This OSPA Annual Conference will be held in El Reno, Oklahoma on December 5-6, 2024. The OSPA Annual Conference will focus on building the knowledge and capacity of state and local leaders to support the implementation of intensive intervention for students with severe and persistent learning and/or behavioral needs. The conference will use multi-tiered systems of support and the data-based individualization (DBI) process as the framework for data-driven decisions.
School psychologists are encouraged to register up to five school leaders from their team to attend the conference with them as guests! For more information about the OSPA Annual Conference, please see the Leaders Laying the Groundwork Flyer.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Please email OSPA Communications with any registration questions.
The Oklahoma State Department of Education - Special Education Services is hoping you can join us for the 2025 Oklahoma Special Education Law Conference. This learning and collaboration opportunity is designed for special education professionals - teachers, service providers, administrators, superintendents, and school attorneys. The programming is intended to provide clear guidance and support for improved outcomes for children with disabilities and their families. Attendees are expected to have formal training, experience, and background in special education in order to apply effectively.
Courtesy of OSDE-SES, registration for this conference is offered at no-cost for special education professionals. Travel and Lodging expenses may be reimbursed through Project 613 Funds.
Additional information about the conference and registration, can be found here.
Questions or concerns regarding the conference should be directed to Abby Johnson - Project Manager, Special Education.
OSDE-SES is pleased to announce it's partnership with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) in providing support to early-career special education teachers. An early career teacher is defined as having less than 5 years of experience in a special education teacher role. Special education long-term subs may also participate in this program. This program has a registration limit of 200 early career teachers. Directors are encouraged to join the December 9th director call at 3:00 to hear about this program from our partners at CEC. Deadline for registration in this new program is Friday, December 13.
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Supports include a 1-year membership to CEC, including access to CEC Learning Lab, member discounts, reliable resources, and peer support.
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Nine on-demand asynchronous learning modules
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Live check-ins with a content specialist
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High Leverage Practices Book with a 4-session book study
Registration opens soon!
Infrastructure and Needs Assessment
The Oklahoma State Department of Education is conducting a comprehensive infrastructure and needs assessment to improve school-based Medicaid reimbursement and ensure students have access to the healthcare resources they need to thrive in a school setting. This assessment evaluates existing systems, identifies gaps, and informs strategies for better Medicaid-funded services in schools. Your input is vital, and we encourage parents, community members, tribal officials, school district administrators, medical providers, and school staff to participate. The survey will take about 10-20 minutes, depending on your role, and your feedback will help shape equitable and effective solutions. Please complete the survey by Friday, December 20th to ensure your voice is included in this important initiative. Together, we can strengthen the framework for student health and well-being.
OSDE-SES is pleased to announce the release of the new Oklahoma Autism Handbook. It was created in partnership with the Oklahoma Autism Center and with the input of multiple stakeholders. This office is grateful for the work that went into this resource and extends a huge thank you to the staff at the Oklahoma Autism Center.
This handbook orients the reader to important topics related to educating children with autism and provides current information about autism. Information is intended for use by educators, families, students, and community providers. This handbook was developed to provide guidance regarding identification, interventions, and the provision of special education services for students with autism. It is not intended to be a comprehensive resource on all aspects of autism, since every child with autism is different, and therefore ways of supporting their classroom experience will be highly individualized. This handbook is a guide and is not intended to replace any existing regulation or policy.
The Oklahoma General Supervision System (GSS) consists of eight components focused on improved outcomes for students with disabilities. Please review the updated GSS manual at your convenience.
Due to the changes with the Strong Readers Act, the Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Handbook has been updated to best reflect these changes. Please see the updated handbook and the supportive chart that indicates the change locations.
For more information, please reach out to Alexa Hudak.
You can click on caseload/class size, and workload link, and find information for the 2024-2025 school year.
Please remember you need to select one: caseload/ class size or workload for the district. Remember caseload/class size or workload should be monitored and requests for exception filed with our office when a teacher is over.
Questions can be directed to Kristen Coleman.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Immunization Service Program has launched a new online portal for parents and guardians to submit immunization exemption requests for children in school, child care facilities and Head Start programs. This new process will simplify and accelerate the entire submission and approval process for parents/guardians. More information on immunization exemptions and a link to the new submission portal can be found online by scrolling to and selecting the Vaccination Exemption Information for Parents drop-down section.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Immunization Service Program has launched a new online portal for parents and guardians to submit immunization exemption requests for children in school, child care facilities and Head Start programs. This new process will simplify and accelerate the entire submission and approval process for parents/guardians. More information on immunization exemptions and a link to the new submission portal can be found online by scrolling to and selecting the Vaccination Exemption Information for Parents drop-down section.
You can find the most updated OAAP information for the 2024-2025 school year in the OAAP memo. You can find and access information about the 2024-2025 Testing Schedule, DTC Checklist, Bulk Student Upload, Instructionally Embedded Assessment, and more.
Districts not submitting a budget application by December 31, 2024 will forfeit their allocation.
Project 613 December training opportunities include the following:
- Strategies for Special Education Compliance
- MTSS Framework and Implementing Interventions (Session 2)
- Using Assessment Results to Develop Effective Transition Plans (OAAP)
- Effective Instructional Practices for Teaching Transition Skills to Students Participating in the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program (OAAP)
- Reducing Challenging Behavior for Students with Autism
- Conducting Functional Behavior Assessments and Writing Behavior Intervention Plans
- Funding Assistive Technology (AT) for Students with Disabilities
To be reimbursed, districts must complete a Project 613 application in Single Sign On (Grants Management System – GMS). The application is completed through a step-by-step process.
Keep in mind that there is NOT an allocation for Project 613. It is up to the district to determine how the funds are reimbursed to staff who attend. A complete list of all sponsored training can be found on the FY25 Project 613 List.
For questions related to Project 613, contact Abby Johnson.
The OSDE-SES is providing information regarding the Special Education weights in the 2024-2025 State Aid Funding Formula.
Mark your calendar with the dates for the 2024-2025 Alternate Diploma Collaborative (ADC) virtual meetings! Meetings will resume quarterly via Teams this year, and several Open Q & A sessions will be offered to meet district needs between the quarterly sessions. All meetings/sessions are from 3:00pm to 4:00pm. on the dates listed below.
Please share the ADC meeting dates with staff who need to know, learn about, and keep up-to-date about all things “alternate diploma” and 18-22 extended transition programs or services!!! Those who need to know include secondary administrators, special education directors and teachers, school counselors, career advisors, and anyone who is a stakeholder in secondary transition for students who participate in the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program (OAAP) aligned with alternate achievement standards (Essential Elements). Join via this Teams link for all ADC meetings and Open Q & A Sessions for this school year! No registration is required.
All sessions will be from 3:00PM - 4:00PM
- Open Q & A – December 19, 2024 (3rd Thurs.)
- Open Q & A – January 16, 2025 (3rd Thurs.)
- ADC – February 20, 2025 (3rd Thurs.) – TOPIC: Employment Indicators Transition Assessment & School Based Enterprises
- Open Q & A – March 2025
- ADC – April 17, 2025 (3rd Thurs.) – TOPIC: Mobility Management & Transportation Supports in Oklahoma
- Open Q & A – May 15, 2025
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 252 040
Due to recent changes in WAVE-API/SIF coding, we are providing an updated document to ensure districts have the correct exit and entry codes required for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond for Alternate Diploma and Extended Transition Program students. Additionally, please note that Grade 13 must now be used for all returning Alternate Diploma pathway students beyond the 12th grade regardless of graduation status. Please access and share the NEW 2024 Alternate Diploma and Extended Transition Program Entry and Exit Codes Flow Chart with appropriate special education and SIS staff in your district.
Questions can be directed to Claudia Beckner.
The State Department is actively reviewing your SPED Oct 1st Consolidated Report appeals. Please be aware that some of your appeals have already been cleared or will clear soon as updates are processed in EDPlan and/or the WAVE.
We encourage you to continue monitoring your SPED Oct 1st Consolidated Report closely, especially in cases where missing student data may have been due to updates in EDPlan and the WAVE. Please know that if the data is certified before the updates can come through to the SPED Oct 1st table, the data will be finalized without those updates. If you are waiting on updates, please wait for them to show up before certifying.
Please note that certain appeals, particularly those involving out-of-state records, require manual entry and will take longer to complete.
Once your appeal has been reviewed, you will receive an email notification with an update on its status.
Reminder: Certification is on 10/31
Location: TBD, Oklahoma City
Efficient, Effective, Essential: Streamlining Medicaid Reimbursement in Schools
Join us for the inaugural School-Based Medicaid Reimbursement Program Conference, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency in school-based health services. This event will provide valuable insights on optimizing processes, from billing to service delivery, to strengthen Medicaid-supported programs in schools. This event is for everyone even if your district is not utilizing School-based Medicaid reimbursement.
Highlights Include:
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Keynote Speaker: Lean O’Rourke, Founder of O’Rourke Health Policy Strategies and Consultant for Healthy Students, Promising Futures
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Breakout Sessions: Targeted discussions on key topics such as Medicaid Administrative Claiming (MAC), Medicaid billing beyond the IEP/IFSP, program specific billing training, and more to enhance your program's impact.
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Panel Discussion: A dynamic exchange with experienced professionals for Oklahoma school districts in Medicaid reimbursement and school health.
This essential conference is designed for professionals dedicated to creating efficient and impactful school-based health reimbursement programs. Save the date and stay tuned for more details!
Save the date for a live webinar on December 4, 2024. This session will review when a Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) needs to be conducted for students on a 504 Plan, and considerations for suspended students on a 504 Plan.
You may register for one of two times.
Questions can be directed to Elana Grissom, Ph. D.
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming 2025 OKMTSS Winter Conference: Data and Processes. This event promises two days packed with insightful sessions and invaluable networking opportunities, focusing on the critical aspects of data and processes in education.
Event Details:
- Dates: January 23-24, 2025
- Pre-Conference: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM CST
- Main Conference: 7:45 AM - 5:00 PM CST
- Location: OSU Tulsa, OK 74106
Join us at the OSU Tulsa campus to connect with educators and professionals from across the state, share best practices, and enhance your understanding of educational data and processes. Whether you're looking to learn, share, or simply connect, this conference is the perfect opportunity to deepen your professional knowledge and grow your network. Stay tuned for more details on the agenda and speaker lineup. We look forward to seeing you there! Click the link to register for this event: https://linktr.ee/OKSPDG
Register for an SSIP Interest Meeting to learn more about the SSIP Program (2025-2028). Seeking applications for the Fall 2025 school year. Several date and times available in the Spring 2025 to learn more about the program.
For more information regarding the program attend a session or email Alexa Hudak
The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is excited to share with you the Behavioral Principles In The School Setting Course. This course is designed specifically for educators and school staff with essential skills and knowledge in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The course covers a range of critical topics, including:
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Measurement: Learn how to accurately measure and track student behaviors to inform effective interventions.
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Assessment: Gain insights into assessing student needs and identifying appropriate behavioral strategies.
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Skill Acquisition: Discover techniques to help students acquire new skills and improve their learning outcomes.
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Behavior Reduction: Understand methods to reduce challenging behaviors and promote positive behavior changes.
This course is now accessible online at OSDEConnect.ok.gov. Please click the link to register now!
The Oklahoma State Department of Education - Office of Special Education Services will be hosting two, one-day Paraprofessional Conferences in Lawton and Guymon, Oklahoma.
The conference will feature keynote presentations on students with disabilities and mental health, behavior, and instructional strategies. In addition, participants will also hear from our partnering organizations Oklahoma Parents Center (OPC) and Oklahoma ABLE Tech.
Information about the presenters can be found here.
Attending the conference will allow paraprofessionals to obtain the 6 hours of Professional Development required for the school year.
Additionally, Project 613 funds will reimburse for costs associated with attending the conference. Such costs include Substitutes, Travel, and Lodging (lodging may be reimbursed if over 60 miles).
If you have any additional questions, please contact Abby Johnson or Megan Salisbury.
The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) and Public Consulting Group (PCG) would like to invite you to a Listen & Learn Webinar about the School-Based Medicaid Program. This overview will include information about the fee-for-service and Medicaid Administrative Claiming (MAC) programs. Both programs can reimburse schools for services they are currently providing.
These programs can create a SUSTAINABLE source of reimbursement to replace lost funding, such as Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER), and WILL NOT affect other sources of reimbursement or funding your district may already be receiving. These meetings will happen on the 2nd Tuesday of every month.
Please click on this registration links to register for the Listen & Learn Webinar:
Each webinar session will include time to address district questions. If you think others in your district would benefit from hearing about these programs, please pass along this training notice.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kellie Carter, BSN, RN. Program Manager, School Health Services.
These trainings will focus on using assessment results to develop meaningful transition plans for students participating in the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program (OAAP) or for students with Mild/Moderate disabilities. Trainings are being offered at various locations statewide.
Training is approved by Project 613
Participants will:
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Learn to incorporate transition assessment results into the IEP;
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Review case studies;
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Analyze transition assessment results; and
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Use assessment results to identify specific transition strengths and needs and develop postsecondary goals, annual transition goals, services, coordinated activities, and courses of study.
Districts may apply for Project 613 funds by completing an online application through the Grants Management System to be reimbursed for travel, substitutes, and lodging (over 60 miles). If you have questions, please contact Abby Johnson and/or contact your district's finance specialist.
Registration:
- January 30, 2025 Duncan
- February 5, 2025 Idabel
- February 20, 2025 Pryor
- March 6, 2025 Woodward
- March 13, 2025 OKC
- April 10, 2025 McAlester
OSDE-SES recommends that participants complete the Secondary Transition for Students with Disabilities self-paced course in OSDE Connect before attending this training. This course is recommended for teachers/providers who are new to secondary transition and as a refresher for experienced staff.
This training will demonstrate how to implement effective instructional practices to teach transition skills to students with significant cognitive and adaptive disabilities who participate in the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program (OAAP). Attendees will have hands-on opportunities to use effective instructional practices and strategies. Trainings are being offered at various locations statewide and will build upon information introduced during previously held trainings on this topic.
Training is approved by Project 613
Special educators and paraprofessionals will learn about:
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Evidence-based practices tied to the Predictors of Post-School Success;
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Effective practices and strategies including task analysis, chaining (forward/backward), prompting (when/how to use and fade prompts), video modeling, and more to enable students to make progress toward their postsecondary and annual transition goals;
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Effective instructional practices for communication skills and for using assistive technology (AT) to teach transition skills; and
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Collecting and using data to develop annual IEP goals and monitor student progress.
Districts may apply for Project 613 funds by completing an online application through the Grants Management System to be reimbursed for travel, substitutes, and lodging (over 60 miles). If you have questions, please contact Abby Johnson and/or contact your district's finance specialist.
Registration:
Join us for a chance to discuss early childhood data, as well as available tools & resources. This will be an ongoing group to discuss all topics related to early childhood data. This is an opportunity to ask any of your early childhood data questions. Please use this form to suggest questions or topics.
Join us on January 9, 2025; March 6,2025 and May 8, 2025, from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM.
Oklahoma's Engaging Support Conference 2024
You Bring the Magic: Your Magic, Your Impact
The Oklahoma State Department of Education, Office of Special Education Services will be hosting our 3rd Annual Engaging Support Conference.
If you have any questions about the Oklahoma's Engaging Support Conference, please email Megan Salisbury or Abby Johnson.
If your district employs educational interpreters, please verify that they are on the OSDE Educational Interpreter Registry. All interpreters in an educational setting are required to be on the registry and are required to obtain yearly CEUs.
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