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New: OSSE Releases 2026-27 School Year School Calendar Guidance and Waivers, Due June 23
The 2026-27 School Year OSSE Instructional Day and Distance Learning Guidance is now available online. A few reminders:
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New for the 2026-27 school year: OSSE is allowing schools serving grades 6–12 to request waivers for multiple half-days within the same week. More information is available in the 2026-27 school year guidance.
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Calendars must be in eSchoolPLUS no later than June 23. All regular grades 1-12 instructional day calendars for the 2026-27 school year must include at least 180 instructional days that are at least six hours in length.
- If schools wish to count any instructional days that are less than six hours in length toward their 180-day requirement, LEAs must submit a half-day waiver request in the OSSE Support Tool by June 23.
- LEAs must submit their 2026-27 school year calendars as “Ready for Review” by June 23 in the Instructional Day Calendar Compliance sheet of the SY26-27 Data Validation QLIK application. The portal for 2026-27 school year submission will open in May of this year. Full instructions will be found in the Data Validation Technical Guide found in the SY26-27 Data Validation QLIK application sheet.
Any questions regarding the released materials or expectations should be directed to osse.calendarwaivers@dc.gov.
New: DC 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Report
The 2023 District of Columbia Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) report is now available . The report captures critical data on student experiences, health, and risk and protective factors. Respondents across 113 DC public and public charter middle and high schools participated anonymously in the survey.
If you have any questions about using the report contact .
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New: Extended School Year Training and Process Updates
As we look ahead to the Extended School Year (ESY) season, the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) wants to ensure your LEA feels fully supported and prepared. OSSE is introducing some updates to the ESY processes.
What’s New?
- ESY LEA Viewer Point of Contact in the All Staff Data Collection.
- ESY Profile in Special Programs
- Documenting ESY Site Location and ESY Attendance in Special Programs.
- ESY Report in Special Programs
- Updates to ESY Transportation Request Form (TRF) in the Integrated Data Submission (IDS) tool.
Who Should Join Us?
To make sure everyone is on the same page, we’re asking the following Special Education team members to attend at least one session:
- Special Education Teachers
- LEA Data Administrators
- Related Service Providers
- Transportation Coordinators
- ESY LEA Viewer
Training Dates
Please register for one of the following virtual sessions in the OSSE Learning Management System (LMS). The same content will be covered at each webinar session.
The training will provide a step-by-step walkthrough of the new ESY enhancements in Special Programs and the updates to IDS for students eligible for ESY Transportation.
Prerequisites: Special Programs End User Experience and Documenting and Delivering Related Services.
Dates & Times
- Thursday, May 7, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Register here
- Thursday, May 14, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Register here
- Thursday, May 21, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Registration Link coming soon
For questions or additional information, please email Leah.Diggs-Gnatiko@dc.gov.
New: School Lunch Hero Day, May 1
School Lunch Hero Day, held on Friday, May 1, gives schools and communities the opportunity to thank the school nutrition professionals who serve 30 million students each day. Between preparing healthy meals, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, school nutrition staff strive to make lunchtime the favorite part of every student’s day.
School Lunch Hero Day is a nationwide celebration hosted by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author and illustrator of the popular LUNCH LADY graphic novel series. Inspired by his own childhood school lunch hero, Krosoczka created the popular LUNCH LADY series of graphic novels for kids, starring a crime-fighting school nutrition professional and her faithful sidekick, Betty.
On Friday, May 1, students are encouraged to show their appreciation for their school nutrition staff through thanks, cards, and recognition. More creative ideas, as well as downloads in English and Spanish and details are available at the School Lunch Hero Day website.
New: Interpreting and Applying WIDA ACCESS Score Reports
The Division of Teaching and Learning (TAL) and Division of Data, Assessment and Research (DAR) will host an in-person professional learning opportunity on Thursday, May 21, from 1-3 p.m. at OSSE, 1050 First St. NE. Interpreting and Applying WIDA ACCESS Score Reports will provide assessment and instructional leaders an opportunity to explore the purpose of WIDA ACCESS summative assessment, investigate the differences and applications in the types of WIDA ACCESS score reports, and explore methods of disseminating information and setting programmatic goals using the various reports.
Register using this link. For questions, contact Rachel.Knaizer@dc.gov.
New: Vocabulary Instruction for Multilingual Learners (MLs)
In this session, teachers of multilingual learners will learn strategies for infusing academic language instruction into their classrooms. Participants will explore and exchange vocabulary instruction strategies, make connections to ML research and WIDA standards, and see classroom examples from a DC teacher.
The sessions will take place in-person at OSSE, 1050 First St. NE, on the following dates by grade band:
- Pre-K-2 (in English): Friday, May 8, 1-3:30 p.m.
- Grades 3-12 (in English): Friday, May 22, 1-3:30 p.m.
- Dual language, Grades 3-12 (in Spanish): Wednesday, May 27, 1-3:30 p.m.
Attendees will receive 3 professional learning units (PLUs) for their participation. For more information, contact Francesca Smith, Multilingual Specialist, at Francesca.Smith@dc.gov.
New: Instructional Leadership Summit, June 4
The Instructional Leadership Summit is a one-day workshop dedicated to supporting school leaders in identifying, observing and coaching educators in instructional best practice in math, social studies and literacy.
During each subject-specific workshop, school leaders will learn about the principles of evidence-based instruction in each subject. School leaders will learn how to leverage different tools and resources created by OSSE, including walkthrough tools and instructional resources to observe and support educators in their schools and LEAs.
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 901 G Street, NW
Time: Thursday, June 4, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Breakfast and Lunch Provided
Click here to register.
For all questions, please email madison.kantzer@dc.gov.
DC Educator Workforce Summit, May 11 (Reminder)
Join OSSE, in collaboration with the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME), at the 2026 DC Educator Workforce Summit on Monday, May 11 at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library.
Local education agency (LEA) leaders, school teams, teachers, educator preparation provider (EPP) staff, and community partners will unite to build off our citywide successes and continue shaping the future of our educator workforce.
Join us for dynamic, peer-led sessions exploring new teacher pathways, instructional excellence, leadership development, positive school culture, and strategic staffing — all grounded in OSSE’s latest workforce data and insights.
If you’re committed to growing and sustaining excellent educators in DC, this is the place to be. Let's keep the momentum going.
2026 National History Teacher of the Year Nominations (Reminder)
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is seeking nominations for the 2026 National History Teacher of the Year.
Each year, Gilder Lehrman recognizes first-rate K–12 teachers who find creative ways to bring history to life in their classrooms. Winners are selected from each state and US territory and become finalists for the national award.
State History Teachers of the Year receive:
- $1,000
- Recognition at a ceremony in their state
- Free entry to the Gilder Lehrman Teacher Symposium or free enrollment in an MA course
- Free classroom materials
The National History Teacher of the Year receives $10,000 and is honored at a ceremony in New York City.
The deadline for 2026 nominations is Thursday, April 30.
Learn more and nominate a teacher at gilderlehrman.org/nominate.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Instructional Community of Practice, April 29 (Reminder)
OSSE invites educators to participate in a bi-monthly SEL Community of Practice (CoP). These sessions will provide instructional leaders an opportunity to collaborate with peers across schools and LEAs, explore evidence-based SEL strategies, and strengthen systems that promote positive school climate and student success.
Wednesday, April 29, 11- 12:30 p.m. in-person at OSSE, 1050 First St. NE
Please register here
CoP Participants will:
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Engage with tools and resources to foster school-wide SEL- Discuss and explore ways to leverage SEL artifacts and supports (Toolkits, Caregiver Guide, etc.) to inform schoolwide practices and content integration.
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Strengthen educator SEL capacity - Explore strategies for incorporating DC SEL competencies within the classroom context, prioritizing adult SEL and educator wellness.
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Examine barriers to implementation- Identify challenges and practical obstacles that educators encounter while integrating SEL standards and practices, and explore effective solutions.
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Create essential and real-world opportunities for learning- By fostering collaboration, exploring best practices, and facilitating peer-to-peer learning.
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Ambassador SEL on campus- Ensure building principals and leadership are informed of SEL implementation strategies and practices
* This is in-person training, and participants will receive 2 professional learning units (PLUs).
For questions, please contact Marcus Hughes at Marcus.Hughes@dc.gov
New: Feedback Requested on Technical Assistance Topics for Titles I-IV, Part A Grants
OSSE is developing its annual technical assistance (TA) plan on its Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Titles I-IV, Part A grant programs and seeks input from LEAs to ensure that supports for these programs are responsive, relevant, and aligned to current needs.
Your feedback will help us identify priority TA topics, understand preferred communication methods for TA opportunities, and surface any additional areas where guidance or resources would be beneficial.
Please complete this brief five-question survey to provide your feedback on OSSE’s annual TA plan for Titles I-IV, Part A grant programs. It should take approximately five minutes to complete. The survey will be available until Friday, May 15, 2026. Your responses will guide OSSE’s development of TA content and resources. We appreciate your participation; your insights will help ensure that future TA offerings align with LEA needs.
For questions or more information about the Titles I-IV, Part A grant programs, please email the ESEA Title Team at Con.App@dc.gov.
New: FY26 IDEA Final Allocations and FY25 Carryover Funds Now Available in EGMS
LEAs can now access their fiscal year 2026 (FY26) final allocations and FY25 carryover funds on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B application in the Enterprise Grants Management System (EGMS).
LEAs that had FY25 carryover funds should review their carryover amounts by selecting the “Funding Distribution” tab in their FY26 IDEA Part B application in EGMS. In addition, FY26 final allocations are posted on OSSE’s IDEA Part B Grants webpage.
To claim final allocations and carryover funds, LEAs that received IDEA Part B funding should submit one budget amendment on their FY26 IDEA Part B application by Friday, May 15. OSSE must first approve the amendment before your LEA can submit reimbursement requests using these funds.
Additional resources to support program implementation are available on the IDEA Part B Grants webpage. For questions or additional information about IDEA, please contact Megan Williams at Megan.Williams@dc.gov.
New: Federal Grant Opportunity – Innovative Approaches to Literacy
The Employment and Training Administration at the US Department of Labor is soliciting applications in support of the administration of the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program on behalf of the US Department of Education (USED). The FY26 Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program supports high-quality programs designed to develop and improve literacy skills for children and students from birth through grade 12 in high-need local educational agencies and schools. IAL promotes innovative literacy programs that support the development of literacy skills in low-income communities, including programs that:
- Develop and enhance effective school library programs, which may include providing professional development for school librarians, books, and up-to-date materials to high-need schools;
- Provide early literacy services, including pediatric literacy programs through which, during well-child visits, medical providers trained in research-based methods of early language and literacy promotion provide developmentally appropriate books and recommendations to parents to encourage them to read aloud to their children starting in infancy; and
- Provide high-quality books on a regular basis to children and adolescents from low-income communities to increase reading motivation, performance, and frequency.
LEAs can read more information, find the contact information, and apply for the FY26 grant competition on grants.gov or at this link by Tuesday, June 9. All are invited to register for the pre-application webinar taking place from 2 - 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28.
New: FY27 McKinney-Vento (MKV) Homeless Assistance Program Grant Competition
OSSE invites LEAs to apply for federal funding for the FY27 MKV grant program. A total of $300,000 in awards will be distributed to LEAs. The MKV Request for Applications (RFA) guidance and submission timeline will be available on OSSE’s Homeless Education Program website.
The MKV grant provides supplemental funding to help 1) facilitate the identification, enrollment, attendance, and success in school of homeless children and youth; and 2) ensure homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free, appropriate, public education provided to all other students. Services provided through this grant cannot replace regular academic programming. LEAs serving children and youth experiencing homelessness in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 and LEAs serving youth experiencing homelessness ages 18-24 within the District of Columbia are eligible to apply.
Grant applications must be submitted through EGMS by Wednesday, June 24 at 3 p.m. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of OSSE’s FY27 MKV pre-application technical assistance webinars. Select one of the links below to join an event; pre-registration is not required. Both webinars will cover the same content.
Please submit all questions related to the competition by email to Danielle.Rollins@dc.gov by Wednesday, June 10.
For more information about OSSE’s Homeless Education Program, please visit the Homeless Education Program page or contact Danielle.Rollins@dc.gov.
FY26 SOAR Act Facilities Competition Now Open – Applications due by 3 p.m. on Friday, May 15 (Reminder)
The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Scholarships for Opportunity and Results (SOAR) Act Facilities grant competition is now open for applications in the Enterprise Grants Management System (EGMS). The request for applications (RFA) was published on Wednesday, April 1 and provides an overview of the grant program, key deadlines, and application requirements.
The SOAR Facilities grant program provides high-quality public charter schools in the District with funds to renovate their facilities. Applications must be submitted online in EGMS no later than 3 p.m. on Friday, May 15. Please see the RFA for information on eligibility criteria.
Pre-application webinars were held on April 7 and 9. The recording and slide deck will be available on the SOAR Facilities webpage by Friday, April 17.
Pre-application webinars were held on April 7 and 9. The recording and slide deck are now available on the SOAR Facilities webpage.
For questions, please contact Safa Babikir at Safa.Babikir@dc.gov.
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April 2026
May 2026
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