In This Issue of the OSEEL Newsletter
- North Star Priority: Stakeholder Engagement
- OSEEL Announces Grant Opportunity
- Transition Education Unit
- Early Learning Unit
- Division of IDEA Implementation and Programming - Gifted & Talented and Extended School Services
- Division of IDEA Monitoring and Results
- Division of State Schools - KSB and KSD
North Star Priority: Stakeholder Engagement
This quarter, the Kentucky Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Early Learning (OSEEL) highlights our North Star Priority: Stakeholder Engagement – strengthening partnerships among districts, technical assistance providers, families and community organizations to better support students with disabilities.
The team, in collaboration with Kentucky’s Directors of Special Education (DoSE), developed the SPP/APR Indicators 8 & 14 Toolkit to help districts analyze data and make informed decisions about parent engagement and post-school outcomes. The toolkit is available on the DoSE OneStop website.
Explore additional statewide initiatives and technical assistance centers on the OSEEL Technical Assistance Network webpage. For questions, contact Stephanie Miller.
KDE Announces Grant Opportunity
Competitive Grant to Strengthen Transition Programming
The Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Early Learning (OSEEL) is pleased to announce the release of the request for applications for the KY Transition 360 SPARK: Supporting Postsecondary Achievement and Resources for Kentucky students with disabilities (SPARK). This competitive grant opportunity supports districts in strengthening transition programming for students with disabilities by increasing interagency collaboration, enhancing family-school partnerships, using high-quality transition assessments and building sustainable systems.
The deadline to submit applications is Nov. 25 at 4 p.m. ET. The application and technical assistance webinar are available on the KDE Competitive Grants webpage.
OSEEL encourages districts to review these materials carefully and consider how this opportunity can advance transition services and outcomes for Kentucky students with disabilities.
Transition Education Unit
Kentucky Transition 360 for Educators Expands Learning and Impact Across the Commonwealth
The Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Early Learning (OSEEL) is pleased to share exciting updates on the continued growth of KY Transition 360 for Educators, a statewide professional learning opportunity designed to strengthen transition practices and improve post-school outcomes for students with disabilities.
Since its launch, 424 educators across 72 districts and area technology centers (ATCs) have completed Tier 1, gaining access to practical tools, evidence-based strategies and collaborative networks. More than 60 participants from over 20 districts and ATCs are now participating in Tier 2, reflecting a strong commitment to improving transition services.
Tier 3 has launched, with educators engaging in Adaptive Schools Training, building a community of practice and serving as ambassadors.
Educators across Kentucky are encouraged to join this growing professional learning community through the KY Transition 360 for Educators application.
CTE Pathway Strengths Guidance Document Released to Support Student Advising
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has released the Careers, Skills and Postsecondary Opportunities for Kentucky CTE Pathways Guidance Document. Developed by the Office of Career and Technical Education in collaboration with the Office of Special Education and Early Learning, this resource helps educators and counselors guide students toward meaningful career pathways.
The document outlines 122 pathways across 13 program areas, detailing career opportunities, aptitudes, work environments and postsecondary options to support exploration, planning and individualized advising for every student.
Early Learning Unit
Helping Children Learn Newsletter
The Kentucky Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Early Learning is continuing to offer the Helping Children Learn Newsletter and Daily Learning Planner by The Parent Institute. These resources help families create meaningful learning experiences at home and are available in English and Spanish to support accessibility across Kentucky.
Each issue provides daily, evidence-based activities in an easy-to-share digital format. Newsletters are available September through May, and planners year-round.
If you’re on the Preschool Listserv, watch for the November issue soon. For questions, contact Erin Harrell.
Kentucky All STARS Quality Rating System
KDE's Office of Special Education and Early Learning, Early Learning Unit, is pleased to announce that Cohort 2 for the Kentucky All STARS Quality Rating System has begun.
All state-funded preschools are required to be rated within an aligned system every three years. KDE's School Readiness Branch will be providing training, technical assistance and support throughout this process. Information will be sent through News You Can Use, the Preschool Coordinator Listserv and posted on the All STARS webpage.
For information or questions, please contact Andrea Bartholomew.
Division of IDEA Implementation and Programming
Newly Released Guidance
The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) series continues with two new videos located on the KDE's Instructional Resources webpage.
For more information on UDL, contact Marcie Bridges.
Gifted and Talented Beginning of Year Training
KDE's Gifted and Talented Beginning of the Year training offers guidance and considerations to help coordinators with:
- Screening and Identification
- Gifted Education Services
- Gifted Student Service Plan
- QA Gifted and Talented Report in Infinite Campus
- Files and Records
- Resources
The training video and presentation are located on the GT Coordinator OneStop. EILA credit is available.
For questions, please contact Lynn Lockard.
Extended School Resources
Below is information on how to enter student information into Infinite Campus.
If you need additional support, schedule a time with the ESS program consultant via Microsoft Bookings or email Gerald Brashear.
Division of IDEA Monitoring and Results
Compliance Record Review
Compliance is the foundation necessary to lead to better results for students.
The Kentucky Department of Education's Division of IDEA Monitoring and Results would like to highlight the value of using the Compliance Record Review document throughout the school year. This document is a valuable tool designed to ensure that individual education programs are developed accurately and in alignment with state and federal requirements.
Districts are encouraged to use the document consistently throughout the school year.
Division of State Schools
Kentucky School for the Blind (KSB)
 The Kentucky School for the Blind's Running Cats competed at the 2025 North Central Association of Schools for the Blind Track and Field Championships at the Tennessee School for the Blind in Nashville, Tenn.
The Boys Team placed 3rd overall, and the Girls Team placed 8th. Both teams brought home plenty of ribbons and medals. A huge thanks goes to Coaches Bo Mullins, Crystal Sohl, Jessi Turpin and Mercedes Holmes for their hard work and dedication! Go Wildcats!
Kentucky School for the Deaf (KSD)
  The Kentucky School for the Deaf (KSD) has the cutest 4th-grade scientist ever! These Colonels are learning about kinetic and potential energy.
KSD-Marshal Hall Colonels successfully reared a Monarch butterfly, tagged and released it. Way to go KSD kids!
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