October is Disability History Month
Disability History Month is a vital opportunity to recognize and honor the contributions of individuals with disabilities throughout Washington state's history. It highlights the progress made toward disability rights, justice, and inclusion while bringing attention to the ongoing work needed to address systemic barriers. By educating students and communities about the experiences and achievements of people with disabilities, Disability History Month fosters greater understanding and a commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society for all people. This recognition serves as a powerful reminder that disability identity is an essential element of Washington's vibrant diversity. While we celebrate the historical accomplishments and call attention to ongoing barriers in schools and communities in October, it demands year-round dedication, unwavering commitment, and sustained investments to build an educational system that truly engages and embraces every student across our state.
In 2008, Washington state passed a law declaring October as Disability History Month, allowing schools to develop their own approaches to honor the month. The project, One Out of Five: Disability History and Pride, was created to provide a unified resource for schools. Named after the statistic that 1 out of 5 people in the U.S. has a disability, this guide celebrates the history and diversity within the disability community. Developed by the Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) in collaboration with local educators, the resource helps schools recognize Disability History Month. The project includes student voice videos produced by Rooted in Rights, focusing on youth stories and perspectives from students with disabilities.
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Chris Reykdal on his Plans to Close Gaps in K–12 Funding
In a press conference on September 23, 2024, state Superintendent Chris Reykdal detailed OSPI’s 2025 legislative priorities, which include a significant investment in public education, including for special education services. Watch a replay of the press conference to learn more about how OSPI’s requests will meet the state’s constitutional funding obligations and set students up for success both now and in the future. For a breakdown of OSPI’s legislative priorities, and to learn more about the 25–27 Special Education Legislative Budget Request visit: OSPI Legislative Budget Requests 2025-27 Operating Budget.
Chris Reykdal - 2025 Legislative Priorities video
Kim Broomer Named 2025 State Teacher of the Year and Geancarla “Carla” Shanks Morales Named 2024 State Classified School Employee of the Year
In September, OSPI proudly recognized the exceptional contributions of two outstanding educators: Kim Broomer, a kindergarten teacher from the Inclusionary Practices Demonstration Site, Ruby Bridges in Northshore School District, as the 2025 Washington State Teacher of the Year; and Geancarla "Carla" Shanks Morales, a paraeducator and Student and Family Advocate from Orcas Island School District, as the 2024 Washington State Classified School Employee of the Year. Their unwavering dedication to fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments highlights the very essence of Washington’s commitment to educational equity. By creating spaces where every student feels valued, seen, and empowered to succeed, they exemplify the best of what our state’s education system strives for. Congratulations to Kim and Carla for their inspiring work!
Kim Broomer Named 2025 State Teacher of the Year and Geancarla “Carla” Shanks Morales Named 2024 State Classified School Employee of the Year
The Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) Meeting October 22–23, 2024
The Washington State Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) will conduct a hybrid meeting on October 22–23, 2024, 8:30 am–4:30 pm. The in-person location is the SMART Center, 6200 NE 74th Street, Suite 110, Seattle, Washington. The meeting is open to members of the public interested in Washington special education services. The agenda will be posted the week prior to the meeting. The SEAC two-day meeting will also be offered virtually(no registration required).
Public Comment will begin at 11:30 am on Tuesday, October 22nd. Public Comment is scheduled for 30 minutes. Each public comment will be restricted to three minutes and only allowed during this designated timeframe. If you want to email your comment to be read at the meeting, please send it to the SEAC email address no later than the close of business on October 16.
SEAC Community Forum — Hybrid
The SEAC, in partnership with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), is hosting an in-person community forum to share about the role of SEAC and host a discussion about inclusionary practices in early learning and post-secondary transition services! Join us!
The SEAC Community Forum
Haring Center
1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195
Directions to the Haring Center and parking
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
5:30 pm–7:00 pm
Required registration for the community forum is here or scan the QR code below:
SEAC Community Forum registration QR Code
Click here for this month’s Program Improvement updates on the following topics:
- Identification and Correction of Non-Compliance for 2023–24 – Revised
- OSPI Special Education Data, Fiscal, and Program Office Hours
Click here for this month’s Fiscal & Data updates on the following topics:
- Students with IEPs 21 and older
- Fiscal reminders
- Safety Net Update
Click here for this month’s ECSE updates on the following topics:
- Ensuring Access and Positive Outcomes for All Young Children: Using Data to Understand and Eliminate the Use of Exclusionary Discipline Practices
- Get to Know the Early Learning Coordination Plan (ELCP) for WA
- Importance of STEM learning for Young Children
- Northwest Pyramid POP: Practical Online PD
Click here for this month’s Dispute Resolution updates on:
IEP Services-Every Minute Counts!
- How do teams determine the specially designed instruction, accommodations, and modifications needed to support students in making progress in the general education curriculum?
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