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The Data, Assessment and Research (DAR) team at OSSE regularly publishes short articles and explainers about the data we collect, protect, analyze and report on our OSSE Data Discovery blog; the full archive of posts is available here.
If you would like these sent to your inbox every few months, subscribe here.
LEA Financial Reporting Application Collection - March 9 through April 17 (Reminder)
The LEA financial reporting application will open for the annual collection of financial expenditure data on Monday, March 9. All LEAs are required to submit 2024-25 school year financial data to OSSE by Friday, April 17.
Following the conclusion of the collection cycle, the DC School Report Card website will be updated to include both the LEA-level and school-level per-pupil financial expenditure data you submit.
There are some minor changes to the reporting requirements for the Common Financial Reporting Standards section, which will be outlined in the step-by-step application instructions and tutorial video on the OSSE website when the application opens.
LEA staff with the following roles in the Integrated Data Submission (IDS) All Staff Tool will receive access to the LEA financial reporting application upon its release and communication from Gabriel Montague throughout the collection cycle:
- Head of School;
- LEA Data Manager;
- Chief Financial Officer; and
- LEA Finance/Grants Manager.
To ensure the correct points of contact (POCs) from your LEA have access to the LEA financial reporting application and email updates, your LEA Data Manager should update the roles of the appropriate individuals to one of the roles listed above in the IDS All Staff Data Submission before the collection period begins on March 9.
The following resources are currently available on the OSSE website to assist you with this annual reporting requirement:
OSSE will hold optional office hours virtually through Microsoft Teams for LEA staff who have questions or need assistance with the application at the times listed below and registration links are forthcoming:
- Wednesday, March 11, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 25, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 8, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
For questions related to the LEA financial reporting application, please contact Gabriel Montague, OSSE Administrative Officer, at Gabriel.Montague@dc.gov or (202)-394-8977.
2025-26 School Climate Enhancement Microgrant Grantees (Reminder)
OSSE is proud to announce the selection of 11 schools as recipients of the 2025–26 School Climate Enhancement Microgrant. This targeted investment will provide $350,000 in total funding to support these schools as they strengthen sustainable, school-wide social and emotional learning (SEL) and school climate systems that promote the well-being of students and adults.
2025–26 School Climate Enhancement Microgrant Awardees:
- Roosevelt High School
- Charles Hart Middle School
- Ingenuity Prep PCS
- Dunbar High School
- Friendship PCS- Southeast Middle School
- BASIS DC PCS
- Creative Minds International PCS
- Two Rivers PCS-Young Middle School
- KIPP DC PCS-Legacy College Preparatory PCS
- Luke C. Moore High School
- Achievement Preparatory Academy PCS- Wahler Place Elementary School
OSSE is proud to partner with these school communities and looks forward to sharing their stories and successes throughout the year.
For more information, please visit the OSSE website here or contact Marcus Hughes at Marcus.Hughes@dc.gov.
Social and Emotional Learning Week 2026 (Reminder)
OSSE is thrilled to participate National Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Week, celebrated March 2-6. This week is a vital opportunity to elevate essential skills such as self-awareness, self-management, social and cultural awareness, relationship skills, and decision-making and agency. These skills are necessary to create healthy, supportive learning environments where students can thrive academically.
Become a part of the transformative movement by engaging in the following:
- The citywide school climate survey, DC Survey About Your School (DC SAYS), is open March 2 - April 3. We encourage you to share messaging to your school communities using our communications toolkit found on the DC SAYS website.
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SEL Instructional Community of Practice (CoP) at OSSE
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Building a Culture of Data Inquiry and a Toolkit of Action for Improving School Culture (virtual)–Thursday, March 5, 2-3:30 p.m. Register here.
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Leveraging Restorative Justice to Move from Trauma-Informed to Healing-Centered Engagement –Tuesday, March 17, 9 a.m. -3:30 p.m. at OSSE, 1050 First St. NE, Room 108. Register here.
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Introduction to Social & Emotional Learning, (Asynchronous Learning Module)
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Trauma-Informed Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) for Educators,(Asynchronous Learning Module)
- Utilize the SEL Week Promotion Kit found on OSSE’s SEL website. The promo is designed to support professional learning and encourage active participation in amplifying SEL initiatives.
- Share your experiences and insights on social media this week to inspire others using the using the hashtag #SELDC.
Let’s come together to SELebrate and elevate these essential skills! For questions, please email Jessica.Dulay@dc.gov.
Truancy Notification Form Updates (Reminder)
OSSE believes that preventing truancy is a shared responsibility between the state education agency, LEAs, parents, students and community members.
The Attendance Accountability Amendment Act of 2013 requires that LEAs notify OSSE within two business days of a student’s 10th unexcused absence. At select points during the year, OSSE provides a notification and truancy prevention resource guide to parents of students experiencing truancy.
As of February 2026, OSSE is discontinuing the LEA Truancy Notification Form submission process via Box. LEAs are no longer required to submit truancy notification forms, as OSSE already receives attendance data through the nightly Qlik attendance feed. No additional action is needed beyond maintaining accurate attendance data in your student information system.
For questions about OSSE attendance and truancy policy, please contact Aric Fulton at Aric.Fulton@dc.gov
School Behavioral Health Peer Mentor Program (Reminder)
OSSE is launching the School Behavioral Health (SBH) Peer Mentor program to facilitate the exchange of valuable knowledge and skills between experienced school-based behavioral health providers and those who are new to the school setting. Throughout this program, mentees will receive one-on-one support from experienced school-based behavioral health providers to better navigate the work challenges. Mentees will also have access to high-quality trainings and professional development opportunities in school mental health. Mentors will have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, grow personally and professionally, and increase their career satisfaction by helping to build the therapeutic skills and toolbox of the next generation of school-based behavioral health leaders.
What are the program requirements for mentees?
- You are a new (less than three years of experience in your current role) school-based behavioral health provider (school social worker, school psychologist, or counselor) providing school-based mental health services at a DC public or public charter school, and are a licensed social worker, psychologist, or counselor
- Be available to attend two in-person sessions (i.e., orientation, end of program celebration), two virtual trainings, and meet regularly with mentors
What are the program requirements for mentors?
- You are an experienced (at least three years of experience in your current role) school-based behavioral health provider (school social worker, school psychologist, or counselor) providing school-based mental health services at a DC public or public charter school, and are a licensed social worker, psychologist, or counselor
- Be available to attend two in-person sessions (i.e., orientation, end of program celebration), two virtual trainings, and meet regularly with mentees
- Offer advice, share insights, and help new providers navigate the challenges of their new environment
- Offer feedback, share best practices, and provide opportunities for skill development in school mental health
Interested in participating or have additional questions?
Interested providers should submit the mentor application or mentee application by Wednesday, March 4.
Reach out to OSSE.HYDT@dc.gov with any additional questions.
Metro's Earth Day Call for Artwork (Reminder)
In honor of Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22 and the upcoming 50th anniversary of Metro, the Metro’s Office of Community Engagement is inviting kindergarten through grade 6 students from Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia to submit 2D handmade artworks that highlight the vital role Metro plays in promoting clean air while fostering creativity and community engagement.
The selected artworks will be featured on bus wraps as part of Metro’s celebration of Earth Day.
This project will showcase youth talent, inspire environmental consciousness, and highlight Metro's commitment to protecting the planet.
For details on eligibility and submission requirements, visit wmata.com/earthday.
The submission deadline is Monday, March 2, by 11:59 p.m.
Submit student artwork via two forms:
DC Health Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Survey (Reminder)
DC Health in collaboration with the DC Vaccine Alliance is conducting a survey to collect community feedback about knowledge and beliefs concerning HPV and the HPV vaccine to inform DC Health immunization activities. HPV is a virus that can cause cervical, throat, and anal cancer, and genital warts.
DC Health is asking schools to share the following survey link with families: HPV Vaccine Survey Rapid Community Assessment. The survey will remain open through March.
For more information or questions, please email osse.schoolhealth@dc.gov or visit DC Health.
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New: Hear the Crunch 2026
Mark your calendars! Tuesday, March 3 is Hear the Crunch!
In celebration of National School Breakfast Week, OSSE has partnered with D.C. Hunger Solutions to promote Hear the DC Crunch throughout schools in the District.
Each year the District celebrates Hear the DC Crunch to highlight the importance and the many benefits of the School Breakfast Program. Breakfast served at school ensures that students have access to the proper nutrition they need to start their day and succeed in school.
Thank you for celebrating #HearTheCrunch with us. Please continue to share your photos on social media, tagging OSSE, and email them to osse.nutritionprogram@dc.gov to be spotlighted in the next newsletter!
Questions about Hear the D.C. Crunch? Please contact LaMonika Jones at ljones@dchunger.org.
Residency and Enrollment Verification Trainings (Reminder)
The Office of Enrollment and Residency (OER) is hosting two upcoming training opportunities to support LEAs in preparing for the 2026–27 school year.
On Friday, March 6 at 10 a.m., OER will hold a required webinar covering residency and enrollment verification requirements, language access, and supports for students experiencing homelessness. The updated OER handbook and residency verification forms will be shared with LEAs ahead of this training.
LEAs are also invited to an in-person Residency Verification Workshop on Tuesday, March 10 at 10 a.m., offering hands-on practice, real-world scenarios, and peer collaboration. Space is limited to two participants per LEA. Registration will close on Wednesday, Feb. 25 or once capacity is reached.
Please refer to the email sent to LEA Heads of School and LEA Enrollment Audit POCs on Feb. 10 for full details on both trainings and registration instructions. For more information, contact OSSE.EnrollmentAudit@dc.gov.
Foundational Literacy for Multilingual Adolescent Learners Book Study (Reminder)
Educators of adolescent multilingual learners are invited to join a virtual book study on Teaching Foundational Skills to Adolescent Readers. This series will focus on the unique needs of older readers who struggle with decoding and fluency, while exploring ways to integrate reading support into content instruction and intervention. Participants will receive a copy of the book, read independently, and join two professional learning community sessions with fellow educators to discuss strategies for implementation.
Teachers and instructional coaches of multilingual learners, newcomers, and students with limited or interrupted education (SLIFE) in fifth grade through adult education are invited to attend a virtual session. Educators who lead instruction in Spanish are also welcome.
- Session 1: Tuesday, March 10, 2-3:30 p.m.
- Session 2: Thursday, April 9, 2-3:30 p.m.
Register here.
Attendees will receive 3 Professional Learning Units (PLUs) per session. For more information, contact Francesca Smith at Francesca.Smith@dc.gov.
DC’s New Structured Literacy Competency Requirement Office Hours (Reminders)
OSSE will host optional office hours to answer questions about this requirement on the following days.
- Friday, March 6, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Join here
- Thursday, March 12, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Join here
Structured Literacy Walkthrough Tool Cohort (Reminder)
The Structured Literacy Walkthrough Cohort is an innovative initiative designed to strengthen the capacity of literacy leads and school leaders directly focused on literacy outcomes in supporting teachers' implementation of structured literacy practices. This pilot will focus on using OSSE's Instructional Walkthrough Tool to enhance instructional coaching and improve early literacy outcomes in elementary schools.
This program offers targeted professional learning, collaborative practice, and actionable feedback cycles designed to deepen expertise in structured literacy and enhance the use of the OSSE Instructional Walkthrough Tool.
Key Dates for Whole Group Sessions:
- Wednesday, March 11: Program Launch
- Wednesday, April 8: School Site Learning Walk 1
- Wednesday, May 13: School Site Learning Walk 2
- Monday, July 20: Summer Strategic Literacy Planning Part 1
- Wednesday, July 22: Summer Strategic Literacy Planning Part 2
- Wednesday, Sept. 16: School Site Learning Walk 3 and Cohort Closing
Registration closes on Friday, Feb. 27. This pilot is only open to six schools, so space is limited. Apply here.
 FY26 ESEA Titles I-IV Final Allocations Released (Reminder)
Under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), OSSE administers Title I-A, II-A, III-A, and IV-A grants through its annual ESEA Consolidated Application (ConApp).
Final allocations for fiscal year 2026 (FY26) ESEA Title grants are now posted on the ESEA Title Grants website. OSSE will load final FY26 allocations and FY25 carryover into the FY26 ESEA ConApp in the Enterprise Grants Management System (EGMS) simultaneously. LEAs will need to submit one budget amendment to access any additional funds. OSSE will notify via this newsletter when final allocations and carryover funds are available in EGMS.
If you have questions or need technical assistance, please contact the ConApp team at Con.App@dc.gov.
FY24 Title IV-A LEA Data Posted on OSSE’s Website (Reminder)
In accordance with federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Title IV, Part A reporting requirements, OSSE collects and publishes annual data on Title IV-A grant funding for District of Columbia local education agencies (LEAs). The fiscal year 2024 (FY24) Title IV-A expenditure and programmatic reports are now available on OSSE’s website.
The reports summarize how LEAs have expended Title IV-A funds and include LEAs’ self-evaluation of progress toward Title IV-A program objectives.
Only LEAs that did not consolidate or transfer FY24 Title IV-A funds (i.e., maintained their Title IV-A grant funds) are included in the reports.
For questions or additional information, contact Julia Taylor at Julia.Taylor@dc.gov.
FY24 Title IV-A LEA Data Now Available (Reminder)
In accordance with federal ESEA Title IV, Part A reporting requirements, OSSE collects and publishes annual data on Title IV-A grant funding for District of Columbia LEAs. The fiscal year 2024 (FY24) Title IV-A expenditure and programmatic reports are now available on OSSE’s website.
The reports summarize how LEAs have expended Title IV-A funds and include LEAs’ self-evaluation of progress toward Title IV-A program objectives.
Only LEAs that did not consolidate or transfer FY24 Title IV-A funds (i.e., maintained their Title IV-A grant funds) are included in the reports.
For questions or additional information, contact Julia Taylor at Julia.Taylor@dc.gov.
IDEA Financial Compliance Reporting – MOE, Excess Cost, and CEIS Due March 2 (Reminder)
Each year, LEAs receiving Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grants must report financial data to demonstrate compliance with Maintenance of Effort (MOE), Excess Cost, and Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) requirements. The fiscal year 2025 (FY25) IDEA Financial Compliance Reporting Workbook submission deadline is 5 p.m. on Monday, March 2.
To review the reporting requirements and how to complete and submit the workbook, please see the FY25 IDEA Financial Compliance Reporting Instructional Guide and webinar recording on OSSE’s IDEA Training and Technical Assistance webpage.
For questions or assistance, contact Megan Williams at Megan.Williams@dc.gov.
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March 2026
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