2021 Legislative Session
It is week seven of the legislative session. The February 15th policy committee cutoff and the February 22nd fiscal committee cutoffs are in the rearview mirror, and the next step for bills is to get past the house of origin cutoff by March 9th. Click here for more information on the legislative cutoff calendar.
See this month’s Special Education Bill Tracker to see which bills have been stalled by committee cutoffs. If you have questions about a bill or budget request’s progress, how to show support or opposition, or anything else related to the legislature, please contact David Green.
Update on Proposed Revisions to Chapter 392-172A WAC Rules for the Provision of Special Education
The OSPI Special Education division is currently reviewing all comments received during the public comment period which closed on January 20, 2021. More information about a forthcoming supplemental comment period will be available in the April 2021 update.
OSPI Rule Making Activity Update - 3/5/21
The following items were posted to OSPI Rule Making page recently.
CR-101 Pre-Proposal Statements:
-
392-415 Partial Credit for Highly Mobile Students
CR-102 Proposed Rule Making – Comment Period and Public Hearing Scheduled:
-
392-410-350 Physical Education
CR-103P Adopted Rules (Permanent Rulemaking):
-
392-550-025 Alternative Learning Experience (ALE)
CR-103E Emergency Adoption:
-
392-401A Definition of Absence for the 2020-21 School Year
-
392-550-040 ALE- truancy
Phasing Out Severe Discrepancy for SLD Identification
Since spring 2019, OSPI Special Education has engaged stakeholders to map out a multi-year transition and implementation timeline for phasing out severe discrepancy for identification of specific learning disability (SLD) by 2028. Phases I through III focused on evaluation criteria, culminating in a report with recommendations, which is expected to be posted by April 2021. The next phases will include input from partners across education to explore necessary conditions and resources needed for implementation, along with WAC revisions and guidance development. For additional information regarding this initiative, please email the Special Education Division.
Education Grant Management System (EGMS) Training
OSPI is in the process of transitioning from iGrants to the Education Grant Management System (EGMS). EGMS will replace iGrants and the Claims system in May 2021.
Find out more about the April 20, 2021 EGMS training for external partners.
Upcoming Webinar: Nonpublic Agency Updates and General Information
When: March 30, 2021 12:00-1:00 PM Pacific Time
This webinar is intended to provide general updates and information on the Nonpublic Agency (NPA) application/approval process as well as the applicability of the Rules for the Provision of Special Education Services (WAC Chapter 392-172A) in the State of Washington. Registration is open to the public. Directors and administrators from NPAs and school district administrators working with NPAs are encouraged to attend. This webinar will be recorded. Closed captioning and ASL interpretation provided. Additional live language interpretation options available upon request.
Register in advance for this webinar.
Safety Net Reminders
Safety Net application due dates:
- March 12: High Need Individual Applications
- May 14: High Need Individual Updates and Community Impact
Safety Net meeting dates:
Questions? Contact the Safety Net Team.
IDEA Federal Grant Application
The annual OSPI application for federal IDEA funds will be available for public review and comment for a period of 60 days, prior to the final May 21, 2021 submission to the USDOE Office of Special Education Programs. Comments may also be submitted in writing to OSPIs Special Education team no later May 12, 2021! (Please add "Comment for IDEA Federal Grant review" to the email's subject line.)
Braiding Funds
- When two or more funding sources are coordinated to support the total costs of services
- Funding sources retain their integrity
- Revenues are allocated and expenditures are tracked by categorical funding source (2 CFR §200.302)
- Cost allocation methods assure there is no duplicate funding of service costs and each funding source charged appropriately
- For more information refer to Unlocking Federal and State Program Funds to Support Student Success
Inclusionary Practices Project Fiscal Deadlines
All items (e.g., equipment, supplies, etc.) purchased using IPP funds must be received on or before June 30, 2021.
Final invoices should be submitted by July 15, 2021.
- If it is not possible to submit a final invoice by July 15, 2021, then an estimate should be provided by July 15, 2021. This information is needed for the accrual process and ensure enough funds are set aside to pay your final invoice.
- No invoices will be accepted or paid if received after August 31, 2021.
There will be no carryover of funds or a transfer between biennium.
If you have any questions and/or concerns regarding your IPP funds and/or contracts, please submit your inquiries to OSPI Special Education Operations.
Allocation and Requirements of Federal ESSER II Emergency Relief Funds
Through early action, on February 10, 2021, the Legislature passed House Bill 1368. The bill establishes the process and framework for school districts to claim the second round of federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II) funds for reimbursement of allowable expenditures.
See OSPI Bulletin 05-21 for more information.
|
