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New: Discipline Data Submission Updates and Reminders
LEAs are encouraged to submit discipline data throughout the year through the Integrated Data Submission (IDS) tool to check for errors before the end-of-year certification process.
- OSSE Support Tool (OST) ticket deadline: Thursday, June 25
- Certification: Thursday, July 2
New this year, LEAs must include all discipline data from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, with each upload. Data from prior submissions are deleted when new data are uploaded to the IDS tool.
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Check the Discipline Data Validation sheet in the SY25-26 Data Validation application in Qlik to verify uploaded data.
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Check the Discipline Data Errors sheet in the SY25-26 Unified Data Errors application in Qlik to view additional unified data errors (UDEs), including UDEs associated with missing discipline records. Most missing-errors resolve on their own once data has been submitted.
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Keep all original formatting on the IDS template intact, to avoid an upload error.
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Users may manually enter data or copy and paste into the template. When pasting data, choose “Values” from the paste menu to preserve the destination formatting.
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Check that student names and dates are in the correct order using the correct format.
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If the template is rejected with no error message or all records generate an enrollment error, try the following:
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Download a fresh template from IDS and re-submit after adding all data.
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Qlik may be completing its daily refresh which can cause enrollment matching errors. Wait one-to-two hours and re-submit.
For questions or support with the IDS tool, please submit a ticket in the OST Quickbase application by using “Discipline” as the issue type with a status sub-category of “Integrated Data Submission Tool (IDS).”“Discipline” as the issue type with a status sub-category of “Integrated Data Submission Tool (IDS).”
LEAs can access a copy of the updated discipline collection guidance via OSSE’s website. The current template is available in the IDS tool.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Community of Practice (CoP)
OSSE will continue the SEL CoP, which supports teachers and instructional leaders with a collaborative environment to exchange best practices, strengthen Adult SEL strategies, address challenges through discussions of Problems of Practice, and enhance the integration of SEL in the classroom.
Come and engage in the CoP meeting on June 9th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in person at the OSSE building located at 1050 First Street NE.
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Learn about ongoing professional learning opportunities and resources to support campus needs
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Explore ways to leverage SEL artifacts and resources (Toolkits, Caregiver Guide, etc).
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Analyze DCSAYS (DC Survey About Your School) data to build educator capacity to take informed action
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Explore strategies for incorporating DC SEL competencies within the classroom context
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Identify challenges and practical obstacles that educators encounter while integrating SEL standards and practices, and explore effective solutions.
2025-26 Health Education, Physical Education, and Physical Activity Action Plan Requirement (Reminder)
In February 2026, each public and public charter school within the District of Columbia was required to complete and submit a yearly School Health Profile (SHP). Schools out of compliance with the health education, physical education, and/or physical activity requirements set forth in the Healthy Schools Act of 2010 and Healthy Schools Amendment Act of 2018 must complete and submit an action plan to OSSE. The purpose of the action plan is to identify the steps that will be taken to increase the minutes of instruction in the 2026-27 school year.
OSSE has emailed the school leader and SHP points of contact (POCs) for each school out of compliance and requiring an action plan with further instructions. Schools must submit their action plan by Friday, June 5. For questions or additional information, please review the Action Plan webpage or contact OSSE.HYDT@dc.gov.
DC Health and OSSE Undesignated Emergency Medications Program Technical Assistance Call, May 28 (Reminder)
OSSE and DC Health will hold a technical assistance call on Thursday, May 28, from 10 to 11 a.m. regarding the Undesignated Emergency Medications (UEM) Program. The call will address updates to the program and UEM Action plans. UEM school and LEA liaisons, UEM Administrators of Medications, health POCs, and school and LEA leaders should plan to attend. Register here.
Please contact uemeds@dc.gov if you have any questions.
OSSE Releases 2026-27 School Year Calendar Compliance Review Portal. All Calendar Submissions Due June 23 (Reminder)
LEAs must submit their 2026-27 school year calendars as “Ready for Review” by Tuesday, June 23 in the Instructional Day Calendar Compliance sheet of the SY26-27 Data Validation QLIK application. The portal is now live. Full instructions are available in the Data Validation Technical Guide located in the SY26-27 Data Validation QLIK application sheet.
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The 2026-27 school year OSSE Instructional Day and Distance Learning Guidance is now available online.
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Calendars must be in eSchoolPLUS no later than June 23. All regular, grades 1-12 2026-27 school year instructional day calendars are required to have at least 180 instructional days that are at least six hours in length.
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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.
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Multilingual Learner Educators, Call for Presenters (Reminder)
OSSE’s Division of Teaching and Learning is seeking educators and instructional leaders who are interested in contributing to the DC learning community by collaborating on professional learning during the 2026-27 school year. Our goal is to draw upon the depth of expertise that already exists within DC education and highlight the high-quality talent present in our local schools. Interested individuals will be added to a pool of potential presenters and may be contacted as opportunities that align with their expertise arise.
If you have demonstrated effective practices, innovative approaches, or specialized knowledge on serving multilingual learners that could benefit colleagues across the city, we invite you to submit your interest. Complete the interest form by Sunday, May 31 here.
Contact Francesca.Smith@dc.gov for questions.
Structured Literacy in Action, July 13 and 15 (Reminder)
OSSE is excited to host the first in-person structured literacy training. This two‑day session for educators teaching and supporting grades K–5, complements OSSE’s asynchronous science of reading training providing participants opportunities to synthesize, discuss, and apply the learning. Successful completion of OSSE’s Science of Reading course is highly preferred but not required. The in-person training will take place at OSSE, 1050 First St. NE, on July 13 and 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additional dates will be added based on educator interest.
Session Objectives
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Internalize key research and theoretical models aligned with the science of reading
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Synthesize evidence-based practices for teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension and writing
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Apply new learning through curriculum alignment, use of OSSE’s instructional walkthrough tool and hands on practice
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Collaborate with OSSE’s literacy team and fellow educators to strengthen structured literacy implementation for the 2026-27 school year
Interested participants register here.
*This in‑person training alone does not meet the kindergarten structured literacy training requirement.
For questions, please contact Vaani Gupta at Vaani.Gupta@dc.gov.
Empowering Every Voice: Turning DC Survey About Your School (DC SAYS) into Action (Reminder)
How do we turn the insights from DC SAYS into meaningful shifts to strengthen school climate? This professional learning day is designed specifically for DC education leaders and teams to bridge the gap between survey data and daily practice. The session will be divided into two focused sessions, each designed to develop a data-driven "Playbook" with targeted interventions and strategies for the upcoming school year.
This training will take place on Friday, June 5, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at OSSE, 1050 First St. NE, Room 108. Please register here. For questions, please email Jessica.Dulay@dc.gov.
Foundations of Teaching Multilingual Learners (Reminder)
Join us for a full-day professional learning experience designed for any educator who supports multilingual learners in kindergarten through grade 12, whether as a specialist, general education teacher, paraprofessional, or instructional leader. Together, we’ll explore the foundations of language acquisition and what research tells us about how students develop both social and academic language. Participants will engage in practical, hands-on strategies for differentiating and scaffolding instruction across content areas. You’ll leave with concrete tools you can use immediately to help multilingual learners thrive in every classroom.
The sessions will take place in-person at OSSE, 1050 First St. NE, on Friday, May 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Attendees will receive 6 professional learning units (PLUs) for their participation. For more information, contact Francesca Smith, Multilingual Specialist, at .
Vocabulary Instruction for Multilingual Learners (Reminder)
In this session, teachers of multilingual learners (MLs) 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:
- 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 PLUs for their participation. For more information, contact Francesca Smith, Multilingual Specialist, at Francesca.Smith@dc.gov.
DC Seal of Biliteracy LEA Toolkit
OSSE is pleased to announce the launch of the citywide DC Seal of Biliteracy. The DC Seal of Biliteracy is an award granted to graduating students from DC public and public charter schools who demonstrate proficiency in English and one or more additional languages. The award recognizes the academic talents of DC’s multilingual learners and encourages the pursuit of global citizenship through language learning.
Read the DC Seal of Biliteracy LEA Toolkit here.
For more information, contact Francesca Smith, Multilingual Specialist, at .
 New: Save the Dates: FY27 ESEA ConApp Technical Assistance Webinars
The fiscal year 2027 (FY27) Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Phase I application is now available in the Enterprise Grants Management System (EGMS), and the Phase II consolidated application (ConApp) will be released in late July. Upon approval of the Phase II application, local education agencies (LEAs) can begin to submit reimbursement requests for FY27 grant expenditures.
The ESEA team will host a series of technical assistance (TA) webinars for LEAs this summer in preparation for the submission of the ConApp.
Please save the following dates:
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FY27 ConApp Changes and FAQs Webinar: Wednesday, July 22 at 10 a.m.
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Workshop for New Grant Managers: Monday, Aug. 3 at 1 p.m.
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ConApp Program Alignment & Budget Webinar: Thursday, Aug. 6 at 2 p.m.
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Title I-A Parent and Family Engagement Office Hours: Monday, Aug. 10 at 1 p.m.
Registration information for FY27 ConApp summer TA opportunities is forthcoming and will be shared in a future edition of this newsletter. Details about grant programs within the ConApp are available on OSSE’s website. Additional planning resources will be posted on OSSE’s website in the coming months.
For questions or additional information about the ESEA ConApp, please email Con.App@dc.gov or reach out to your LEA’s ESEA Point of Contact.
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, 2026, 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, 2026.
For more information about OSSE’s Homeless Education Program, please visit the Homeless Education Program page or contact Danielle.Rollins@dc.gov.
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. 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.
FY26 ESEA Final Allocations and FY25 Carryover Funds Now Available in EGMS
LEAs can now access their fiscal year 2026 (FY26) final allocations, FY25 carryover funds and additional funds on Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Titles I-A, II-A, III-A, and IV-A grants via their FY26 ESEA Consolidated Applications (ConApp) in the Enterprise Grants Management System (EGMS).
All LEAs will have FY25 carryover on their Title I-A grant due to additional funding becoming available in the program. All LEAs should review their carryover amounts by selecting the “Funding Distribution” tab in their FY26 ConApp in EGMS. In addition, FY26 final allocations are posted on OSSE’s ESEA Title grants webpage.
To claim final allocations and carryover funds, LEAs that received Title funding should submit one budget amendment on their FY26 ConApp by Friday, June 12. OSSE must first approve the amendment for your LEA to submit reimbursement requests using these funds.
Additional resources to support program implementation are available on the ESEA Title grants webpage. For questions or additional information about ESEA, please contact the team at Con.App@dc.gov or your LEA’s ESEA point of contact.
FY27 ESEA Titles I-IV and IDEA Part B Phase I Applications Now Open – Due June 15 (Reminder)
The fiscal year 2027 (FY27) Phase I applications for Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Title Consolidated (ConApp) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B grants are now available in EGMS. To receive these grant awards, LEAs must complete a two-phase application process. LEAs are required to submit their Phase I applications by Monday, June 15 at 3 p.m., so that they can be approved on or before July 1.
The Phase I ESEA ConApp and IDEA applications ask LEAs to agree to assurances related to each grant program. Receiving approval before July 1 enables LEAs to submit reimbursement requests for expenditures incurred beginning July 1. If Phase I applications are not approved by July 1, LEAs can only submit reimbursement requests for expenditures incurred as of the date of approval of the Phase I application.
The Phase II applications, which ask for detailed program and budget information, will be made available this summer. Upon approval of the Phase II application, LEAs can begin to submit reimbursement requests for FY27 grant expenditures.
OSSE will release FY27 preliminary ESEA Title allocations in May 2026. OSSE has not yet received its FY27 IDEA state allocation amount from the US Department of Education (USED).
Grant program information is available on OSSE’s ConApp and IDEA websites.
For questions or additional information about the ESEA ConApp, please email Con.App@dc.gov or reach out to your LEA’s ESEA Point of Contact.
For questions or additional information about IDEA, please reach out to Megan Williams at Megan.Williams@dc.gov.
FY26 SOAR Formula Post-Award Webinar Recording and Slide Deck Now Available (Reminder)
OSSE held a post-award webinar on Thursday, April 23 for public charter LEAs that were awarded a fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Scholarships for Opportunity and Results (SOAR) Formula Consolidated grant (i.e., Academic Quality and Early Childhood). The webinar covered topics including reimbursement request submission, narrative reporting requirements, and budget amendments.
A recording of the webinar and the accompanying slide deck are now available on OSSE’s SOAR Formula webpage. LEAs that were unable to attend are encouraged to review the resources to ensure familiarity with grant requirements.
For any questions, please reach out to your LEA’s SOAR program contact or OPCSFS.Funding@dc.gov.
Federal Grant Opportunity – Innovative Approaches to Literacy (Reminder)
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.
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May 2026
June 2026
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