In This Issue of the OSEEL Newsletter
- Spotlight on Access for All: Creating Inclusive and Empowering Educational Experiences
- Transition Education Unit
- Division of IDEA Monitoring and Results
- Division of IDEA Implementation
- Gifted and Talented
- Extended School Services
- Early Learning Unit
- Division of State Schools - KSB and KSD
Spotlight on Access for All: Creating Inclusive and Empowering Educational Experiences
The Kentucky Department of Education Office of Special Education and Early Learning (OSEEL) is committed to ensuring that every student has access to high-quality education regardless of their background or abilities. Our North Star Priority of Access for All emphasizes the importance of fostering environments where every learner and their family's individuality are celebrated and opportunities are intentionally crafted to engage all students in meaningful experiences.
Access for All is about making education available to all students and ensuring they are empowered to participate fully in their learning journey. This priority encourages Kentucky’s educational communities to reflect the diverse experiences and needs of learners across the Commonwealth, especially students with disabilities.
For students with disabilities, this focus is particularly significant. Through the lens of Access for All, we strive to address critical areas identified in Kentucky’s Special Education State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report. Indicators such as graduation rates, dropout rates and assessments of proficiency for students with Individualized Education Programs are pivotal metrics that reflect how well our schools serve students with disabilities.
Ensuring that students with disabilities are included in general education classrooms (Indicator 5), supported through positive preschool environments (Indicator 6), and are successfully transitioning from high school to postsecondary education or employment (Indicator 14) are essential elements in achieving the goal of Access for All.
Ultimately, Access for All is a collective effort that empowers educators and communities to create learning environments where every student can thrive and every voice is valued. By working together, we can ensure that students with disabilities are not only included, but also are active participants in their educational success.
Transition Education Unit
 OSEEL’s TEU team members engaging with CILs at various locations across the state.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The theme for this year is "Access to Good Jobs for All."
Each year, the U.S. Department of Labor recognizes the contribution of people with disabilities to the workplace and economy. To learn more, visit Plan NDEAM Observances.
Division of IDEA Monitoring and Results
OSEEL’s Monitoring Activities
OSEEL engages in multiple monitoring activities with local school districts every year as outlined in the 2023 Monitoring Brief. Currently, OSEEL is conducting desk reviews for State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR) Indicators 11, 12 and 13. Desk reviews for SPP/APR Indicators 9 and 10 will began on Oct. 15. If you have any questions regarding monitoring notifications, please contact Jessica Jones.
OSEEL staff are available to provide updates and answer questions related to upcoming monitoring activities. District staff may connect with OSEEL through virtual office hours via Microsoft Teams from 3 to 3:30 p.m. ET on any of the following dates:
District staff may join these open office hours on Microsoft Teams by clicking this link: Click here to join the meeting or by entering the Meeting ID: 288 710 720 853 and Passcode: XkVVuG.
Division of IDEA Implementation Updates
New Guidance
The Universal for Design Learning (UDL) video series is a resource that can be used as a training tool for school districts in planning and providing UDL strategies to remove learning barriers for students. The video series and presentations are available on KDE's Instructional Resources webpage. For questions, please contact Marcie Bridges.
Spanish Translations for Special Education Documents
Several key documents and resources have been translated from English to Spanish. Directors of special education (DoSE) may access all translated documents and forms on the DoSE OneStop on the Guidance Resources tab. For district staff, the newly translated resources are on the KDE website.
If you have questions or need more information, please contact Tania Sharp.
Early Learning Unit
Pyramid Model Implementation
KDE's Office of Special Education and Early Learning (OSEEL) marked its fourth year of supporting Program-Wide Pyramid Implementation across Kentucky. Currently, 45 school districts have partnered with Early Childhood Regional Training Centers (RTCs) to implement the Pyramid Model in their preschool programs.
Program-Wide adoption of the Pyramid Model refers to a systematic and intentional effort made by districts to implement Pyramid Model practices that promote young children’s healthy social and emotional development.
Components of Program-Wide Implementation:
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Leadership Team: The leadership team meets monthly to guide implementation of the Pyramid Model, review data gathered to make data-based decisions on staff and teacher professional development, plan ways to support staff and teachers, and plan for family engagement activities.
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Program Staff Buy-In: All staff members, including cafeteria staff, bus drivers, therapists and others, become involved.
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Family Engagement Opportunities: Family partnerships are established where information is shared to help guide and support students' social and emotional development.
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Adoption of Program-Wide Expectations: Expectations have a shared focus and shared language describing behavior expectations to students, staff and families.
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Classroom Implementation of the Pyramid Model: Teachers are trained on Pyramid Model Modules, receive coaching and are individually assessed on their implementation of the key practices by participating in the Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool and participating in action planning.
Please contact your Regional Training Center for more information about Program-Wide Pyramid Implementation.
Division of State Schools: KSB and KSD
 APH presenting KSB Monarch Braille Devices
 KSB students working in the classroom, having lunch with friends and working in the sensory room
Kentucky School for the Blind (KSB)
This school year has started with a bang! The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) presented KSB with its newest refreshable Braille device, the Monarch.
The APH for the Blind is providing customized training to KSB teachers. The students are thrilled to be back at school, whether in the classroom, enjoying lunch with friends or working in the sensory room.
 Junior National Association of the Deaf Leadership Training Academy
 Kentucky Construction Career Fair Day
Kentucky School for the Deaf (KSD)
KSD students had the honor of participating in the first Junior National Association of the Deaf (Jr. NAD) Leadership Training Academy. A big thank you goes out to KSD, the KSD Charitable Foundation, presenters and sponsors.
KSD students also had the opportunity to attend the Kentucky Construction Career Choices Council Construction Career Days. The goal for KSD career and technical education teachers was to expose students to construction careers. Students were curious and excited.
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