Director of Special Education and Pupil Services
Timely Information
Medicaid School-Based Services (SBS) Mandatory Compliance Changes
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services released ForwardHealth Update 2026-10, “Additional School-Based Services Changes,” to the DHS ForwardHealth Portal. This ForwardHelath Update describes required changes for all Wisconsin schools related to the Random Moment Time Sample (RMTS), National Provider Identifier (NPI) number, and changes to billing for transportation. DHS is continuing to gather questions to add to additional resources related to these changes and will be releasing recordings of past webinars. An upcoming webinar will be held on May 06, 2026 from 12:00-2:00 as part of the Special Education and Pupil Services Leadership Academy virtual webinar series. Link to register to May 06 webinar. DHS created a slide deck for the Wisconsin Federal Funding Conference titled “Revisions to Medicaid School-Based Services” that is also available.
DHS resources, updates, and recorded webinars can be found on the DHS Resources for School Based Providers webpage. DHS contracts with Public Consulting Group, Inc. (PCG) to manage the Wisconsin school-based services (SBS) and Medicaid Administrative Claiming (MAC) programs. PCG contact information for these programs, including training and other important resource materials, is available below:
Help Shape Wisconsin’s Portrait of a Graduate through Listening Sessions
The Department of Public Instruction is developing a Wisconsin Portrait of a Graduate, a statewide vision for the knowledge, skills, and mindsets students need after high school, regardless of their pathway. To ensure this work reflects voices from across the state, the DPI is gathering input from students, educators, families, and community members. Listening sessions have begun and continue across all 12 CESAs through May. Virtual listening session options are also available, including one asynchronous module that can be completed at any time. Find a full list of dates and locations of listening sessions in this flyer. These sessions will introduce the vision and invite feedback on the skills and dispositions that should be included in Wisconsin’s Portrait of a Graduate. Please share this opportunity with staff, students, families, and community partners to encourage broad participation. For more information and updates on the Portrait of a Graduate, visit the DPI’s website.
Resources
Statewide Collaborative Network for Teacher Leaders Supporting Neurodiverse Students
As part of the Supporting Neurodiverse Students Professional Learning System, the Support Squad is a network of Wisconsin educational leaders, such as instructional coaches and go-to specialists, focused on effective social and emotional learning strategies for neurodiverse students. Participants get access to resources, peer-led discussions on timely topics, and a statewide community dedicated to turning complex behavioral challenges into practical classroom strategies. The commitment is simple and free: just four short meetings per year with high impact for your district’s teacher-leaders. A recommendation from a district administrator is required for individuals to participate. More information and recommendation forms can be found on the Supporting Neurodiverse Students Professional Learning Support Squad webpage.
Other DPI News
Ed Leaders Dispatch, April 28, 2026
- Summary of 2025-26 Laws Affecting K-12 Education
- State-Required Seclusion and Restraint Data to be Released on Thursday
- America 250 Reporting Form Now Available
- Statewide Mental Health Supports Transitioning to New Delivery Model
- Upcoming Reporting Requirement Under Act 12
- Updated CTE Certification List Available (2026-27)
News Releases
- DPI Invests in Literacy Coaches to Strengthen Early Reading Across Wisconsin, April 29, 2026
- 17 Wisconsin Schools Earn Purple Star Designation Supporting Military Children, April 27, 2026
DAC Digest, April 29, 2026
Upcoming Learning Events
May 05, 2026: OT and PT CoP: Breakout Sessions Hot Topics (3:30-4:30 Virtual)
May 05, 2026: WI Statewide Transition Networking – Educators Only (9 AM – 2:30PM In Person)
May 06, 2026: AT Forward CoP: Accessible Gadgets for Gamers: Evaluating and Applying Video Game Accessibility in Therapeutic Settings (12-1 PM Virtual)
May 06, 2026: Special Education/Pupil Services Leadership Virtual Academy (10 AM- 12 PM Virtual)
May 14, 2026: UDL Mentor Showcase: Trials and Triumphs in Team Implementation (online)
Recurring Events
Early Learning Technical Assistance and Implementation Professional Learning Opportunities
Monthly, every third Wednesday, 12:30-1:15: Specific Learning Disabilities Community of Practice registration link
Second Tuesdays, 1-2pm: New School Social Worker Resource Sharing Sessions
DPI does not sponsor or endorse any external resources or events. They are provided for your consideration. For questions about this email list, please contact Daniel Parker, daniel.parker@dpi.wi.gov. Past updates for this email list can be found on the DPI Weekly News webpage.
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