Year End Wrap Up: Assistant Superintendent of Special Education, Dr. Tania May
Watch this video for an end of the year wrap up from Assistant Superintendent of Special Education, Dr. Tania May. Tania provides an overview of what’s included in the June update, our last Monthly Update for the 2022–23 School Year!
Glenna Gallo Confirmed as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
The nation has a new top special education official familiar to Washington state. The U.S. Senate voted to confirm former Assistant Superintendent of Special Education at OSPI, Glenna Wright-Gallo as Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services at the Department of Education.
“Ms. Wright-Gallo has spent decades supporting students with disabilities and their families both in the classroom and as an administrative leader in the Utah and Washington public education systems,” said Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “Her commitment to meeting the needs of the special education community and strong track record of improving outcomes are exactly what we need at this critical moment in our recovery from the pandemic, and I look forward to working with her to raise the bar for students with disabilities and their families.”
Celebrating Juneteenth
Juneteenth has been celebrated for hundreds of years, but there are many who don't know the full context and history of the annual holiday. Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated on June 19th to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. and marks the country’s second Independence Day. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas, where on that date in 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, enslaved people were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. Though Juneteenth has long been celebrated among the African American community, it is a history that has been marginalized and remains largely unknown to the wider public. The legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of deep hope and urgent organizing in uncertain times. Learn more about the historical legacy of Juneteenth, including resources to use and to share with young people from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Reflecting on Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May was Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage month. AAPI month is a time to highlight and celebrate the important contributions the AAPI Community has had on American history, society, and culture. Asian Pacific American Heritage Week was signed into law in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter, and it was eventually extended to a month and signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1992. The original resolution to honor the AAPI Community was introduced by Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii and Representative Frank Horton of New York. The month was specifically chosen to commemorate the first Japanese immigrant to arrive in the U.S. on May 7, 1843, as well as the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869.
Spotlight on Pride
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. Pride is a time to reflect on the trials the LGBTQ+ community has endured and to rejoice in the triumphs of trailblazing individuals who have fought bravely — and continue to fight — for full equality. Pride is both a jubilant communal celebration of visibility and a personal celebration of self-worth and dignity.
To learn more about the history of the Stonewall Uprising and the LGBTQ+ pride movement, see this resource from the Library of Congress. To learn more about advocating for LGBTQ+ students with disabilities use this resource that is a guide for educators and parents/guardians on supporting LGBTQ students with an IEP or 504 plan produced by the Human Rights Campaign, The National Association of School Psychologists, The National Association of School Principals, The National Center for Lesbian Rights, and the National Education Association.
OSPI Graduation Toolkit: Class of 2023 Frequently Asked Questions - NOW PUBLISHED
The Graduation Toolkit companion FAQ was developed in partnership with the State Board of Education to provide more detailed guidance related to commonly asked questions pertaining to the implementation of graduation requirements detailed in the Graduation Toolkit for each graduating class. The FAQ also expands on existing guidance to provide additional information specific to supporting unique student populations’ progress toward graduation, especially students with disabilities and multi-lingual learners.
This resource is now posted on the Graduation Requirements webpage.
Responding to Complaints Over the Summer
While schools and students get a summer vacation, special education community complaints do not! This is a reminder to districts that timelines for responding to community complaints and if applicable, community complaint decisions (corrective actions) continue through the summer. Per federal and state law, the investigation must be completed within sixty days. Here are some tips and questions to think about prior to leaving for the summer if your district has a community complaint currently under investigation or one filed prior to the end of the school year.
• Gather as much information and documentation as possible before the end of the year.
• Interview involved staff or gather staff statements before the end of the year.
• Is someone responsible for checking district mail regularly for complaint (or due process hearing) correspondence and know who to contact if there is some action needed?
• Does the district have an individual designated to respond to any dispute resolution responsibilities during the course of the summer?
• Does the designated individual have a way to contact teachers or service providers over the summer, if a statement or information is needed?
• Are student files, staff emails, and service provider logs accessible over the summer?
If your district has a complaint under investigation or receives a complaint over the summer, communicate with the assigned complaint investigator as soon as possible. Let OSPI know if and when administrators may be out of the office and any other anticipated obstacles. While the complaint timeline continues regardless, the complaint investigator can discuss what information is essential and strategies for responding.
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