By providing the foundational knowledge and skills needed to effectively serve ALL students, especially students with disabilities, these professional learning opportunities will build the capacity of District of Columbia educators through meaningful and engaging coursework while leveraging the flexibility of technology.
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) now offers a professional learning cohort program for District of Columbia educators in the Foundations of Special Education. These cohort programs include asynchronous online coursework using a cohort model to earn professional learning units (PLUs) and micro-credentials. The coursework for these initiatives is hosted on OSSE’s learning management system (LMS) platform. Details for each opportunity are provided below and outlined in this informational flyer.
Early Childhood Spring 2024 Cohort
Description: This professional learning series is centered on key knowledge and skills needed to serve students with disabilities. The series includes four asynchronous courses, each consisting of four self-paced modules, followed by opportunities to earn two micro-credentials through summative assessments. Educators will have an opportunity to engage in Communities of Practice with colleagues to engage in deeper conversations on course topics concerning Early Childhood
Audience: This coursework opportunity is open to 50 pre-K and kindergarten educators, including both general and special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and dedicated aides, serving in DC public and public charter schools and the Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Program (PKEEP).
Learn More: View the Early Childhood Cohort Syllabus for more information about coursework sequencing, course titles and descriptions, and module topics. For questions, contact Byul Yim with the OSSE Division of Teaching and Learning at [email protected].
Requirements:
- Completion of the Foundations of Special Education coursework (four asynchronous courses consisting of 16 self-paced modules) with an overall passing grade of at least 70% in OSSE’s LMS platform.
- Demonstration of content mastery through on-the-job summative assessment activities leading to the award of two micro-credentials.
Incentive: Eligible educators who complete the requirements will receive a $1,000 incentive upon verification of the completion of the requirements.
How to Apply: Interested educators should complete this online interest form by Feb. 9, 2024. Educators will be notified during the week of Feb. 12, 2024. Accepted educators will be invited to thevcourse. The official start will be Feb. 14, 2024. Any coursework started beforehand will not be counted towards the completion.
Support Staff Spring 2024 Cohort
Description: This professional learning series is centered on key knowledge and skills needed to serve students with disabilities. The series includes four asynchronous courses, each consisting of four self-paced modules, followed by opportunities to earn two micro-credentials through summative assessments. Educators will have an opportunity to engage in office hours and Micro-credential workshops to collaborate with colleagues and receive support in overall program requirements.
Audience: This opportunity is open to 50 pre-K through grade 12 paraprofessionals, dedicated aides, assistant teachers, and behavioral technicians serving in DC public and public charter schools.
Learn More: View the Support Staff Cohort syllabus for more information about coursework sequencing, course titles and descriptions, and module topics. For questions, contact Byul Yim with the OSSE Division of Teaching and Learning at [email protected].
Completion Requirements:
- Completion of the Foundations of Special Education coursework (four asynchronous courses consisting of 16 self-paced modules) with an overall passing grade of at least 70% in OSSE’s LMS platform.
- Demonstration of content mastery through on-the-job summative assessment activities leading to the award of two micro-credentials.
Incentive: Eligible educators who complete the requirements will receive a $1,000 incentive upon verification of the completion of the requirements.
How to Apply: Interested educators should complete this online interest form by Feb. 9, 2024. Educators will be notified the week of Feb. 12, 2024. Accepted educators will be invited to thecourse. The official start will be Feb. 14th. Any coursework started beforehand will not be counted towards the completion.
Special Education Endorsement Recovery Initiative (SEERI)
Description: This incentive opportunity enables current DC teachers to earn a special education endorsement through Foundations of Special Education coursework completion (including micro-credentials) and Praxis exam support.
Eligibility: This opportunity is limited to pre-K through grade 12 educators serving in DC public and public charter schools who hold a current and active OSSE standard teaching credential in any subject area other than special education, and who are interested in adding a special education endorsement to their existing standard teacher credential.
Completion Requirements:
- Completion of the Foundations of Special Education coursework (four asynchronous courses consisting of 16 self-paced modules) with an overall passing grade of at least 70% in OSSE’s LMS platform. (View the SEERI Syllabus)
- Demonstration of content mastery through on-the-job summative assessment activities leading to the award of two micro-credentials.
- Register for and pass the Praxis exam (praxis voucher code provided by OSSE).
- Apply for the special education endorsement in OSSE’s ECIS 2.0 online portal (fee reimbursed).
Eligible teachers who complete the SEERI cohort program will receive:
- $1,500 incentive pay
- 32 professional learning units (PLUs)
- Two micro-credentials
- Praxis test voucher code (this will be sent upon the completion of coursework.)
- ECIS 2.0 fee reimbursed for special education endorsement application
How to Apply: Interested educators should complete this online interest form by Feb. 9, 2024. Educators will be notified the week of Feb. 12, 2024. Accepted educators will be invited to closed course. Official start will be Feb. 14th. Any coursework started beforehand will not be counted towards the completion.
For questions, please contact Byul Yim with the OSSE Division of Teaching and Learning at [email protected].
