 Immunization Attendance Coding Guidance (reminder)
As a reminder, please remember to code students in grades pre-K 3, kindergarten, 7 and 11 who are excluded from school for immunization non-compliance correctly, as well as make the proper adjustments once they come into compliance and return to school.
When a non-compliant student is temporarily excluded from school: The school shall document the student’s attendance using the attendance code “unexcused absence – immunization” (AFUI) for each school day that the student is not allowed to attend due to immunization noncompliance. Schools must use this attendance code in the following circumstances:
- A student received a letter notifying them of temporary exclusion from school, was absent from school on Dec. 4 and/or subsequent date(s) and has not yet provided proof of an upcoming appointment or immunizations.
- A student received a letter notifying them of temporary exclusion from school, returned to school on Dec. 4 and/or subsequent date without proof of an upcoming appointment or immunizations, and was sent home.
When the student becomes compliant and has returned to school: the school shall reclassify the attendance code from “unexcused absence – immunization” (AFUI) to “excused absence – immunization” (AFEI) for all school days that the student was excluded.
2023-24 School Year School Health Profiles – Key Dates and Early Access (reminder)
The 2023-24 School Year School Health Profiles (SHP) application is now available to all LEA-level users (e.g., LEA Head of School, LEA Data Manager, LEA-Level School Health Profile POC). Please note, there are several resources available to help you get started as well as recommended steps you can take to make the most of the early access period:
Recommended action items:
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Begin pre-filling data for schools and reviewing pre-populated data from last year's survey in the SHP application.
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Review the points of contact list and ensure that both LEA-level and school-level SHP points of contact are updated via the Integrated Data System (IDS) All Staff application. Any new users must be added as either “School Health Profiles POC – LEA Level” or “School Health Profiles POC – School Level.” All new users must use the same email address added in IDS to create a user profile to log-in to the SHP application. Please note: Users who had access last year will automatically have access again this year. They may need to reset their passwords, but that’s a simple process they can do themselves in the portal.
Resources:
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LEA-level user training video: You can find a recording here, which covers how to use the SHP application, how to get access and other important steps LEA data managers can take to ensure their schools complete the SHP by the Feb. 15 deadline. Please note, this webinar is specific to LEA-level users only; there is a separate training video for school-level users.
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FAQs document: Your questions may be answered in the FAQs document, which is on both the OSSE Healthy Schools Act webpage and also at the end of the questionnaire for the 2023-24 school year.
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2023-24 School Year SHP Questionnaire: Get familiar with the questionnaire, and flag items that you (from the LEA perspective) can best answer versus ones that can be best answered by school principals or school staff.
Key Dates:
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Now through Monday, Jan. 15: LEA-Level Users have Early Access to SHP Application to pre-fill data
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Tuesday, Jan. 16: SHP Application Launches for School-Level Users
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Friday, Feb. 2: OSSE Support Tool (OST) Deadline (only LEAs can submit OST tickets on behalf of schools)
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Thursday, Feb. 15 by 11:59 p.m.: SHP Data Submission Deadline for Schools
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Friday, Feb. 16 by 5 p.m.: SHP Data Certification Deadline by LEA Heads of School
If you have any questions, please contact Tasneem Islam at OSSE.SchoolHealth@dc.gov.
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Apply for the Presidential Award in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) before the Feb. 6 deadline!
OSSE is seeking applications from outstanding educators working with students in kindergarten through grade 6 as mathematics, science or STEM teachers to be considered for the 2024 PAEMST awards. The PAEMST awards are the nation’s highest honor for mathematics, science, and STEM teachers. Winners receive a $10,000 award, recognition from the White House, professional development opportunities, and an opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues from across the nation.
For more information about the PAEMST award program, including eligibility criteria, please visit the official PAEMST website at PAEMST.org. For questions, please contact the OSSE PAEMST team: Jhatia McKnight (Instructional Systems Specialist, STEM) at Jhatia.McKnight@dc.gov; Miryam Oziel (Instructional Systems Specialist, Mathematics) at Miryam.Oziel@dc.gov; or Megan Dumond (Special Assistant for Teaching & Learning) at Megan.Dumond@dc.gov.
Discipline Data Collection Deadline Jan. 12 (reminder)
The Integrated Data Submission (IDS) tool is open for the first Discipline Data Collection submission process. The submission deadline is Jan. 12, with a certification date of Jan. 19. LEAs can review their submitted data in the Qlik SY23-24 Data Validation app and make any necessary changes through an IDS resubmission by Jan. 12.
Submissions should include all discipline incidents from July 10 – Nov. 24, 2023. LEAs will submit and validate discipline incidents two additional times this year in conjunction with attendance and enrollment data.
LEAs can access a copy of the updated discipline collection guidance and the IDS template via OSSE’s website here.
For questions or support with the IDS tool, please submit a ticket by Jan. 12 in the OSSE Support Tool (OST) Quickbase application by using “Discipline” as the issue type with a status sub-category of “Integrated Data Submission Tool (IDS).”
FY23 ESSER Annual Reporting (reminder)
Each year the US Department of Education (USED) requires all state education agencies (SEAs) and LEAs that receive Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to complete annual performance reporting (APR). For fiscal year 2023 (FY23) reporting, USED is requesting additional data elements relating to student participation in programming such as summer learning, afterschool programming, extended instructional time and high-dosage tutoring as well as student access to educational technology, early childhood education programs and community schools.
This year, a three-phase data collection process will take place starting in January 2024 to ensure LEAs have sufficient time to gather and submit these new data elements. The FY23 ESSER Annual Reporting Phase I Data Collection Window will be Jan. 15–26. The Phase I collection template remains unchanged from prior years and will be submitted in the IDS portal. LEAs can review the webinar guidance and instructional guide for Phase I here.
The specific dates for the Phase II and the new Phase III data collection windows will be announced in January and updated instructions for each data collection are forthcoming and will be made available here.
To prepare for this FY23 ESSER data collection, LEAs should ensure that the individual(s) responsible for ESSER reporting are designated as the “LEA Finance/Grants Manager” in the IDS All Staff Collection portal.
For questions or additional information, please contact the OSSE ESSER team at OSSE.ESSER@dc.gov.
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Peace of Mind’s Mindfulness for Educators Conference 2024
Wondering how you can help your students solve conflicts peacefully? Peace of Mind's sixth annual conference is for you! The conference will take place in person on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Horace Mann Elementary School, 4430 Newark St., NW. The event is free for all educators and especially helpful for those teaching in elementary and middle schools. For more information and to register, visit the conference website.
Before the Peace of Mind Annual Conference
Join us from 9:30-10:30 a.m. for a morning Mindfulness for Educators session before Peace of Mind’s annual conference. Experienced cross-cultural mindfulness facilitator Dave Trachtenberg will guide us in practices to reduce stress, strengthen self-compassion and increase our sense of well-being and connection. All are welcome, whether or not you are attending the conference. For questions, please email Jessica Dulay at Jessica.Dulay@dc.gov.
Mindfulness for Educators – Four-Class Virtual Series
In this four-class virtual series, educators will learn mindfulness fundamentals through experiential practice and guided instruction from Chapin Springer, a certified mindfulness teacher. This class is designed to increase your well-being and give you the tools to notice and manage big emotions, practice self-compassion and feel more peaceful and less stressed. Whether you have never meditated before or you have a regular practice, you are welcome.
The series will take place every Tuesday from Feb. 13 through March 5, from 7-8 p.m. Register here. Participants will receive four PLUs upon completion of all four sessions. For questions, please email Jessica Dulay at Jessica.Dulay@dc.gov.
Adolescent Literacy Training: Addressing Learning Gaps with Syllable Instruction
OSSE is pleased to announce the first of a series of trainings on adolescent literacy. This first offering is an opportunity for grade 4-12 teachers, literacy coaches, special educators, multilingual educators and administrators to undergo training on multisyllabic word instruction by The Literacy Architects. This course provides teachers with information about the six syllable types and multiple syllable division patterns, which can serve as a first step to helping readers read and spell multisyllabic words. Participants will learn how to implement instructional routines that can be used in whole or small group settings to help students tackle multisyllabic words and will receive access to diagnostic assessments and lesson plan templates to assist with classroom application.
This training includes:
- Approximately 6 hours of asynchronous coursework
- Time dedicated to applying learned skills in their classrooms (approximately 6 hours)
- Opportunity to attend two 90-minute synchronous sessions to explore and practice instructional routines in more detail (Session 1: covering Modules 1–3; Session 2: covering Modules 4–6) (3 hours total)
- The total time commitment is approximately 12–15 hours.
Register Here. Participants will receive 12 PLUs for the asynchronous coursework and an addition 4 PLUs for the facilitated sessions. For questions, please email Vaani Gupta at Vaani.Gupta@dc.gov.
January LEA Special Education Points of Contact Webinar
On Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 10-11 a.m., OSSE will host the January monthly webinar training for all LEA SPED POCs. During this training, OSSE will provide important information relevant to your role as the LEA SPED POC. The agenda will include the following:
- Policy reminders and updates;
- IDEA monitoring reminders and updates;
- Teaching and Learning reminders and updates;
- Special programs reminders and updates;
- Transportation updates; and
- Reminders and announcements.
All LEA SPED POCs should plan to participate in each month’s webinar, as well as share the content, updates and announcements with relevant staff within your LEA. If you have not already signed up for the 2023-24 school year webinar series, please register here.
If you have any questions about this webinar, please contact LaShonda Wilson at LaShonda.Wilson@dc.gov.
Foundations of Second Language Acquisition for All Educators Serving ELs (reminder)
OSSE’s Division of Teaching and Learning (TAL) is pleased to offer a professional learning pathway for District educators including school leaders and service providers serving English learners (ELs) grades pre-K through 12 in DC public and public charter schools. The Foundations of Second Language Acquisition for all Educators Serving English Learners course provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to effectively serve ELs and build the capacity of educators through eight meaningful and engaging virtual sessions.
Session: Principles of Second Language Acquisition
Second language acquisition (SLA) is a complex and multifaceted process, and various theories and principles have been proposed to explain how individuals acquire a second language. In this session, participants will be able to identify the stages of second language acquisition and the factors impacting language development to optimally support English learners in the District.
Participants will earn one professional learning unit (PLU) for full attendance and participation. Register here to attend on Tuesday, Jan. 9, from 10-10:45 a.m. or here to attend on Wednesday, Jan. 10, from 3-3:45 p.m. For questions, contact Lucia Cuomo at Lucia.Cuomo@dc.gov.
OSSE Math Teacher Bootcamp - Now Open to Any Middle or High School Educator (reminder)
OSSE is partnering with a nationally recognized professional development provider to provide a math pedagogy bootcamp for any middle or high school math teacher. Teachers who successfully complete this bootcamp will receive a $1,000 stipend.
This training is a great opportunity for math teachers to build their understanding and facilitate quality implementation of the Standards for Mathematical Practice and develop instructional practices that support all students as thinkers and problem solvers. Teachers will also develop their own growth mindset approach and learn how to foster students’ growth mindsets when it comes to learning mathematics. The first part of this bootcamp will be live and in person, while the second part will be asynchronous and virtual. Completion will require approximately 20 hours of work between December and April.
This opportunity is now available to any middle or high school math teacher at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here to participate in the Middle/High School Math Teacher Bootcamp. For more information, please contact Miryam Oziel Miryam.Oziel@dc.gov.
Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities with OSSE’s Division of Teaching and Learning (reminder)
OSSE's Division of Teaching and Learning is pleased to offer many upcoming professional learning opportunities for DC educators, including teachers, staff, school leaders and service providers serving students in grades pre-K through 12 in DC public and public charter schools. All DC educators are encouraged to subscribe to the monthly TAL PD Bulletin to receive additional announcements about professional learning opportunities and resources for educators. View the most recent bulletin here.
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Close Out Reports for FY23 Grants are Due in EGMS by Jan. 15
The last day to submit close out reports for fiscal year 2023 (FY23) grants managed by OSSE’s Office of Systems and Supports, K-12 is Jan. 15. These reports must be submitted and approved before your organization can access FY24 continuation applications, including applications for your American Rescue Plan Act Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III-ARP) grants.
Additional details can be found in the FY23 Grant Close Out email sent to grantees on Jan 4, 2024. If you have questions about FY23 grants close out process, please contact your OSSE grant managers.
Attention Public and Public Charter LEAs: Flexible Scheduling Pilot Program Grant Application Now Open (reminder)
The Flexible Scheduling Pilot Program Grant Application is now open! OSSE invites any public or public charter LEA in the District to apply for the Flexible Scheduling Pilot Program Grant by Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 3 p.m. EST.
This competitive grant, authorized under the Flexible Schedule Emergency Amendment Act of 2023 (DC Law 25-50, Section 4183, codified at DC Official Code §38-2617), will provide local funds to support LEAs in bolstering student achievement by implementing flexible schedules that support the retention of the District’s high-quality, effective and diverse educators. Through this grant, OSSE seeks to advance both targeted student social and academic support and holistic staff retention initiatives.
All public or public charter LEAs in the District are eligible to apply. Priority consideration will be given to applications that prioritize 1) elementary and middle schools, and 2) schools demonstrating higher-than-average teacher attrition (or teacher attrition rates that are higher than 2022-23 school year rates according to OSSE’s most recent District of Columbia Educator Retention data).
OSSE plans to award two to six Flexible Scheduling Pilot Program grants to public or public charter LEAs in the District. Awards will range from $200,000 to $600,000 each.
The grant application can be found on the Enterprise Grants Management System (EGMS).
For more information, visit OSSE’s website or contact Raven DeRamus-Byers, Flexible Scheduling Pilot Program Grant Manager, at Raven.DeRamus-Byers@dc.gov.
Early Literacy Grant Application Open Now! (reminder)
OSSE is soliciting grant applications for the District of Columbia Early Literacy Intervention Grant. The purpose of this grant is to implement research-based early literacy interventions to increase proficiency of District students in the early grades. The overall goal of the Early Literacy Intervention Grant is to provide resources that will enable the grantee to partner with LEAs in which they would provide direct, developmentally appropriate, research-based reading programs. LEAs are not eligible for this funding; however, eligible applicants must secure partnerships with the LEAs with which they intend to work and will be required to verify these partnerships. The application deadline is Jan. 18 at 3 p.m.
Additional information is available here on the OSSE website. For questions, contact Celina Ketelsen at Celina.Ketelsen@dc.gov.
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January 2023
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