2023-24 School Year School Health Profiles – OSSE Support Tool (OST) Deadline Today
Every LEA has an “OSSE data liaison” assigned to support them for data systems managed by OSSE. If you or any school-level users are experiencing any technical issues with the School Health Profiles (SHP) application, please have your OSSE data liaison submit a support ticket via the OSSE Support Tool (OST) by 5 p.m. today, Feb. 2. If you are unsure of who the data liaison is at your LEA, please reach out to OSSE.SchoolHealth@dc.gov.
For the 2023-24 school year, schools are required to submit the SHP data anytime between Tuesday, Jan. 16 through Thursday, Feb. 15. All principals and school-level users who are listed in the Integrated Data System (IDS) All Staff application as “School Health Profile POCs” gained access to the SHP application on Jan. 16.
Getting Access: 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. If additional individuals at your school(s) need access to the application, the LEA Data Manager must submit those users to OSSE as “School Health Profile POCs - School-Level” through the IDS All Staff application. Once the LEA data manager has submitted the user updates, new users should expect to receive access after one business day. All new users must use the same email address added in IDS to create a new user profile to log in to the SHP application.
Key Dates:
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Friday, Feb. 2 by 5 p.m.: 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 for LEA Heads of School
The questionnaire, recording of the LEA webinar and other resources for the 2023-24 school year are available on the OSSE Healthy Schools Act website.
If you have any other questions, please contact Tasneem Islam at OSSE.SchoolHealth@dc.gov.
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2023 OSSE Annual Report: From Recovery to Restoration - Leading With Momentum
 We are pleased to share with you the 2023 OSSE Annual Report, From Recovery to Restoration: Leading With Momentum. This report not only chronicles the significant progress made for learners of all ages in DC but also underscores how we are strategically positioned to capitalize on this momentum for sustained advancement in the coming years.
LEA Financial Reporting Application Released – Submissions due March 15
The LEA Financial Reporting application is open for the annual collection of financial expenditure data. The DC School Report Card website will be updated to include the per-pupil financial expenditure data that you submit for each school and LEA for the 2022-23 school year. All LEAs are required to submit financial data to OSSE by Friday, March 15.
The following resources are available on the OSSE website to assist you with this annual reporting requirement:
In addition, OSSE will hold optional office hours for LEA staff who have questions or need assistance with the application. The office hours will be held on Webex at the following times:
LEA staff with the following roles in the IDS tool currently have access to the LEA Financial Reporting Application.
- Head of School;
- LEA Data Manager;
- Chief Financial Officer; and
- LEA Finance/Grants Manager.
If you have difficulty logging in to the application or if you have a staff member who needs access to the application, please email Sade.Wade@dc.gov.
If you have any questions related to the LEA Financial Reporting Application, please contact Sade Creighton-Wade, OSSE Administrative Officer, at Sade.Wade@dc.gov or (202) 716-7227.
ARROW Retention Bonus (reminder)
OSSE has been awarded a grant by the US Department of Education (USED) to implement the Advancing Recruitment and Retention in Our Workforce (ARROW) program. ARROW is designed to recruit and retain quality, credentialed school-based behavioral health providers to work in public and public charter schools in the District.
In acknowledgement of the tremendous commitment that District school-based behavioral health staff have shown in supporting the students, families and staff in DC public and public charter schools, OSSE is offering a one-time retention bonus of $1,000 to eligible school-based behavioral health providers.
Those eligible for the retention bonus must meet the following criteria:
- Employed as a school-based behavioral health provider, defined as a school social worker, school psychologist, or counselor (school counselor or licensed counselor).
- Employed by 1) a DC Public Schools (DCPS) school serving pre-K 3 through grade 12; 2) a DC public charter school serving pre-K 3 through grade 12; 3) Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) School Behavioral Health Program; OR 4) a community-based organization (CBO) that participates in the DBH Comprehensive School-Based Behavioral Health System and is placed with a DC public or public charter school serving pre-K 3 through grade 12.
- Maintained full-time (on average at least 32 hours per week) employment as a school-based behavioral health provider since Oct. 31, 2022 with no more than a 30-calendar day lapse in employment during the school year (subject to verification).
If you meet these requirements, please complete the ARROW Retention Bonus Application during the application window of Tuesday, Jan. 16 – Thursday, Feb. 29.
If you would like more information, please visit the ARROW website or reach out to OSSE.HYDT@dc.gov if you have any questions.
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Foundations of Universal Design for Learning for School Administrators
Six 90-minute virtual synchronous sessions with a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) expert on how to lead the implementation of UDL at the school level. Dive deeper into the systematic changes you can lead within your building in supporting all learners via scheduling, staffing and meaningful teaching evaluation to improve teacher efficacy.
Audience: All pre-K through grade 12 administrators, including principals, assistant principals, deans, instructional coaches and special education leads (e.g., special education coordinator, LEA representatives, etc.), serving in DC public and public charter schools. Space is limited to 20 participants.
Facilitator: Mirko Chardin, a former teacher, founding head of the school, and co-author of “Equity by Design: The Power and Promise of UDL”
Date and Time: Six virtual meetings are scheduled from the first week of March to mid-June. The cohort will meet every three to four weeks. More details about the program will be shared upon acceptance.
Apply for the cohort via this link by Feb. 19. Educators will be notified of the acceptance during the week of Feb. 26.
Foundations of Universal Design for Learning for Educators
An eight-module asynchronous introductory series to UDL was developed by Katie Novak, UDL expert and author of “UDL Now!” learning key concepts and practical strategies for implementation. Learn the "why," "what" and "how" of UDL and how UDL can create a more accessible learning environment for all learners. Participating educators will engage in course-based Communities of Practice (CoP).
Audience: All pre-K through grade 12 teachers, general and special education, serving in DC public and public charter schools. Space is limited to 30 participants.
Date and Time: The coursework will be hosted on the OSSE Learning Management System (LMS) in an asynchronous format. Information on the synchronous CoP will be shared upon acceptance.
Apply for the cohort via this link by Feb. 19. Educators will be notified of the acceptance during the week of Feb. 26.
For questions, please contact Byul Yim with the OSSE Division of Teaching and Learning at Byul.Yim@dc.gov.
February LEA Special Education Points of Contact Webinar
On Wednesday, Feb. 21, from 10-11 a.m., OSSE will host the February 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.
Adolescent Literacy Training: Addressing Learning Gaps with Syllable Instruction (reminder)
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 six 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 professional learning units (PLUs) for the asynchronous coursework and an addition four PLUs for the facilitated sessions. For questions, please email Vaani Gupta at Vaani.Gupta@dc.gov
Grade 8 Social Studies Teachers and Coaches: Join Project Digital Civic Inquiry! (reminder)
OSSE invites grade 8 social studies teachers in DC to join the inaugural teacher cohort of Project Digital Civic Inquiry (PDCI). As a member of this prestigious cohort, you will gain access to an in-depth professional development program designed for educators teaching the new grade 8 Action Civics course. PDCI will teach educators how to engage students in scaffolded civic inquiries using the revised standards and take action to address issues including access to affordable housing and climate change.
Through the PDCI curriculum, students learn to evaluate a range of digital sources and use credible sources to inform their developing opinions, discuss what they learn about the issue and potential policy solutions and plan actions to advocate for their preferred solutions. Participants will receive $1,800 for completing both the professional development and follow-up coaching sessions.
Participating in Project DCI requires you to:
- Attend a week-long in-person professional development session from July 8-12
- Videotape your classroom as you teach two sets of Digital Civic Inquiry lessons
- Participate in five virtual follow-up coaching sessions during the 2024-25 school year (evenings in September, October, January, February and April)
By participating in PDCI, you will:
- Learn effective strategies for evaluating online information and key practices for facilitating discussions on civic issues
- Gain confidence and expertise in teaching online evaluations and facilitating civic discussions
- Receive access to standards-aligned lesson plans and student-ready materials
- Have opportunities for continued leadership development
To apply, please complete the application linked here.
Professional development and coaching will be facilitated by faculty from the University of Maryland and the Close-Up Foundation with extensive expertise in teaching digital source evaluation and facilitating discussions.
For more information, please email Madison.Kantzer@dc.gov.
Return of the DC STEM FAIR (reminder)
OSSE, in collaboration with DC4STEM, is excited to announce the return of the DC Secondary STEM Fair and Elementary STEM Exhibition. The DC STEM Fair is the longest-running student competition in the District of Columbia. The fair will host an elementary exhibition for students in grades K-5 and a competitive fair for secondary students in grades 6-12. The elementary exhibition and secondary fair will be held on March 16, bringing together students from all eight wards to showcase their ideas, talents and innovation.
Who is eligible:
- The Elementary STEM Exhibition is open to students in grades K-5 from DC public, public charter, parochial, private and home school.
- The DC Secondary STEM Fair is open to students in grades 6-12 from DC public, public charter, parochial, private and home schools.
Key Dates:
- Project registration opened Monday, Jan. 22
- Project registration deadline for all participants: Sunday, Feb. 26, 11:59 p.m.
- DC Secondary STEM Fair and Elementary Exhibition: Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
For more information and/or to register, please visit the website here.
Foundations of Special Education Spring 2024 Cohort Program (reminder)
By providing the foundational knowledge and skills needed to effectively serve ALL students, especially students with disabilities, these professional learning pathways will build the capacity of District of Columbia educators through meaningful and engaging coursework while leveraging the flexibility of technology.
Early Childhood Spring 2024 Cohort
Four asynchronous courses (self-paced modules) and optional Communities of Practice followed by opportunities to earn two micro-credentials. Completers will receive a $1,000 stipend from OSSE. 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).
Support Staff Spring 2024 Cohort – Four asynchronous courses (self-paced modules) and micro-credential workshops followed by opportunities to earn two micro-credentials. Completers will receive a $1,000 stipend from OSSE.
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.
Special Education Endorsement Recovery Initiative (SEERI) – Coursework completion (including micro-credentials) and Praxis exam support, leading to a special education endorsement added to an existing standard teaching credential. Completers will receive a $1,500 stipend from OSSE, a Praxis voucher code and endorsement application fee reimbursement. 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.
We are currently accepting applications for the spring 2024 cohort via this link. If you are interested in participating in the spring 2024 cohort, please apply by Feb. 9. This form will collect participant registration information for the coursework and micro-credentials opportunity and information that OSSE will use to determine eligibility for the cohort program. Educators will be notified of the eligibility during the week of Feb. 12.
The coursework for these initiatives is hosted on OSSE’s learning management system. Details for each opportunity are outlined here on OSSE’s website. For questions about this opportunity, contact Byul.Yim@dc.gov.
Register for 2024 Winter Restorative Justice Trainings (reminder)
RestorativeDC is offering professional development and planning opportunities to help DC educators with restorative practices during this school year. Sessions will be conducted in person and coaching sessions offered virtually. Please view this informational flyer to review all session descriptions and the restorative justice PD schedule. You can also check out the RestorativeDC online calendar of events to view and register for upcoming sessions. For questions, please email Jessica.Dulay@dc.gov.
Attention DC EPP Completers - 1:1 Coaching Support for Teachers Now Available (reminder)
For all teachers who have completed a DC educator preparation program and are in their first five years of teaching in a DC public or public charter school, OSSE is offering an exciting opportunity for access to a personalized non-evaluative coaching partner from EdConnective. More than 250 DC leaders have participated in 1:1 coaching over the past three years, and OSSE is excited to expand this partnership to support teachers!
This unique benefit gives you personalized access to a coach focused on your specific needs in your classroom(s). Your personal coach will work with you to develop goals and support professional growth with specific, practical strategies that you want to work on.
Here’s what other teachers have said about EdConnective coaching:
“This coaching experience was very different from the beginning. This is true colleague collaboration and learning from one another.”
“I really struggled with classroom management, and my instructional coach helped me connect with my classroom in a short period of time. It was like night and day from one week to the next!”
Eligibility: If you meet these two criteria, you’re in:
- A teacher who has completed a DC-based educator preparation provider program (list of providers)
- Teaching in a DC public or public charter school for fewer than five years (0-five years teaching experience)
Register here NOW to be matched with a coach this spring!
For questions, please contact Jhatia McKnight at: Jhatia.McKnight@dc.gov.
All In: Elevating Student Voice in Schools Conference (reminder)
There is a growing body of evidence that students do better personally, socially and academically when they are encouraged to take ownership of their learning. Students who believe they have a voice in school are seven times more likely to be academically motivated than those who do not believe they have a voice. Join the DC Special Education Cooperative on Friday, March 8 to explore how student voice can be centered in decision-making at the classroom, campus and LEA level to create systems where all students, especially those with disabilities thrive. Schools are encouraged to bring a team (including students)! Register now!
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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FY24 ESSER III-ARP Application (reminder)
American Rescue Plan Act Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III-ARP) applications for fiscal year 2024 (FY24) are now available in the Enterprise Grants Management System (EGMS). As a reminder, this is the final year of the ESSER III-ARP grant, and an approved application is required for your local education agency (LEA) to access the remainder of your ESSER III-ARP funding. The deadline to complete this grant application is May 1. Once your application is approved, you may begin to request reimbursement on FY24 expenses.
As a part of your ESSER III-ARP application, your LEA must submit an Evidence-Based Intervention Form. This form now requires you to describe the evidence-based interventions you will implement using FY24 ESSER III-ARP funds.
During this critical final year, it is essential that you closely track deadlines, requirements and your budget. If you need to adjust your budget before the grant ends, please be sure to submit any application amendments expeditiously. Amendments will not be accepted after Nov. 1, 2024. We encourage you to submit ESSER III-ARP reimbursement requests early, but please be aware that all reimbursement requests must be submitted by Dec. 1, 2024.
For questions or additional information, please contact the OSSE ESSER team at OSSE.ESSER@dc.gov.
FY24 Scholarships for Opportunity and Results (SOAR) Act Continuation Applications Coming Soon (reminder)
If you were granted a competitive SOAR grant that continues into FY24, you must complete a continuation application in the Enterprise Grants Management System (EGMS) to access carryover funds from FY22 and/or FY23. Continuation applications are now available.
The following competitive SOAR grants are eligible for carryover of remaining grant funds into FY24:
- FY23 SOAR Facilities
- FY23 SOAR Third Party
- FY23 SOAR Teacher Pipeline
- FY22 SOAR Third Party
- FY22 SOAR Teacher Pipeline
Please review the continuation application guidance for detailed instructions on how to complete each section of this application. Continuation applications are due in EGMS by 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9.
For questions on SOAR Facilities, please reach out to Marie Hutchins at Marie.Hutchins@dc.gov. For questions on SOAR Third Party or Teacher Pipeline, please reach out to Jessica Mardo at Jessica.Mardo@dc.gov.
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February 2024
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