As schools across the District prepare for the start of the 2026–27 school year, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is introducing a new five‑year strategic plan designed to help every student—from our youngest learners to those preparing for college or careers—learn, grow, and succeed. Titled Building Momentum for Every Student’s Future: Preparing DC Students for Tomorrow’s Opportunities, OSSE’s 2026–2030 strategic plan lays out a clear path for making the agency’s work stronger, better coordinated, and more supportive of student learning across all DC public and public charter schools.
“As we begin a new school year, this strategic plan reflects the ideas and feedback we heard from families, educators, students, and community members,” said State Superintendent Dr. Antoinette S. Mitchell. “Together with OSSE’s comprehensive Back‑to‑School resources and supports, this plan provides a clear roadmap to guide our work and sustain the momentum we are seeing across DC public education this year and for years to come.”
To give families a clearer picture of where DC education is heading over the next five years, the plan organizes OSSE’s work around five major priorities. These priorities are designed to help students build strong skills, receive the support they need, and feel ready for each stage of their learning journey.
Supporting all five priorities are three cross‑cutting initiatives that help tie everything together. These include better use of federal and local funding, modernizing the city’s education data systems, and using artificial intelligence responsibly in teaching, learning, and school operations. For families, this means clearer information, smoother experiences, and more tools that help educators respond to students’ needs quickly.
The first priority, Literacy and Math Achievement, strengthens reading and math at every grade with better curricula, extra help for students who need it, and actionable data so teachers can adjust lessons in real time.
Postsecondary Success supports students as they graduate and move on. DC will expand early exploration of college and careers, grow dual‑enrollment, align CTE to high‑growth jobs, and increase access to scholarships like DCTAG and the Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program—so more students enter, persist, and finish programs that open doors.
OSSE will enhance High‑Quality Special Education services by improving IEPs, increasing learning in the Least Restrictive Environment, and strengthening early intervention so children start school ready.
Healthy and Engaged Learners focuses on attendance, wellness, and positive school climate. Tools like DC’s Survey About Your School (SAYS) will guide schools on how students feel and what they need.
Excellent Core Operations will make daily services more reliable and easier for families—from transportation for students with disabilities to modern data systems and streamlined operations that improve efficiency and service.
Cross-cutting Initiatives
Cross-cutting initiatives are shared efforts that span priorities and divisions at OSSE, helping ensure the work is coordinated, efficient, and aligned to common goals.
Data modernization will integrate systems to deliver timely, actionable information, improving accountability, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
Responsible AI will set policies and safeguards on privacy, equity, and transparency; train staff; and provide guidance to LEAs on where AI helps—and where it should not be used.
Strategic Funding will maximize federal and local dollars, strengthen program design and accountability, reduce administrative burden, connect spending to outcomes, and drive continuous improvement.
OSSE Start-of-School Resources
In support of the Strategic Plan’s launch, OSSE is also rolling out a new Start-of-School resource hub designed to ensure a smooth and successful opening of the 2026–27 academic year for families, LEAs, and school staff. The hub offers clear calendars and instructions for school-based staff, addressing topics from enrollment audits to transportation.
Student Transportation: The OSSE Parent Resource Center is available weekdays, 5 a.m.–7 p.m., at (202) 576‑5000 to assist families of students with transportation needs. Students benefit from the Kids Ride Free program, providing no-cost Metrobus and Metrorail access through September 2026, with new SmartTrip cards distributed at schools. The Parent Portal allows families of students with disabilities to select transportation options, update pickup/drop-off locations, and confirm plans for the year.
Family Resources Beyond Transportation: My School DC, the common application and common school lottery for pre‑K 3–Grade 12 public and charter schools, can answer questions related to school options for families. It also hosts the annual EdFEST school information fairs.
Child Care and Early Learning: Tools like My Child Care DC and DC Child Care Connections help families locate early childhood and out‑of‑school care. Strong Star, an early intervention initiative, supports children under age 3 with developmental needs.
Academic Supports & College Readiness: Highlights include high-impact tutoring programs, dual-enrollment, internships, FAFSA, DCTAG, and the Mayor’s Scholars Program.
OSSE highlighted the Strategic Plan in a video released for the Strategic Plan launch. The full Strategic Plan, summaries, and start‑of‑school resources are available at osse.dc.gov/strategicplan and osse.dc.gov/startofschool.