code (SY 2014-2015)
- Proper enrollment date (not a future date)
- LEA ID and Name
- School ID and Name
- USI (Unique Student Identifier)
Enrollment Audit (Continued)
- Local ID
- Last and first name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Ethnicity
- Race
- FARMS (Free and Reduced Meals) Status (Includes CEP)
- Student address (street, city, state, zip code)
- LEP (Limited English Proficient) indicator
- SPED Level
- Student grade level
- Residency indicator
- Tuition indicator
- Tuition payment amount
- Homeless indicator
- At-Risk
Child Count Data Certification
Your LEA must return the Child Count Certification Form, along with the Certification Roster Report to OSSE by 5pm, October 8, 2014.
To submit the final certification on October 8, 2014, follow the steps below:
- Review all special education data elements present in SLED under the Child Count tab.
- Correct demographic data (i.e. student ID, first name, last name, DOB, grade, race, gender, etc.) in your SIS (DC Stars for DCPS and SIS/ProActive for charter LEAs).
- Correct special education data in SEDS (primary disability, dedicated aide data, hours outside general education classroom, IEP begin date, etc.). The one exception is the educational environment can only be updated in the OSSE Enrollment Audit and Child Count SY 2014-2015 QuickBase Application.
- Click on the Reports tab in SLED and navigate to the certification report.
- Email the 2014 Child Count Certification Form and the Certified Child Count Roster to OSSE at [email protected] no later than 5pm, Wednesday, October 8, 2014.
- OSSE will notify you via email that your certification has been received. LEAs will be sent a review of your certification for discrepancies and inform your LEA within 48 hours:
- If your certification has been accepted OR
- If your LEA must resubmit the certification via email.
IX. Requirements for Certification
- Each LEA must submit one certification document.
- The Head of the Local Education Agency must sign the certification.
- There must not be any handwritten corrections on the Certified Roster Report.
- The number of students entered on the Certification Form must match the number of students on the Certified Roster Report.
- The signed certification form must be accompanied by a printout of the data report from the Child Count SLED View.
- The Certification Form will not be accepted if signed prior to October 6, 2014.
NOTE: Certification must be received no later than 5pm EST on October 8, 2014.
If any of these items are missing or unclear, the LEA will be required to make the necessary adjustments and submit a new certification. The LEA certification must be accepted by OSSE before October 8, 2014 at 5pm to be considered timely.
Enrollment Audit Data Certification
Your Enrollment Audit Data Certification Form must be signed and completed by October 8, 2014 at 5pm. If OSSE does not receive your form via email at [email protected], your LEA is passively certifying your data, and is failing to provide payment information used by the DC Public Charter School Board.
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:
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: Child Outcomes Summary (COS) Monthly Support Webinars
OSSE will conduct monthly webinars to assist LEAs in the proper completion of Child Outcomes Summary (COS) data collection and scores. The COS data collection process is required for LEAs who serve preschool and pre-K students with disabilities.
These monthly webinars will be hosted as an interactive “community call” where all callers can participate in a live discussion, ask questions, and share with one another.
Throughout the school year, during these webinars, OSSE will present information on various topics designed to provide guidance, clarification and support in the completion and reporting of COS data and scores. Topics for the Fall 2014 webinars may include:
- September: Orientation to webinar format, introduction to resource materials, checking student transfers, and the data upload process
- October: Viewing the B-7 report and understanding the data
- November: Overview of the COS data check process
The webinars will be conducted in the following format:
- News/Announcements from OSSE
- Main Topic/Presentation
- Questions/Answers/Discussion
Presenter: OSSE
Date(s): September 24 and October 22 2014
Time: 1pm—2pm
Register here for September 24, 2014 webinar
Register here for October 22, 2014 webinar
New: The PARCC Assessment Webinar – Overview, Practice Tests, and Instructional Implications
This training is an overview of the PARCC assessment, its released practice tests, and instructional implications.
Presenter: Heidi Beeman
Date: September 24, 2014
Time: 3:30pm–5pm
New: DC Municipal Regulations Title 5-E, Chapter 30: Special Education Review Schedule
In Spring 2014, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) initiated a review of Title 5-E, Chapter 30 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR), the local regulation that governs special education practice in the District of Columbia, with the intention of revising identified key components. In addition, input from the process will be used to inform the development of a new five-year strategic State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) for Special Education.
As part of the regulatory review process, the Division of Specialized Education (DSE) will be releasing surveys and holding topic-specific focus groups on key content area “clusters” to inform the work:
Transfer of Educational Rights
Child Find, Evaluation, & Eligibility Determination
Specialized Instruction & Caseload/Class Size
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) & Discipline Procedural Safeguards
Graduation Pathways, Secondary Transition, & IEP Certificate of Completion
A high-level overview of the initiative’s calendar of events and the OSSE content area review process can be found at: DC Municipal Regulations (DCMR) Title 5-E, Chapter 30: Special Education Review Schedule.
The fourth content area, Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) & Discipline Procedural Safeguards, is being reviewed in October.
DSE has developed a topic-specific survey that is open to all stakeholders. The deadline for submission of this topic survey is Wednesday, October 29, 2014. View the Survey!
In addition, an LEA focus group is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 22, 2014, from 2:30pm - 4:30pm at 810 First Street NE, Eighth Floor, Room 806B, Washington DC 20002.
RSVP Here by October 17, 2014.
The parent/community focus group is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 11, 2014, from 2pm–3:30pm at Anacostia Library–Meeting Room 2, 1800 Good Hope Road, SE Washington, DC 20002. RSVP Here by Thursday October 9, 2014.
Focus group reminders will be posted on the OSSE website and in OSSE newsletters such as the LEA Look Forward. For more information, contact Jamille Peters, Policy Analyst, OSSE.
New: Understanding Compliance Targets: Guidance for LEAs
With the beginning of the new school year, the special education monitoring and compliance team wants to support LEA, school, and student success. To that end, please note the following tips related to findings of noncompliance and requirements for their correction under the IDEA:
OSSE is responsible for monitoring all District LEAs to ensure that special education services are provided in accordance with the IDEA. Some items that OSSE monitors are considered “compliance” items. For any compliance item, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), requires OSSE to make findings of noncompliance if the LEA demonstrates less than 100% compliance.
The IDEA items on the student-level monitoring tool are all compliance items. Initial evaluation and secondary transition, which OSSE reviews at least three times per year, are also compliance items. For any compliance item, OSSE will not use a threshold for identification of noncompliance and will make findings of noncompliance if it is determined that an LEA has achieved below 100% compliance with a specific requirement. Read the current monitoring manual and student-level tool.
If you have questions about OSSE’s special education monitoring system, or would like more information on monitoring and compliance, please contact Dr. Jennifer Masoodi, Director of Monitoring and Compliance or call (202)741-0479.
Update: OSSE is Accepting 2015 Teacher of the Year Nominations
The District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is accepting nominations for the 2015 District of Columbia Teacher of the Year award through October 3, 2014. This annual award recognizes public school teachers for their outstanding teaching in the District of Columbia and professional leadership within and beyond the classroom. The winner will compete for the National Teacher of the Year.
All DC teachers who have achieved career status are eligible for consideration. Parents, students, staff, or teachers may nominate teachers for this award. Self-nominations are also acceptable.
The following criteria should be used to evaluate teachers:
- Teachers must have a minimum of five (5) years of DC teaching experience;
- Demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to student achievement;
- Inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn;
- Have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues;
Division of Elementary, Secondary Education and Specialized Education (Continued)
- Play an active and useful role in the community as well as in the school; and
- Be poised, articulate, and possess the energy to withstand a busy schedule.
Additionally, DCPS nominees must have received a ‘Highly Effective’ rating on their most recent evaluation.
Nomination forms are available at http://osse.dc.gov/service/district-columbia-teacher-year and can be submitted via email no later than 5pm, Friday, October 3, 2014 to the attention of Marion Nieto at [email protected] or hand-delivered to: Office of the State Superintendent of Education, C/O Marion Nieto, 810 First Street, N.E. 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20002.
The initial selection committee will review the nominees and select the three top finalists. The winner will be announced in December.
The 2015 DC Teacher of the Year will receive a $5,000 award and the two finalists will receive $1,500 each. OSSE will also recognize the DC Teacher of the Year at its statewide educator award celebration later this year.
For more information about this topic, please visit http://osse.dc.gov/service/district-columbia-teacher-year.
Reminder: 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.
Access Registration information here
Please direct all questions and comments to [email protected].
Reminder: 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 9am–10am, 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 10am — 11am 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 (DSE)
Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Time: 9am–10am Webinar Broadcast, 10am — 11am 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: 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: 9:30am–12pm
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: 1pm–3pm
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: 10am — 11am
Registration: Register here
Reminder: 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.
OSSE requests that each LEA 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) by September 5, 2014.
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.
Child Count training will be held on August 22 and August 25, 2014 for existing LEAs, and on August 26, 2014 for new LEAs. Details and registration information can be found here.
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: 8:30am–3:30pm
Location: OSSE, 810 First Street, NE, 3rd Floor Grand Hall A
Registration: PBIS: Implementing Tier 2 Targeted Supports
Update: 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.
Presenter: OSSE Division of Specialized Education
Dates: Wednesday, October 22
Time: 10am — 12pm
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, October 3, or Friday, November 14
Time: 9am–4pm
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 10am–11am. 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, October 15, 2014*)
Time: 10am–11am
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.
OSSE will host a training once a month during the 2014-15 School Year.
This event will not go over physical restraint techniques. Please wear comfortable clothing, closed-toed shoes, and bring a water bottle.
Date(s): Monday, September 24, Thursday, October 30, Monday, November 17, Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Time: 8:30am–3:30pm
Location: 810 First Street, NE, 3rd Floor Grand Hall
Division of Postsecondary & Career Education
New: OSSE to Provide Free GED Test Preparation to District Residents
In celebration of the upcoming National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, OSSE announced its commitment to expanding access to educational opportunities for the city’s adult learners. During the week of September 22 to October 3, 2014, the District’s GED® Program Testing Center will offer free GED Ready™ practice tests to all District residents through the See for Free program.
The official GED Ready™ practice test offered through the See for Free program is not the same as the free practice test available online. Students who take advantage of the program through OSSE can:
- Preview and practice with the content and technology that will be part of the 2015 GED® test
- Practice with a half length test instead of a quarter length test
- Assess if they are ready to take the official test
- See the specific skills needed to pass the test
- Receive an instant score upon completion of the test
- Receive a personalized study plan based on their practice test results
Students can also learn about classes and other resources to help them prepare for the GED® test. Interested District residents should schedule a free practice test by calling (202)274-7173. The GED Program Testing Center is located at One Judiciary Square, 441 4th Street NW, Suite 370N.
OSSE General Education Development Tests (GED)
OSSE GED Program - Free GED Practice Testing
Reminder: 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. Please contact by email Mike Andrews, Program Manager 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.
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.
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
New: SPARK Physical Education Training for Early Childhood, K-2, Middle School, and High School
The Health Education Team (HET) and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Unit will be hosting a physical activity/education curriculum training with SPARK. SPARK is a research-based, public health organization that strives to improve the health of children, adolescents, and adults by disseminating evidence-based physical education, after-school, early childhood, and coordinated school health programs to teachers and recreation leaders serving child care centers and Pre-K–12th grade students.
Date: October 15, 2014 (Early Childhood and grades K-2) and October 16, 2014 (Middle School and High School)
Time: 10am–5pm (on both days)
Location: Raymond Recreation Center, 3725 10th St. N.W. Washington, DC 20010
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 10, 2014 (space is limited– registration is required)
Who Should Attend: Teachers, DC educators, school personnel, government employees, parents/guardians, professionals who work on health education and school health, community based organizations who work with schools within the District of Columbia, and child care center staff.
Attire: Gym attire (sweatpants/shorts, T-Shirt, and Rubber Sole Shoes)
For questions please contact Lance Miller or Chibu Anyanwu
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
New: Discipline Data Collection
The annual collection of discipline and attendance data for federal reporting begins September 19, 2014 and ends on October 20, 2014 (PCSB has submitted attendance data for the charter schools). In an effort to reduce the burden on LEAs, OSSE is partnering with the PCSB for the discipline. This data collection is required for federal reporting and SLED’s early warning system. PCSB will be providing OSSE with SY 2013-2014 discipline data on behalf of each charter school. Should a public charter LEA prefer to provide these data directly to OSSE, please fill out this Google form on or before September 26, 2014. Please contact Tonia Lovelace for questions or assistance with this collection.
New: Notice of LEA Faculty and Staff Data Collections
LEA Faculty and Staff data, (1) Roster and (2) Teacher Shortage Areas – November 3 to December 3, 2014
Two data collections for Faculty and Staff data are being conducted between November 3 and December 3. The first collection is the Faculty and Staff Roster, which lists an LEA’s employees and contractors. The second collection is the Teacher Shortage Areas Report, which is an aggregate report counting Highly Qualified teachers, non-Highly Qualified teachers, and vacant teacher FTEs.
The data collections commence November 3, 2014 and end December 3, 2014. The dates and deadline of December 3, 2014 are not flexible due to federal reporting constraints.
Templates and instructions will be sent separately by October 3, 2014. If you should have any questions, please contact Doreen Christian or call (202) 737-8320.
Reminder: 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, 9:30am–11am
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.
Reminder: 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.
Final Notice: Data Boot Camp Session
Please mark your calendars and join us for a Data Boot Camp to discuss Faculty and Staff Data on Thursday, September 25, 2014 from 1pm–5pm
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.
Update: Data Collection Calendar for LEAs
OSSE ODAR has released an updated data collection calendar for LEAs.
|
Collection Type |
Data Collection Start Date |
Data Collection Closes |
|
Attendance |
9/19/2014 |
10/20/2014 |
|
Discipline |
9/19/2014 |
10/20/2014 |
|
Dropout Confirmation |
9/1/2014 |
9/30/2014 |
|
Students Born Outside of the US |
10/1/2014 |
11/1/2014 |
|
Staff: Faculty and Staff Roster |
11/3/2014 |
12/3/2014 |
|
*Teacher Shortage Areas Report |
11/3/2014 |
12/3/2014 |
|
School Improvement Grant |
11/15/2014 |
12/15/2014 |
|
Neglected & Delinquent |
12/12/2014 |
1/12/2015 |
|
Staff: HQ Claims |
1/5/2015 |
2/18/2015 |
|
ACCESS Roster Verification |
2/14/2015 |
3/14/2015 |
|
Graduation Cohort |
3/15/2015 |
4/30/2015 |
|
Financial |
4/1/2015 |
4/30/2015 |
|
Staff: Teacher and Principal Evaluations and Retention |
7/1/2015 |
8/15/2015 |
*Extensions cannot be granted
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; 11am–12pm
- Thursday, November 20, 2014; 11am –12pm
- Thursday, December 11, 2014; 11am –12:30pm
- Thursday, January 22, 2015; 11am –12:30pm
- Thursday, February 26, 2015; 11am –12:30pm
- Thursday, March 26, 2015; 11am –12:30pm
- Thursday, April 30, 2015; 11am –12:30pm
- Thursday, May 28, 2015; 11am –12:30pm
- Thursday, June 25, 2015; 11am –12:30pm
- Thursday, July 30, 2015; 11am –12:30pm
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.
Office of Grants Management and Compliance
Reminder: Fiscal Year 2015 Reimbursement Requests from OSSE
All FY 15 funds will only be reimbursed through our Enterprise Grants Management System (EGMS). As grants are rolled out, training and technical assistance (T and T/A) will be provided for LEA’s applying for those grants. Please continue to look here and/or on the EGMS homepage for information on training videos/webinars that OSSE will provide in the near future on this topic.
As always, if you experience any problems while using EGMS, including the Reimbursement Request function when it becomes available, call the Help Desk at (202) 719-6500 or email [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.
General Announcements
New: District of Columbia to Offer Free SAT to All High School Seniors and Juniors
As a part of its mission to increase student access to college opportunities, OSSE will host a free “SAT School Day” for all District public high school juniors and seniors. The SAT will be offered to seniors on Wednesday, October 15, 2014, and to juniors on Wednesday, February 25, 2015. Resources offered during SAT School Day include the Official SAT Online Course™, the Official SAT Practice Test, and free SAT practice tools.
Reminder: 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.
Reminder: 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.
General Announcements (Continued)
For questions and information, contact Cristina Fernandez, senior director programs, Tiger Woods Foundation or call (714) 765-8500.
