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Start of School Priority Highlight: Literacy Implementation
 Acquiring literacy skills is a key educational outcome that also unlocks the world for children by allowing them to encounter new ideas and information, communicate with others and express themselves effectively in school and daily life. OSSE is committed to advancing literacy excellence for all students by supporting educators with a suite of science-based tools and trainings. Learn more at our Start of School 2024-25 Hub.
3 Things to Know:
- All literacy trainings can be found on OSSE’s learning management system.
- All educators should complete Dyslexia Awareness training before Oct. 31, 2024.
- LEAs should adopt a High-Quality Instructional Material (HQIM) Science-Based Literacy Program before Oct. 31, 2024. OSSE created an HQIM Science-Based Literacy Program List to support LEAs through this transition.
For questions, please contact Celina Ketelsen at celina.ketelsen@dc.gov.
More resources can be found here.
New and Exciting Literacy Resource! (reminder)
OSSE is thrilled to announce the release of its new Structured Literacy Instructional Walkthrough Tool. Developed by OSSE's literacy team with valuable input from District teachers, coaches and leaders, this tool is a comprehensive, research-based addition to existing systems of continuous teacher support. The walkthrough tool will assist LEAs in analyzing and providing targeted feedback on structured literacy instruction, helping all students develop as confident, skilled and enthusiastic readers. The walkthrough tool along with a guidance document on its optimal use, is available on OSSE's literacy website. Additional information on upcoming training and norming opportunities will be provided soon. Stay tuned for details!
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Multilingual Institute 2024
OSSE is pleased to announce its Multilingual Learner Institute, “Advancing Literacy, Culture and Multilingualism,” to be held on Monday, Aug. 12, at the Kellogg Conference Center at Gallaudet University. This convening will bring together educators, researchers and practitioners in the District of Columbia to support multilingual learners enrolled in both English language acquisition and dual language programs. Register here.
For questions, please reach out to Angela Awonaike at Angela.Awonaike@dc.gov or Lucia Cuomo at Lucia.Cuomo@dc.gov.
Special Education Institute 2024
OSSE is pleased to announce the Special Education Institute: Building Capacity for a Brighter Future, on Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Kellogg Conference Center at Gallaudet University. The Special Education Institute is an unparalleled capacity-building opportunity for educators to enhance their knowledge and skills and improve special education outcomes. Register here.
For questions, please reach out to Steaven Hamlin at Steaven.Hamlin@dc.gov or Byul Yim at Byul.Yim@dc.gov.
Supporting Teacher and Student Wellness through Trauma-Informed and Healing-Centered Practices (reminder)
OSSE, in partnership with InSite Solutions, is offering two professional learning opportunities focused on understanding trauma in children and developing organizational wellness in our school communities. Identifying and managing the impact of trauma and toxic stress on students can increase a school system’s ability to respond sensitively to the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma while also reducing teacher absenteeism and improving student academic performance.
Educators in DC can choose from the following courses.
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Developing Sustainable Organizational Wellness (designed for school leaders): This 2-hour session will be offered virtually on July 15.
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Understanding Trauma in Children and How to Develop Healing-Centered Practices (introductory course): This 2-hour session will be offered virtually on July 17.
Save the Date – Discipline Collection Training Coming Aug. 14 and Aug. 21! (reminder)
OSSE is pleased to announce that the Division of Data, Assessment and Research (DAR) will host two training sessions focused on the annual discipline collection for those who are new to the discipline collection or would just like a refresher. These sessions are ideal for new LEA Data Managers, school leaders, and discipline points of contact. However, anyone who works with the OSSE discipline collection is welcome to attend. The same content will be presented both in-person and virtually so you can choose the format that works best for you. The virtual session will be recorded for future use. The following sessions will be offered:
In-person
Wednesday, Aug. 14 | 10–11:30 a.m.
OSSE Main
Eleanor Holmes Norton I
1050 First St. NE, Washington, DC 20002
Online
Wednesday, Aug. 21 | 1-2:30 p.m.
Registration will open in mid-July. For questions, contact Jenni Russell Ziarnik at Jennifer.RussellZiarnik@dc.gov.
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High-Impact Tutoring (HIT) LEA Grant - Request for Applications (RFA) Release on July 17 (reminder)
OSSE is releasing funding for approximately five to 15 grants to DC LEAs to launch, strengthen and expand evidence-based tutoring programs in schools for DC students, with a focus on those who are designated as economically disadvantaged. The funding period will run from the date the grants are awarded, estimated to be in late October 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025. Please see OSSE’s HIT webpage or the 2024-25 grants forecast for more detailed information on the award opportunity and applicant eligibility.
The RFA will be available on OSSE’s HIT webpage on Wednesday, July 17 at 12 p.m. EST. The deadline to submit a Notice of Intent to Apply form, which can be found in the RFA, is Friday, Aug. 16 at 5 p.m. EST, and the deadline to submit an application will be Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 3 p.m. EST. Applications will be accepted only through OSSE’s Enterprise Grants Management System (EGMS) at grants.osse.dc.gov.
A pre-application webinar will be held following the release of the RFA. Please see the RFA for information on the date, time and how to register for this webinar. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers via a public FAQ document.
If you have any questions about the grant, please email the HIT grants team at HIT.Grants@dc.gov.
SOAR Act Third Party Competition Now Open – Applications due at 3 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 5 (reminder)
OSSE published the request for applications (RFA) for the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results (SOAR) Act Third Party grant competition on June 14. Nonprofit charter support organizations proposing projects that will improve student outcomes in charter LEAs are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted online in EGMS no later than 3 p.m. EST on Monday, Aug. 5.
OSSE hosted two optional pre-application webinars to review updates to the application, scoring rubric and award process for this grant competition as well as other important competition information. A recording as well as an FAQ document will be shared in the coming days on the SOAR Third Party webpage. For questions or additional information, please contact Brianna Griffin at Brianna.Griffin@dc.gov.
FY25 IDEA Part B Phase II Application (reminder)
The fiscal year 2025 (FY25) Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grant application will be available on July 24 in EGMS. Allocations are available on OSSE’s website.
Please note that the correct release date for the IDEA application is July 24. Kindly disregard the previously mentioned date of July 1 that was included in the K12 grants newsletter.
The application deadline for the grant is Sept. 30 by 3 p.m. EST. Resources to support your grant application and grant program are available on OSSE’s IDEA website.
For questions or additional information about IDEA, please contact Megan Williams at Megan.Williams@dc.gov.
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August 2024
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