OSDE - SES - January 7, 2025 - Internal

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Announcement

**IMPORTANT** Early Career Special Education Teacher Support

LAST CALL 

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.  

Supports include:

  • 1-year membership to CEC, including access to CEC Learning Lab, member discounts, reliable resources, and peer support.

  • Nine on-demand asynchronous learning modules

  • Live check-ins with a content specialist

  • High Leverage Practices Book with a 4-session book study

If you are interested, please register for the Early Career Special Education Teacher Supportdeadline is January 9, 2025

Questions can be directed to Megan Salisbury.


**NEW** State Personnel Development Grant IV Applications Announcement

The purpose of the State Personnel Development Grant IV (SPDG IV) is to identify at least two school districts that could most benefit from the resources and services provided by the OK-SPDG to implement OKMTSS. SPDG staff and consultants will provide technical assistance, professional development, and coaching on the implementation of OKMTSS.

The OK-SPDG has been designed to provide districts, schools, and professionals with three layers of support.

          1.At the initial layer, SPDG-developed resources and implementation tools will be                 made freely available on our website at SPDG
          2. At the secondary layer, asynchronous professional development modules and                     synchronous Summer and Winter MTSS conferences will be provided statewide,                 with priority given to grant-supported sites and professionals.
          3.(Application-Based) At the tertiary layer, at least two districts will receive direct                  coaching support to implement MTSS, with layer 2 professional development                      and learning serving as the foundation of coaching work and layer 3 coaching.

Submission Details
Application for support is open to all Oklahoma districts serving students Kindergarten through 12th grade. To be considered for SPDG Cohort 2 Coaching Support, the application must be completed in its entirety. All applications will be reviewed using a standardized rubric to measure capacity and readiness for MTSS implementation.

Following application review, top districts will participate in an On-Site Tour with SPDG staff. If selected for an On-Site Tour and Interview, SPDG staff will tour at least one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school. The interview portion will include the superintendent, a district leadership team, and any other personnel who contributed to application development.

  • January 6th, 2025- Applications Open
  • March 7th, 2025- Applications Close
  • March 24th-April 30th, 2025- On-Site Tours and Interviews
  • May 16th, 2025- Selected Districts Notified

Click here to apply for OK-SPDG


**NEW** Early Childhood Updates

SoonerStart has updated the LEA Notification to include children’s race and ethnicity to support districts in the soft enrollment process. It will also include the STN if one has been assigned by SoonerStart.

The Early Childhood Enrollment Guidance (for young children enrolling for special education eligibility) has been updated and is now available. Please note the exit code for children not eligible for special education has been updated.


Caseload/Class Size and Workload Exceptions

Please view the caseload/class size, and workload, to 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.


Office of Student Development Academic Advisement Resources Available to Support Secondary Transition

Did you know that the OSDE Office of Student Development has many graduation resources that can help with secondary transition planning and the development of the Transition Plan in the IEP? Their Academic Advisement page is now live! Check out the many resources under the Career Advisement, Graduation Checklists, Student & Family Support, and the new Academic Advisement and Policy Guidebook. The guidebook contains concise information and related links for Graduation Requirements, Additional Requirements for graduation, Standards & Learning, Post-Secondary Coursework, and Transcript Guidance & Diplomas. You will also find links on the Academic Advisement page for Academic Resources, the Oklahoma FASFA Data Portal, and other FASFA Resources, including the Oklahoma FASFA Flyer and Video. Be sure to check it out!

Academic Advisement | Oklahoma State Department of Education 

data

**NEW** Dedicated Email for SPED Data

A new email address has been created for all Special Education data inquiries. The new address is: sesdata@sde.ok.gov. This inbox was created to improve response times and streamline communication, while also helping to eliminate duplicated efforts caused by the same email being sent to multiple data team members.

As you may know, the SPED data team is small and is responsible for monitoring email and calls from all 543 districts across the state. This can be particularly challenging during peak reporting periods, when the volume of inquiries is at its highest. The creation of this dedicated inbox will allow us to manage inquiries more efficiently and ensure that you receive the fastest possible responses.

We kindly ask that you begin using SES Data for all Special Education data-related questions and requests. This will help us prioritize and respond to your needs more effectively.

Thank you for your continued understanding and partnership as we work together to support students with disabilities. If you have any questions about this new process, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Finance

**NEW** Project 613 January Training Opportunities

Project 613 January training opportunities include the following:

  • Trauma and Mental Health Crisis in the Classroom
  • Effective Instructional Practices for Teaching Transition Skills to Students Participating in the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program (OAAP)
  • Part 1: Consideration of Assistive Technology (AT)
  • 2025 Oklahoma Special Education Law Conference
  • Using Assessment Results to Develop Effective Transition Plans for Students Participating in the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program (OAAP) Mild/Moderate
  • Paraprofessional Conference – Lawton

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.


State Aid Funding for Special Education

The OSDE-SES is providing information regarding the Special Education weights in the 2024-2025 State Aid Funding Formula.  

Alt Diploma

Alternate Diploma Collaborative + Open Q & A Meetings

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 – 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


Alternate Diploma and Extended Transition Program Entry and Exit Codes

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

Trainings/Webinars

2025 OKMTSS Winter Conference: Data and Processes

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

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!

Please register for this event at https://linktr.ee/OKSPDG 


Transform Education With SPDG

Join us at our virtual interest meetings to learn how SPDG supports school districts with cutting-edge implementation resources, professional development, and expert coaching. Participating SPDG districts can gain access to invaluable resources for OKMTSS implementation, district and site-level systems coaching, a generous $5,000 stipend for district implementation, and priority access to premier conferences and events.

Mark your calendars for the upcoming virtual meetings on January 15th, 22nd, 24th, 30th, February 4th, 12th, and 18th, 2025. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of a transformative movement in education. For more information, contact Alexa Hudak or Jasmin Brown. Join SPDG and make a meaningful impact today!

Please register for any of the Interest Meetings


Listen & Learn: Webinar School- based Medicaid Program

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 OKMAC or OKFFS


School-Based Medicaid Reimbursement Program First Annual Conference 

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: 

  • Keynote Speaker: Lean O’Rourke, Founder of O’Rourke Health Policy Strategies and Consultant for Healthy Students, Promising Futures 

  • 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. 

  • 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! 

Registration is now open- School based Medicaid. Healthier Students Healthier Future


2025 State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) Interest Meetings

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


Secondary Transition: Using Assessment Results to Develop Effective Transition Plans (OAAP & Mild/Moderate)

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:

  • Learn to incorporate transition assessment results into the IEP;
  • Review case studies;
  • Analyze transition assessment results; and
  • 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:

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. 


Secondary Transition: Effective Instructional Practices for Teaching Transition Skills to Students Participating in the OAAP

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:

  • Evidence-based practices tied to the Predictors of Post-School Success;
  • 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;
  • Effective instructional practices for communication skills and for using assistive technology (AT) to teach transition skills; and
  • 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:


Early Childhood Data Digging

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. 

Staffing

Oklahoma's Engaging Support Conference

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

Other News

Educational Interpreter Registry

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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