 Vaping Prevention in Schools Webinar
Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. for a virtual learning opportunity sponsored by OSSE and DC Health, Youth Vaping Prevention: Tools and Strategies to Use in Your Classroom and Community. Attendees will have the chance to connect with staff from Truth Initiative - a national nonprofit public health organization dedicated to a future free of smoking and nicotine - who will provide resources to better address nicotine use in and around the school setting. Attendees will walk away with tools for use within the classroom, tools to help students quit smoking or vaping, ways to better support students dealing with addiction, and opportunities to get involved in community organizing and advocacy efforts on this topic. Educators, administrators, school health professionals and anyone who works with youth are encouraged to attend. Register at bit.ly/TruthDC221.
Submit LEA Response to OSSE’s Immunization Attendance Review
Some LEA leaders received an email from OSSE.SchoolHealth@dc.gov on Feb. 7 identifying their schools with immunization compliance rates below 90 percent that did not exclude non-compliant students in the four exclusion grades (pre-K 3, kindergarten, 7, and 11). on Dec. 4.
By Feb. 23, LEAs who received the email must ensure that one form is filled out for each school identified in the Feb. 7 email.
2023-24 School Year School Health Profiles – Data Submission and Certification Deadlines Next Week
All schools must submit their school health profiles (SHP) for LEA certification by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, and LEA Heads of School must log in to the SHP application to certify the data by 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 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 Integrated Data System (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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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
Helpful Resources:
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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Impaired? No Time to Drive: DC High School Students Video Challenge
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts lives at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day, 29 people in the US die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. And, sadly, one in 10 high schoolers drive impaired.
The Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia is calling on DC high schoolers to help.
The Impaired? No Time to Drive annual video contest challenges high school students to create short videos to help inform peers about the consequences of driving while impaired. These videos could help students earn up to 10 community service hours that are needed for graduation and have a chance to win prizes.
For this year’s contest, you must submit your videos by March 1, 2024. Winning videos will be announced on March 18, 2024. The videos will be posted on the Office of the Attorney General’s YouTube page and potentially other social media platforms. Previous contest winners’ videos can also be viewed there.
Click here to learn more, register and submit.
LEA Financial Reporting Application Released – Submissions due March 15 (reminder)
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.
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LETRS for Administrators
OSSE is excited to share an additional cohort of the popular professional learning opportunity for administrators, instructional coaches and central office staff members from both public and charter schools in the District. OSSE, in partnership with Voyager Sopris and Lexia Learning will launch Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS®) for Administrators
LETRS® for Administrators guides state, district, or building leaders in implementing research-based, Response to Intervention (RtI) and Multitiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for instruction. Administrators are provided specific steps for facilitating change, developing comprehensive assessment plans, managing resources, assembling school leadership teams and making data-based decisions.
What do you need to know?
- All interested applicants please fill out this 5 minute form by Feb. 19
- This training opportunity consists of 4 facilitated sessions per year and independent coursework.
- A detailed schedule will be shared after Feb. 19 but please anticipate the first facilitated session to occur end of March.
As a school leader it is important to understand that LETRS® for Administrators is a two-year course that involves virtual facilitated sessions as well as independent reading and online modules.
Please reach out to Vaani Gupta, Literacy Specialist at Vaani.Gupta@dc.gov.
Supporting Effective Science Teaching and Learning with Literacy and Content Integration
In partnership with BSCS Science Learning, OSSE will provide a series of three, full day sessions for K-12 educators - administrators, teachers and coaches where we will experience, analyze, discuss and plan how best to improve outcomes in science with explicit connections to literacy and content integration. Next generation science instruction requires a shift in practice for students, teachers and leaders so join us as we learn by doing, exploring and explaining.
Goals:
- Educators will experience and understand high quality science teaching and learning.
- Educators will examine and explain how literacy and content integration supports high quality science teaching and learning.
- Educators will consider and plan how they will use what they have learned to improve science teaching and learning in their context.
Dates:
- Session 1: Thursday, March 28, 2024
- Session 2: Thursday, June 13, 2024
- Session 3: September (TBD)
Location: TBD
For more information please email, Jhatia.Mcknight@dc.gov or click here to apply.
Foundations of Universal Design for Learning for School Administrators (reminder)
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 (reminder)
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 (reminder)
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.
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.
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February 2024
March 2024
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