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We are excited to announce the creation of a new OSPI division which will house the Office of Native Education (ONE) and the Center for the Improvement of Student Learning (CISL) while aiming to support our Required Action Districts (RAD) in a systemic and meaningful way. The resources being consolidated into this new unit will strengthen the corresponding work.
Congratulations to New Assistant Superintendent, Henry Strom
With the formation of OSPI's newest division, The Office of Native Education (ONE) and the executive leadership of the Washington State Native American Education Advisory Committee (WSNAEAC) would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Henry Strom on his well-deserved promotion to Assistant Superintendent. This is an exciting and significant development that not only recognizes his deep expertise and leadership but also strengthens the foundation for advocacy and support for Indigenous students, educators, and communities.
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Native Student Success
Native Student Success – What We Heard from You
Greetings Colleagues in Native Education,
For the past several months, the Native Student Success Program extended an open invitation to take our survey. I am grateful to all who took the time to respond—your insights, reflections, and lived experiences are shaping how we move forward together.
What We Heard So Far: The responses reaffirm what many of us have long known—Native Student Success is more than academic achievement. It is about identity, belonging, and thriving as whole human beings. A few key themes have emerged:
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Holistic Success – Native students must be supported emotionally, culturally, socially, and academically.
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Cultural Identity & Pride – Schools must honor Indigenous languages, traditions, and histories.
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Community & Relationships – Connection to land, people, and place is central to success.
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Empowerment & Self-Determination – Native students should have agency in their education and futures.
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Equity & Access – Removing systemic barriers ensures Native students have the same opportunities as their peers.
Over the next several months, I will share more detailed insights from the survey—highlighting promising practices, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
This month’s focus: What Does Native Student Success Mean?
Looking Ahead In April, we will explore how schools and communities are partnering with tribes to support Native students and lift up promising practices that are making a difference.
Thank you for being part of this important work. Your voice, your knowledge, and your commitment to Native education make a difference every day.
Respectfully,
Bawaajigekwe Boulley Native Student Success Program Supervisor Office of Native Education, OSPI
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Tribal Language Program
Reclaiming Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Integrating Tribal Language, Math, and Science
The Tribal Language Program is seeking connections with First Peoples language and culture teachers who are utilizing or interested in exploring Indigenous Science and Indigenous Math course codes. This initiative recognizes the wisdom embedded within our ancestral languages, knowledge systems that have sustained our communities for generations. By connecting language educators with these specialized course codes, we aim to create educational opportunities that honor traditional ways of knowing while meeting academic standards.
We believe every Native student deserves an education that allows them to thrive academically while remaining connected to their cultural heritage. Language teachers and leaders interested in joining this work are invited to complete our interest survey at https://forms.office.com/r/NG6YnST0uj. This collaboration represents an opportunity to weave together cultural preservation and academic achievement in ways that celebrate how our languages hold sophisticated mathematical and scientific understandings unique to our peoples.
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Administrators Government-to-Government Relationships Training
The Administrators Government-to-Government Relationships Training is required for all Administrators renewing their 5-year Administrator Certificate. For those renewing June of 2026, the 5-hour training will start at the WASA/AWSP Summer Pre-conference scheduled for June 21, 2025. Registration will be on the AWSP Conference website and in-person only.
The ONE Tribal Consultation program is currently working on two other hybrid trainings before the end of June, location with date to be announced by the end of March 2025. There will also be one in early October in Spokane and December (location TBD), both hybrid.
Registration for all non-WASA/AWSP events will be in pdEnroller with links from the OSPI/ONE Tribal Consultation webpage when it becomes available. All questions regarding the trainings can be directed to Maxine Alex, Tribal Consultation Program Supervisor, at maxine.alex@k12.wa.us.
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EGMS Grants System Support
Need help with EGMS grants? Call Emme!
Emme Williamson is the grants liaison to rural school districts for the Education Grants Management System (EGMS) and can assist rural and small school district staff navigate EGMS. Feel free to reach out to Emme to introduce yourself or to receive assistance in EGMS! Emme also has a breakout room at EGMS office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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Tracking of 2024-25 Native Education Bills
Each Monday, during legislative session, the Office of Native Education publishes an update on all bills we are tracking in the previous week. If you know someone who would like to receive these updates, please have them subscribe to our newsletter.
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Celebrate Billy Frank Jr. Day!
ONE invites you to join them in recognition of Billy Frank Jr. Day on March 19th
The Office of Native Education will have a booth at the celebration of Billy Frank Jr. Day, and we invite families to come join us for free giveaways, treats, infused lemonade, and fun! We will be launching a new video with a trivia game for prizes. And, we will have our usual salmon hats for kids to color and wear! Visit Arts WA for more information.
Wednesday, March 19 | 5-7:30pm | Timberline High School
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 The Office of Native Education Tribal Consultation Program along with Washington State School Directors’ Association invite you to attend Tribal Consultation Best Practices in three different parts of the State. Please attend a Convening to learn best practices from other parts of the State or learn what is going on in your area. March 21st will feature North Thurston School District and the Nisqually Tribe on School Board Policies, JMLSTI Curriculum and other Professional Development Opportunities. The event is free, and Equity Clock hours will be available.
March 21 | 10am - 2pm | Ilani Casino Resort | Register now!
40th Annual WSIEA Conference
Workshops, Clock Hours, Culture Room, Merit Awards, Vendors, Parent and Teacher Training Opportunities, Native Student College Fair & Post-Secondary Opportunities Day, and much more! Sponsored by the Washington State Indian Education Association in cooperation with the Office of Native Education/Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Register Now for the WSIEA Conference
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Future Native Teachers Initiative
Designed to increase the number of Native American/Alaska Native teachers in Washington State, the conference is an immersive teacher camp led by teachers and leaders from the Native American/Alaska Native communities.
The Future Native Teachers Initiative (FNTI) is a 2.5-day immersive experience designed to inspire Native American/Alaska Native high school students in Washington to explore careers in education.
The event features dynamic keynotes, workshops led by Native educators, an exploration of educational pathways, and a visit to a local school. Students will learn alongside peers from across Washington, building a strong foundation for future roles as educators in public, private, and tribal schools.
April 22-24 | Hosted by Green River College and UW, Tacoma
Registration is now open through March 24 (space is limited). Scan the QR code, visit the website, or see the flyer for more information.
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Join DOH Virtual Community Chat
Share Your Thoughts on Over-the-Counter (OTC) Contraception Access
"Apple Health and most WA insurance plans guarantee no-cost OTC contraception, including OTC emergency contraception (EC), without a prescription. For many reasons, teens and young adults still face challenges accessing these products. We want to understand the barriers to design solutions." See the flyer to learn more.
For everyone:
April 2: 4-5:30 pm
April 3: 4:30-6 pm
For American Indian/Alaska Native participants, co-hosted by DOH’s Equity & Social Justice Strategist for Tribal Relations:
April 29: 2:30-4 pm
April 30: 5-6:30 pm
*A Dear Tribal Leader Letter announcing these sessions is in process.
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Apply Now for AICF Scholarships
The American Indian College Fund (the College Fund) provides scholarships to graduating American Indian and Alaska Native college students enrolled in certificate, undergraduate, or graduate programs at a Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) or an accredited non-profit college or university in the U.S.
The College Fund manages a wide portfolio of scholarship programs, and TCU students are eligible for all of our opportunities. Applicants only need to submit one application every year to be considered for the College Fund’s portfolio of scholarships.
Now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Apply now through May 31.
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ETV Program is Accepting 2025–2026 Applications
Tribal students experiencing foster care who plan to enroll in a dual credit or post-secondary program can apply for the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program now for up to $5,000 per academic year and $2,000 for dual credit! The priority deadline is April 30, 2025. All applications received after April 30 will be awarded on a funds available basis.
Learn more at the ETV webpage and ETV brochures are available to print. Eligibility or program questions? Contact ETVWash@dcyf.wa.gov.
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Native Educators’ PLC
Earn free equity clock hours! The Native Educators’ Professional Learning Community (PLC) will meet on the following date:
Thursday, March 20 | 4–5:30pm
Register now through pdEnroller or visit our website for more information.
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WSNAEAC Spring 2025 Meeting
The Washington State Native American Education Advisory Committee (WSNAEAC) and ONE will be convening for their annual Spring in-person meeting. The meetings are open to the public and a Zoom option is available.
March 31 | 8:30am - 5pm | Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino
The committee consists of 22 members nominated by tribes and tribal organizations to provide consultation with OSPI on matters and issues related to the well-being and achievement of American Indian and Alaska Native students who attend public, tribal compact, and tribal schools in Washington state. Visit our website for more information.
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ONE to Attend the WSIEA Conference
The Office of Native Education will be attending the Washington State Indian Education Association (WSIEA) Conference to represent Washington State and convey current areas of focus in response to needs and concerns of our 29 Federally Recognized Tribes.
April 1-3 | Northern Quest Resort & Casino | Airway Heights, WA
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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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