Black History Month
Black History Month offers an important opportunity to reflect on the systemic inequities that persist in education, including the overrepresentation of Black students with disabilities referred to special education and placed in separate educational settings. In Washington state, we are committed to addressing these disparities through the work of the Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network (IPTN). The IPTN provides high-quality guidance, technical assistance, and professional development resources to disrupt systems of disproportionality and reduce exclusionary practices in schools. By focusing on the inclusion of Black students with disabilities and students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), the IPTN seeks to create equitable learning environments that support all students and ensure that we prioritize choice and opportunity for all Washington state students. This month reminds us of the need for continued action to ensure that every student has access to inclusive and supportive educational opportunities rooted in high expectations that honor their potential and dignity. To learn more about the Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network, including the new Resource Center just added, please visit www.k12.wa.us/IPTN.
Legislative Update
The legislative session began January 13th, and we are already tracking several bills concerning special education funding: HB 1267, HB 1310, HB 1357, SB 5263, and SB 5307 (OSPI agency request bill). These bills have varying impacts on the special education multipliers, the enrollment cap, safety net, and investments in inclusionary practices and a statewide IEP. We will continue to monitor funding bills closely and support progress towards fully funding special education services. Stay tuned to the OSPI Special Education Bill Tracker for regular updates on the status of bills impacting special education and to see when they are up for public hearings or passage votes.
If you have questions about anything legislature-related, please contact OSPI Special Education with the subject line "Legislative Session".
Medicaid Reimbursement: Opportunities for Feedback
As part of the work to expand Medicaid reimbursement opportunities for schools, the Health Care Authority (HCA) and the Office of the Superintendent (OSPI) are offering a series of engagement opportunities in February 2025. There are still opportunities to attend future sessions:
LEA Leadership / Business Unit Focus Group – Thursday, February 6
Time: 3–4:30 pm Register for Zoom meeting
LEA School-based Health Care Services (SBHS) Providers and Medicaid Administrative Claiming (MAC) Coordinators - Tuesday, February 18
Time: 3–4:30 pm Register for Zoom meeting
Parents and Students – Wednesday February 26
4–5:30 pm Register for Zoom meeting
For more information about the work to expand and simplify Medicaid billing opportunities for schools and for materials related to the feedback sessions, please visit the Health Care Authority School-Based Services website.
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