OSDE - SES Tuesday, January 14th, 2020- Internal

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Special Education Services

Internal Information



FBA/BIP Trainings

The trainings will focus on the new FBA/BIP tool in Edplan, as well as guidance and support on conducting and implementing comprehensive FBAs and BIPs.

This event is intended for Special Education Directors or 1 – 2 District Representatives who plan to take the information back to train other district staff.

For more information and to registar, click the link to the corresponding training location. 

Oklahoma City and Tulsa trainings are currently at capacity. Please consider registering for our webinar held on March 10th, 2020

For more information contact Jenae Tindell at 405-522-3255 or Jenae.Tidell@sde.ok.gov 


Finance Reminder

Districts must amend their MOE data listed in their LEA Agreement to match their OCAS data by Friday, January 31, 2020. 

Please contact Karen Howard for any further information at karen.howard@sde.ok.gov


Boot Camp - Alternative Special Education Certification

The next Non-Traditional to Special Education Certification program "Boot Camp" is scheduled for April 18th - June 20th, 2020. The application acceptance window opens March 1st - March 20th, 2020. Boot Camp does fill quickly.

This process is designed for candidates who meet the following criteria:

  • Have earned a four-year degree from an Institution of Higher Education holding Regional Accreditation
  • Have a Grade Point Average og 2.75 or higher from a previous degree program
  • Have a recommendation from a representative at a school district or Institution of Higher Education
  • Pass a National Background Check
  • Commit to complete a Master’s Degree or Certification in Special Education

Candidates who meet the above criteria and are interested in obtaining a non-traditional special education certification may submit an application to the State Department of Education, Special Education Services. Candidates must then complete a 150-hour program that includes 120 hours of special education known as "Boot Camp" plus 30 hours of field experience. The program is a fast-paced, intensive 9 week course, with a minimum of 8-10 hours weekly plus five Saturday classes.

For additional information, please contact Jill Hilst at 405-522-0452 or jill.hilst@sde.ok.gov


Services & Management of Special Education Trainings

The Oklahoma State Department of Education - Special Education Services Division will be hosting Paraprofessional and SPED Management Trainings in different areas of the state. Topics of discussion include: Learning Strategies, Legal Overview of Special Education, Review of Special Education Procedures Accommodations, and Classroom Behavior Management. Appropriate for novice teachers and paraprofessionals. Limited enrollment. Fees paid by OSDE.

The Services & Management of Special Education Training meets the required 6 hours of annual training for paraprofessionals.

This training will be held on February 12th, 2020. Please click here to register.


Students with Disabilities and the Use of Restraint and Seclusion in K-12 Public Schools

On January 17, 2019, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced an initiative to examine the possible inappropriate use of restraint and seclusion in our nation’s schools. As a part of this initiative, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has partnered with the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) to support teachers, school leaders, parents, and stakeholders as they work to address the behavioral needs of children with disabilities.

One primary component of the Department’s initiative has focused on providing technical assistance to support schools in understanding how Section 504, Title II, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) informs the development and implementation of policies governing the use of restraint and seclusion.

To this end, OCR and OSERS are pleased to present the following webinar, Students with Disabilities and the Use of Restraint and Seclusion in K-12 Public Schools, as technical assistance to both support children with disabilities — and support the needs of those within school systems serving students.

We hope that you will find this tool to be a helpful resource and valuable technical assistance on how federal laws apply to the use of restraint and seclusion. OCR and OSERS will continue to seek ways to support schools to improve outcomes for children with disabilities and ensure access to technical assistance and available resources.


Charting the Life Course Conference

Charting the Life Course is a framework that was developed to help individuals with disabilities and families at any age or stage of life think about what they need to know, identify how to find or develop supports, and discover what it takes to live the lives they want to live. Individuals and families may focus on their current situation and stage of life but may also find it helpful to look ahead to start thinking about what they can do or learn now that will help build an inclusive productive life in the future. Participants will leave the workshop with tools to make appropriate plans for each child for the future.

Please click here for more information and a registration link.


Guidance on Principles for SLD Eligibility

 The Council of Administrators in Special Education (CASE) announced a great set of resources with guidance on the Principles for SLD Eligibility: Practice & Policy Considerations for States and School Districts. These resources are meant to improve the evaluation process for students with SLD. The resources in this series are titled "Principles for SLD Eligibility: Practice & Policy Considerations for States and School Districts." The topics include:

While each state has its own process for determining eligibility for special education under the SLD category and though CASE does not endorse a particular method for identification, there is room for improvement. Regardless of the model used, it is imperative that we continue to examine practices and policies in an effort to eliminate inconsistency, decrease frustration, improve collaboration, and better serve students.

For a full set of resources on this topic, visit www.ncld.org/SLDeligibility.


OAAP Updates

Please follow this link to the most recent OAAP Update. It contains timely information to ensure your district is ready for the 2020 OAAP Operational Window.