Asthma is one of the most common chronic childhood illnesses in the United States, affecting nearly 7 million children. Although common, asthma can be challenging to manage, and its impact on the well-being of children and families ripples through communities nationwide. To aid schools and students with this chronic issue, the state of Oklahoma passed legislation to allow and fund stock inhalers in schools.
In 2019, Senate Bill 381 passed, allowing schools to elect to provide stock inhalers in their districts. 70 O.S. § 1-116.3 outlines the school requirements concerning stock inhalers.
For the 2024-2025 school year, Senate Bill 36X has appropriated $250,000 to school districts to fund stock inhalers and single-use spacers in schools. SDE has requested an Attorney General’s opinion regarding questions about utilizing a single vendor to provide this service to schools. While we wait for that opinion to be announced, SDE wants to ensure that schools and students have these safety devices available in schools. Therefore, we will continue to use the process implemented by SDE during the 2023-2024 school year for schools to purchase and be reimbursed for inhalers.
The instructions for reimbursement are including in the Inhalers in Schools Guidance Document.
As a reminder, every district can apply for one stock inhaler per school building for the 2024-2025 school year through OSDE. The invoice can be submitted to sdeaccountspayable@sde.ok.gov.
When an IEP student accepts the LNH Scholarship for the first time, the State Department of Education (SDE) will notify the Local Education Agency (LEA). If a student from your district accepts the LNH Scholarship for the first time, their name will appear on a list stored in your document library on OK EdPlan.
To review the list:
- Sign in to OK EdPlan.
- Select "Tools."
- Go to "LEA Document Library."
- Click on "LNH."
You will find a list of IEP students who have accepted the LNH Scholarship for the 2024-2025 school year. Upon receiving this documentation, the district must update the student’s status in OK EdPlan:
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If the student will not receive an Individualized Service Plan (ISP): Inactivate the student in OK EdPlan using the exit reason “Accepting the LNH Scholarship.”
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If the student is eligible for an ISP: Keep the student active in their enrollment within the Student Information System (SIS) but mark the box indicating that the student is attending a private school and receiving ISP services.
The LNH Scholarship program will continue to approve scholarships for IEP students until December 1 each year. Please check the list regularly to ensure that you have updated the status of any newly approved students.
For any LNH questions, please contact Stacy Eden at (405) 521-4876. For Special Education questions, please contact the Office of Special Education (405) 521-3351.
Communicate with the SIS Administrator in your district as they should know how to work with the SIS vendor to get your data flowing.
The Oklahoma Access and Achievement Program Scholarship and the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant are new financial aid opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities attending the IPSE (Inclusive Post Secondary Education) programs in Oklahoma. Enrollment in any of Oklahoma’s three Comprehensive Transition Programs (CTPs) located at Northeastern State University (RiverHawks Scholar Program), the University of Oklahoma (Sooner Works), or Oklahoma State University (Opportunity Orange Scholars) allows eligible students to apply. Check out the flyer for more information about these new opportunities. For even more information visit the Paying For College — Oklahoma Inclusive Post Secondary Education Alliance page on the OKIPSE Alliance website.
Behavior Central will be available again for the 2024-25 school year! Utilizing graduate students in the UCO Behavior Analysis program, public school staff are provided with consultation that includes planning, training, and coaching to assist teachers with the process of functional behavior assessment and intervention design to address behavioral challenges.
For referral information contact Scott Singleton.
NEW! Opportunity!
The State Personnel Development Grant is seeking applicants for the SPARK initiative. This opportunity is for early career special education teachers who are defined as working in special education for 5 years or less. Educators who apply should carefully read the application in full. Those selected will be expected to fully participate in 20 hours of professional development and complete a minimum of two instructional coaching cycles. The program is anticipated to take the entire 2024-2025 school year to complete. Participants who complete the program in full will receive a $2,000 stipend.
For access to the application, please see attached application. For a direct link to the application form, please click here.
Questions? Reach out to Alexa Hudak or Wendy Hardwick.
We are TheraPeds
With over 25 years of experience in schools, we know firsthand the demands of working in the educational system and the need for qualified contract staff. We support schools & their special education teams by hiring qualified therapists and educators for in-person and virtual services.
We staff:
- SLPs and SLPAs
- OTs and COTAs
Psychologists
- Social Workers
- SPED Teachers
DHH and ASL Teachers
- Blind/VI Teachers
and more
For more information please see the Therapeds Flyer and District Flyer.
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) needs your assistance in recognizing districts that provide innovative and exemplary school psychological services in your state! NASP offers an Excellence in School Psychological Services (ESPS) Recognition Program. However, many districts are not yet aware of this recognition program or its benefits, which include:
- A structured self-evaluation tool, with objective feedback provided by peers
- A mechanism to raise the profile of school psychologists in the district
- A tool to advocate for more effective organizational structures and supports, and a comprehensive range of services
- Formal and public recognition that can be shared in the community and with other stakeholders
- Perks for the districts that participate and earn levels of distinction, such as complimentary NASP Convention registrations and online learning benefits.
To date, only one district has been recognized in your state by the ESPS Program. Yet, we know there are many other districts in your state that are providing services worthy of distinction.
Would you please forward this message to your district special education administrators' listserv? As they are closing out and reflecting on the current school year and making plans for next fall, please encourage district special education administrators to consider promoting their school psychological services.
For additional information about the ESPS Program, please see the attached brochure or the NASP ESPS. You may also contact Leigh Ann Fisler, the co-chair of the NASP Practice Model Committee if you have questions.
School-based OTs/COTAs, PTs/PTAs, SLPs/SLPAs, join us Friday, August 30th at 12:00pm for our kick-off webinar to learn more about the resources and supports we have planned this year just for you! Register today!
This series of trainings are intended to support districts as they navigate using OKMTSS on EDPlan to be the data management tool for their MTSS systems. Districts should determine if they are in the beginning implementation, partially implemented, or fully implemented stages of MTSS as a district. Sessions will be repeated over time and districts should consider their time, capacity, and needs as they determine their necessary methods of scaling and cohorting their staff to begin implementation of this tool.
September 10, October 15 are repeated sessions from the Spring 2024.
NEW SESSIONS! Including how to use the SABERS Screener: October 8, October 29
All sessions will be recorded and one session from each category will be shared on the OKMTSS website.
Please complete this interest survey to determine additional need for training. For more information and to register for these trainings, please see the Back to School 2024 Flyer.
Teaching personal financial literacy in schools is essential for preparing students to manage their finances effectively. Here are some key strategies and resources to help you as you prepare.
For more information, please see the OKMM August Newsletter.
The Special Education Resolution Center (SERC) will be offering in-person regional training for Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue AND Facilitation Training.
Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue
Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue is a two-day nationally recognized training that helps people have difficult conversations. The focus of the training is not just about communication – it’s about helping people get the results they want and need through their interactions with others.
Facilitation Training
Facilitation Training is a one-day training that provides an overview of facilitation to include facilitator qualities and skills, key functions of a facilitator, the facilitator’s role before, during, and after a meeting, and a toolbox of practical facilitator strategies and techniques to use during a meeting.
Information on how to register can be found on the SERC Stakeholder Training Webpage.
SERC Stakeholder Training Webpage
EDPlan webinar scheduled is now available for registration.
Training Includes:
- Introduction to OK EdPlan
- EDPlan Administrator Training
- OK Eligibility Training
- OK EdPlan IEP Process
- OK EdPlan 504 Training
Please register for the August EdPlan training with PCG.
The National Resource Center for Paraeducators, Related Service Providers, and Interveners is proud to announce a new year of monthly, low-cost, 2-hour, professional development webinars!
Teacher and Paraeducator teams are encouraged to sign up together! New topics every month!! Join us on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10 am – 12 pm MDT! Discounts for multiple webinars and group rates are available!
OSDE-Office of Special Education Services is offering a two-day Directors' Summit. The 2-day Directors' Summit will be in-person, offered at six different regional locations across Oklahoma during the first two weeks in September.
Day One: The first day aims to build the knowledge of the "new" 2024 amendments to the Oklahoma Special Education Policies and Procedures.
Day Two: The second day aims to provide updates to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) requirements for monitoring and compliance, and targeted guidance regarding common compliance errors in Oklahoma.
Register for the two day event!
All sessions will start at 8:30 AM
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Duncan, Oklahoma: September 3-4, 2024
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Burns Flat, Oklahoma: September 4-5, 2024
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McAlester, Oklahoma: September 5-6, 2024
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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: September 6 and September 9, 2024
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Owasso, Oklahoma: September 9-10, 2024
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Enid, Oklahoma: September 10-11, 2024
For more information, please see the Agendas.
This intensive 13-hour interactive workshop is designed to teach the theory and protocol for the Picture Exchange Communication System® (PECS®), an evidence-based practice based on Applied Behavior Analysis, typical language development, and B.F. Skinner's Verbal Behavior. Using presenter demonstrations, role-play opportunities, and video examples participants will gain a thorough understanding and hands-on experience of each of the six phases of PECS. Please join us September 12-13, 2024.
For more information and registration, please see the PECS Level 1 Flyer.
Sessions include instruction and interactive application of evidence-based practices for identifying children with Autism. The course requires a time commitment of five total days for all team members, including a school psychologist, speech-language pathologist, and special education teacher.
For more information please see the OAC Flyer and Apply Here.
Participants, Presenters & Vendors Needed!
The 2024 Oklahoma Transition Institute will be held on November 6-7, 2024, in Oklahoma City, OK. You are invited to be a participant, submit a proposal to present, or be a vendor! This is an important statewide event, where professionals and advocates come together to share knowledge and strategies for improving the transition process and life outcomes for youth with disabilities.
This year’s annual OTI will cover a variety of topics critical to successful transitions, including:
- Opportunity Gaps and Barriers
- Competitive Integrated Employment
- Family and Youth Engagement
- Interagency Collaboration and Transition Planning
- Post-Secondary Education
- Independent Living
The Oklahoma Transition Council (OTC) encourage proposals that provide innovative approaches, evidence-based practices, and collaborative solutions to these key areas. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to meaningful discussions and share your expertise with a dedicated audience.
- Proposal Submission Guidelines are listed in the Call for Presenters
- If you are interested in presenting a topic in a workshop setting as part of this conference, please submit by 11:59 PM Central Time on August 31, 2024.
Please contact Yolanda Scott for more information.
We look forward to receiving proposals and thank you for your commitment to enhancing transition outcomes for youth with disabilities!
 LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING A LICENSED TEACHER!
Grand Canyon University is proud to announce the launch of its National Center for Teacher Preparation. Central to this initiative is our pledge to make tuition affordable and education accessible with generous scholarships designed for school employees looking to obtain their initial teacher licensure.
We want to help future educators achieve their educational dreams and help change the landscape of prepared teachers in Oklahoma. To learn how you can start your journey and learn more about this impactful new scholarship, please reach out to Tracy Presson, local Oklahoma counselor, at tracy.presson@gcu.edu or go to Get Started on Your Degree | Grand Canyon University (gcu.edu)
We look forward to joining you on your educational journey! Questions? Please contact Tracy Presson at 405-999-5584.
This program at the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma focuses on foundational Special Education practices related to instructional strategies for students with autism and other exceptionalities, remaining compliant with Individualized Education Plans (IEP).
For more information, please see USAO Flyer.
The Oklahoma State University offers a 36-credit online master's degree in special education that focuses on working with children with mild/moderate disabilities in special education and general education classrooms.
For more information on OSU Online Boot Camp, please see the OSU Boot Camp Flyer.
OSDE-SES will host CPI Verbal Intervention Regional Trainings with no associated costs to districts. Verbal interventions will not include de-escalation techniques or holds/restrictions. This training is reimbursable through Project 615 for substitutes, travel, and lodging at least 60 miles one-way. Registration is limited to 4 participants per district.
- September 5, 2024: Ardmore, Oklahoma *sold out
- October 4, 2024: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma *sold out
- January 17, 2025: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma *sold out
- February 7, 2025: Guymon, Oklahoma
- February 21, 2025: Lawton, Oklahoma
While OSDE will be pressing forward with verbal interventions, prior blue card certifications are applicable to the content of the training until the expiration date. At that time the district has two options.
- One option is to send a district representative to become a train-the-trainer with certification from the CPI "institute".
- The second option is attending a training for verbal interventions hosted by OSDE.
Should districts choose to train with the CPI institute those associated costs are reimbursable through Project 615 as well. Lastly, the individual trained can only train within their base of employment.
Beginning with the incoming 2024-2025 school year districts requesting training in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention or Nonviolent Crisis Intervention With Advanced Physical Skills are encouraged to send an employee to become a Certified Trainer for CPI. Once certified to become a trainer the said employee will be certified to train others in their place of employment. Beginning with the forthcoming school year OSDE will be transitioning to Verbal Interventions only and will not train individuals in the disengagements or restraints in CPI. Please note the dates, locations, and the information for contacting the CPI Senior Territory Manager for Oklahoma below.
- Associated costs to districts
reimbursable through Project 615
- Participants become certified to train
others in their place of employment.
Location and Date:
- Oklahoma City
- December 10, 2024-December 12, 2024
- Tulsa
- October 15, 2024-October 17, 2024
Who to Contact:
Jaime Schroeder, Schedule a Call Senior Territory Account Manager at CPI for Kansas, Oklahoma & Nebraska Crisis Prevention Institute 10850 W. Park Place, Suite 250 • Milwaukee, WI 53224 Direct 414.441.1750 • crisisprevention.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jaime-schroeder
These professional development opportunities are sponsored by the Oklahoma State
Department of Education, Special Education Services, and the Oklahoma Autism Center.
This collaboration strives to provide a comprehensive support system for public school
educators, early intervention personnel, support staff, and/or pre-service educators.
Please see the Oklahoma Autism Center PD Opportunities flyer for more information.
The Oklahoma Autism Center is offering Professional Development Opportunities for 2024-2025.
Please see the OAC Professional Development Opportunities for more information.
The Center on Transition Innovations (CTI) at Virginia Commonwealth University continues providing resources for each month’s focus, with August highlighting Self-Determination & Self-Advocacy! They also offer free self-paced courses for families, professionals, and youth on Fundamentals of Transition Planning, Work-Based Learning, Get Ready for College, Get Ready for Your Career, and Get Ready for Independent Living.Check out the resources for this month as they are introduced weekly.
Monthly Theme
The CTI theme for August 2024 is Self-Determination & Self-Advocacy.
This month, we are focusing on self-determination and self-advocacy. Cultivating these skills empowers students with disabilities to take control of their lives, make informed decisions, and advocate for their own needs. Understanding and fostering self-determination and self-advocacy is key to successful transitions in education, employment, and independent living.
Stay tuned for the following resources:
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