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Special Education Update
February 2022
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2022 Legislative Session
Check out this quick video about the current legislative session!
 Image links to YouTube video
If you have questions, please contact David Green.
We are Hiring!
Our division is expanding! We are currently recruiting for two positions: Dispute Resolution Complaint Investigator and Special Education Program Supervisor. If you have a passion for supporting students with disabilities and their families and educators, centering equity in access and outcomes, and shaping special education policy – consider joining us. These positions offer opportunity to work with partners across Washington and nationwide, including community partners, instructional leaders, researchers, and legislators. Telecommuting flexibility may also be an option.
Special Education Policy and Procedure Revisions – due September 1, 2022
To align with the updates to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter 392-172A that went into effect on October 15, 2021 and January 1, 2022, school districts are required to update their special education policy/procedure to address changes. Read more about the required updates here!
2021 Annual Report to Congress on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
This is the 43rd Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2021. Section 664(d) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as reauthorized in 2004, requires that the US Department of Education report annually on the progress made toward the provision of a free appropriate public education to all children with disabilities and the provision of early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities. *See Appendix B. Developmental Delay Data for Children Ages 3 through 5 and Students Ages 6 through 9 Served Under IDEA, Part B.
K–12 Resources for Afghan Evacuees
Read the January 14, 2022 US Department of Education’s Dear Colleague letter outlining K–12 resources for Afghan evacuees.
Upcoming Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) Meeting
When: February 22–23, 2022, 8:30 am–1 pm (PST).
The SEAC is meeting to discuss the needs of students with disabilities in Washington state. This is a public meeting, please register in advance to attend this meeting, and request accommodations during registration, if needed. An agenda will be posted in advance on the SEAC website.
Public Comment: Public comment will be accepted at approximately 11:50 am, Tuesday, February 22 and is scheduled for approximately 30 minutes. Comments can be emailed to OSPI SEAC with “SEAC Public Comment” in the subject line and must be received no later than noon on Friday, February 18. Any comments received after the deadline will be read at the next scheduled SEAC meeting in May 2022. Public comment will be amended, and the meeting will continue with the next agenda item if there are no comments.
Excess Cost Report due February 28, 2022
The 2020–21 Excess Cost verification template is now available to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and is due to OSPI by February 28, 2022.
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 34 CFR 300.16, sub-recipients of IDEA Part B formula funds are required to demonstrate that the LEA is spending at least a minimum average amount on the education of elementary school or secondary school students with disabilities in order to expend their IDEA Part B funds on the excess cost of providing special education and related services.
LEAs must email the Special Education Fiscal Team a completed Excess Cost Template by February 28, 2022.
Questions? Email the Special Education Fiscal Team.
2020–21 Special Education Carryover is Now Available
2020–21 IDEA Part B carryover funds have been posted to the 2021–22 iGrants form package 267. These carryover funds are unspent IDEA funds from 2020–21 and must be expended by August 31, 2022. The last day to submit claims for 2021–22 is November 15, 2022.
To have access to carryover funds, LEAs are required to submit a budget revision(s) through the 2021–22 iGrants form packages by logging on to the Education Data System (EDS). LEAs with carryover funds may need to revise the submitted spending plan (page 2) if it has changed from the original submission.
If you have any questions or need assistance with creating a budget revision, please email the Special Education Fiscal Team.
Safety Net - High Need Individual Applications due March 11, 2022
This is just a reminder that High Need Individual Safety Net applications are due March 11, 2022 by 5 pm.
Visit the Safety Net website for information about applying and training opportunities.
Questions? Contact the Safety Net Team.
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District Grant Funding
In February 2022, OSPI will launch a new grant to support the professional development of paraeducators through the second half of the Fundamental Course of Study (FCS). Overall, the FCS is a 28-hour course, and the first half of the FCS is required by the State Legislature, and because of that requirement, LEAs are reimbursed through a PESB grant. This grant opportunity will provide funds to cover the second half of the FCS training. Through this IPP grant, LEAs may request funding to support paraeducators (who have completed the first half of the FCS) in completing the second half of the FCS.
LEA and ESD applicants will be required to report how many paraeducators will be given training and if those paraeducators are completing both days of the second half of the FCS training (hours 15–28) or just one day (hours 15–21). LEAs will be reimbursed based on a set, per-day amount. This grant has $375K available, and funding will go fast. Carryover is not allowed and funds must be used by July 30, 2022.
- LEAs: Form Package 191
- ESDs: Form Package 004
Alternatively, or in addition to the FCS opportunity, districts may submit a spending plan for funds to support professional development for inclusionary practices. Please join us for an informational webinar at 2pm on February 16, 2022, to learn more about these opportunities. We will go over how to apply, expectations of grantees, and questions and answers. Please register for the webinar here. We will record and post the webinar content.
CRE Meets UDL with Dr. Adeyemi Stembridge and Dr. Katie Novak
Have you wondered how frameworks for Culturally Responsive Education (CRE) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) complement and align with one another? Wonder no more!
CSTP is excited to partner with OSPI to host a moderated discussion and Q&A with Dr. Adeyemi Stembridge, author and expert in Culturally Responsive Education, and Dr. Katie Novak, author and expert in Universal Design for Learning. Dr. Stembridge and Dr. Novak will discuss the fundamental alignment of these two movements and address how to leverage these practices to offer more equitable and inclusive experiences for students. They will also address the immediate impact of inclusive lessons, classroom support, and adjustments that can be made to structures at system levels to ensure ALL students can succeed. You don't want to miss this exciting learning opportunity!
Join us on April 15th from 11 am–1 pm PST by registering on the CSTP website. Registrants who attend the live session are eligible to claim 2 clock hours. Can't come to the live session? Register above, and we will send you the recording.
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Summary of Key WAC Updates: Early Childhood Special Education
The purpose of this summary document is to clarify the obligations of districts to support children ages 35 years eligible for IDEA, Part B. OSPI and community partners have worked together to clarify current WACs and the definition of a regular early childhood program. Please note that updated and new Washington Administrative Codes (WACs) will be designated by either bold print or underlines within each section of this document.
Video Series: Why Inclusion
This video series from STEMIE reviews the literature about high-quality inclusion, as well as the key characteristics and social outcomes of high-quality, inclusive education.
Updated ECSE Resources from DOE
The National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) would like to let you know that the following Return to School Roadmap documents are now posted on the IDEA website in Spanish. The English versions of these documents were released in the Summer and Fall of 2021.
- Letter to Special Education and Early Intervention Partners [English | Español]
- Child Find Under Part B of IDEA [English | Español]
- Development and Implementation of Individualized Education Programs in the Least Restrictive Environment Under the IDEA [English | Español]
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Question: What are some strategies and innovative approaches districts have been utilizing to address educator staff shortages and minimize disruptions in special education services for students with disabilities?
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Special Education Support Center (SESC)
SESC is one of six Special Education State Needs Projects funded by OSPI in partnership with the Washington Education Association (WEA). Our purpose is to provide professional development opportunities for all special education stakeholders including educators (both general and special education personnel), school administrators, paraprofessionals, ESA staff, parents, and community members. The Special Education Support Center has a cadre of 70 trainers throughout the state, including special education staff, general education staff, administrators, and parents. Our mission is for our state to receive high-quality trainings led by stakeholders that are leaders in the field. We provide trainings that empower, increase skills, support inclusive practices, and lead to better knowledge about serving our students with disabilities.
Our current offerings include asynchronous courses via Canvas and synchronous courses via Zoom. You can find our current updated schedule of training on the SESC website, or WEA’s website.
Washington Education Association’s Center for Education Quality was awarded a grant from OSPI, as part of the Inclusionary Practices Project. Our purpose is to provide professional development for educators that supports an increase in inclusionary practices throughout the state. As part of our project, we have expanded our professional development opportunities, which are included in the links above.
We release training/course schedules on a quarterly basis. Our April – June 2022 schedule will be released in mid-March. The schedules will be available at the links above.
For additional information or to schedule a (virtual) training contact: Annie Lamberto, Special Programs/Populations Coordinator at WEA.
For information about our STEM Integration courses, contact: Maren Johnson, K–12 Education Coordinator at WEA.
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ECSEL is Accepting Applicants for Cohort 6!
The Enhancing Capacity for Special Education Leadership (ECSEL) program at the University of Washington Bothell prepares candidates interested in administering special education programs through a non-degree program that leads to the required Washington State Residency Program Administrator Certification. Find complete program and application information on the ECSEL website.
CCTS Survey on Interagency Transition Networks
Regional Interagency Transition Networks bring together schools, agencies, parent groups, and other partners who support youth with disabilities in transition from school to adult life. These regional networks increase the availability, access, and quality of transition services to youth with disabilities and their families. The Center for Change in Transition Services (CCTS) is conducting a survey to gather information about existing Interagency Transition Networks in Washington state. Please submit your responses to this short survey (1–5 minutes) by February 28, 2022. Share out through your networks, including family and community newsletters.
Meaningful Transitions: Connecting IEP Transition Planning, High School & Beyond Plans, and Graduation Pathways
This course takes a comprehensive dive into IEP Transition, the High School & Beyond Plan, and Graduation Pathways. Along the way, you will learn about each piece and how they connect with one another to create meaningful outcomes for students who receive special education services.
The instruction for this course is based on materials developed by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Center for Change in Transition Services (CCTS).
Course Objectives
- Explore IEP Transition Plans, High School & Beyond Plans, and Graduation Pathways
- Understand how each aspect connects to one another
- Understand how to apply the processes to individual students
- Develop a solid toolbox of resources
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 COVID-19 Student Survey: Impacts & Implications on Student Learning & Well-Being
This survey, for students in grades 6 to 12, is an opportunity for districts to gather student’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional questions about school experience and mental health have been added to the survey this year. The administration period for the COVID-19 Student Survey: Impacts & Implications on Student Learning and Well-Being has been extended. Schools can administer this survey in a school building or remotely at a time that works best for them between February 1 to 28, 2022.
Registration is open now until February 24, 2022. Watch this quick 2-minute video that explains the survey and how to register for it.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
DVR State Plan Public Forum
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the Washington State Rehabilitation Council (WSRC) invite the public to comment on the 2022 update to DVR’s State Plan by attending a virtual Public Forum from 1:30-3:00 PM on Thursday, February 10, 2022. Click here for the Forum information and review the Draft 2020-23 State Plan Update.
Youth Leadership Forum (YLF)
The Washington State Youth Leadership Forum has announced dates for their Summer 2022 program. Please share this free opportunity with anyone who may be interested! YLF is an innovative, intensive, six-day leadership training program for upcoming high school juniors and seniors with disabilities, ages 16 to 21. Delegates are selected from around the state of Washington to cultivate leadership, and citizenship skills while having fun and making friends. Download the 2022 YLF event flyer.
Learn more about the transition survey being conducted with transition service experts at every secondary school across Washington state.
FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council Recruits Next Generation of Emergency Managers
FEMA is accepting applications for the 2022 Youth Preparedness Council. If you know a teen interested in preparedness and community service, encourage them to apply.
The council was created in 2012 to bring together youth leaders interested in supporting disaster preparedness and making a difference in their communities. During their one-year term on the virtual council, members meet peers from across the country, build leadership skills and serve their schools and communities. Members also have the unique opportunity to participate in an annual summit, and share their perspectives, feedback and opinions directly with FEMA leaders and staff.
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ALL STUDENTS PREPARED FOR POST-SECONDARY PATHWAYS, CAREERS, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.
Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives.
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