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April 30, 2024
OSSE is committed to continuously creating new ways to support our teachers, both in their classrooms and beyond. Our efforts are tailored to empower educators throughout the District as they cater to the needs of the thousands of students in our public schools.
We know that the District has the best teachers in the country, and we have been laser-focused on building and growing the District’s vital teacher pipeline to propel us into the future. Best supporting students requires a holistic approach that serves educators and school communities alike, while also setting high standards for all stakeholders in the educational ecosystem.
This spring, DC’s Teacher Apprenticeship Council unanimously approved standards and we began recruiting for DC’s inaugural, citywide Teacher Apprenticeship Program which offers a cost-free pathway for District high school graduates and current paraprofessionals to pursue a degree in education while engaging in on-the-job learning at a DC school.
Earlier this month, we released a new, streamlined teacher licensure tool to enhance the user experience and redefine how educators engage with OSSE’s educator certification services. We are also doubling down on literacy by expanding resources for educators and offering stipends incentivizing teachers to complete evidence-backed Science of Reading coursework.
OSSE continues to develop innovative ways to support our teachers in and out of the classroom. The supports we provide are aimed at helping educators ensure that each DC student has the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive.
Read on to learn more about our investments in advancing excellence for all DC learners.
In service,
Dr. Christina Grant
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Expanding Literacy Resources for Educators
To foster confident and enthusiastic readers, OSSE provides DC educators with diverse resources aimed at enhancing their understanding of the science of reading research and structured literacy instruction. These efforts include incentivizing the use of these resources through stipend payments. Currently, educators who complete Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) 3rd Edition, LETRS for Early Childhood Educators, and LETRS for Administrators are eligible to receive a stipend. Stipends are also awarded to educators who complete the Science of Reading course (developed in partnership with TNTP) on OSSE’s Learning Management System (LMS).
OSSE is actively pursuing the implementation of the recommendations put forth by the Literacy Education Task Force, including the development of an instructional walkthrough tool and accompanying guidance document for coaches, administrators and teachers to provide targeted feedback to facilitate the growth of structured literacy instruction in classrooms across DC.
We continue to recruit educators to participate in the science of reading course and we are compiling a list of recommended structured literacy training options for local educations agencies (LEAs) to consider. In addition to the science of reading course, teachers can access trainings to support awareness of dyslexia and other reading difficulties, as well as training in adolescent literacy and in analyzing literacy screener data to target literacy instruction.
By the end of April, OSSE will release a high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) rubric, along with non-regulatory guidance for the use of the HQIM rubric and list of aligned curricula. This suite of literacy resources was created with stakeholder input from DC LEAs and OSSE team members from across the agency.
Additional Investments in Advance Excellence
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Launched the first citywide registered apprenticeship for aspiring teachers. The OSSE Apprenticeship in Teaching program provides cost-free pathways for District paraprofessionals and District high school graduates to become certified teachers in DC’s high-demand subject areas, including early childhood, elementary, and special education.
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Awarded more than $1.7 million in grant funds to 13 LEAs to enable them to select and introduce high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) $ that will accelerate learning for DC students
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Introduced intensive professional development bootcamps in math instruction $, in which over 200 educators from over 70 schools and all 8 wards have participated to date
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OSSE has reconvened the Early Childhood Educator Compensation Task Force to review implementation of the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund to date, identify options for improvement and make recommendations to advance equity, efficiency and sustainability in the implementation of the fund. The Task Force will host a virtual public roundtable on Saturday, May 11 to collect feedback from early childhood educators, child care providers and early learning stakeholders to inform the implementation of the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund. |
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OSSE’s newly created educator credentialing system is now live! Aspiring DC Educator Credential holders will find an enhanced user experience when they apply for a teacher, school services provider, or school principal educator credential. More information is available at: https://ecis.osse.dc.gov |
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OSSE and The Region 4 Comprehensive Center (R4CC) have embarked on a series of listening sessions with key stakeholders, including LEA leaders, principals, external advocacy organizations, teachers, parents, and students. Key objectives for these listening sessions include gaining a better understanding of stakeholders’ perspectives on barriers to school improvement and their expectations of and commitment to improvement. Following the listening sessions, R4CC will work with OSSE to develop new guidance and support for schools identified for improvement. |
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In the 2022-23 school year, students seized the opportunity to participate in 613 dual enrollment seats supported by OSSE – the highest enrollment the program has ever seen. For summer 2024, 516 students have submitted their Intent to Enroll forms. The fall 2024 application is currently open and will close on May 3, 2024.
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In recognition of Stress Awareness Month, we introduced Spring Break at OSSE during the week of April 8–12 where staff attended a variety of wellness activities tailored to promote stress relief including cuddling with therapy puppies, sharing their vocal talents at karaoke and creating DIY spa crafts. |
 Pictured: OSSE staff during Spring Break Week
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As we approach the end of the ESSER grant period on Sept. 30, 2024, OSSE is committed to supporting LEAs to manage a smooth and strategic transition to a post-ESSER funding environment, with a focus on continuing learning acceleration and addressing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We launched a resource webpage that highlights six evidence-based strategies LEAs can prioritize in their budgeting and strategic planning for Fiscal Year 2025 and beyond. |
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The District has implemented a robust recovery to restoration plan, which includes investing nearly $1 billion of federal stimulus funds to support the recovery and restoration of the public education and child care sectors. Projects funded in full or in part by federal recovery dollars feature this symbol ($).
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