Director of Special Education and Pupil Services
Timely Information
Wisconsin Induction Program for Special Education Leader (WIPSEL) Now Accepting Applications
The Regional Special Education Network (RSN), along with DPI and WCASS, are pleased to announce that nominations are open for the inaugural cohorts of the Wisconsin Induction Program for Special Education Leaders (WIPSEL).
The Wisconsin Induction Program for Special Education Leaders (WIPSEL) is intended to increase retention and build capacity for novice special education leaders. WIPSEL provides a blended model of professional learning, coaching and support directly to special education leaders throughout the state who are in their first 5 years of the profession. The WI DPI, in partnership with regional staff (Regional Special Education Network - RSN) and the state’s professional affiliate (Wisconsin Council for Administrators of Special Services - WCASS) has selected key High Leverage Practices (as defined and operationalized by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the CEEDAR Center) and key special education leadership principles and competencies (as defined by WCASS) around which to provide training, coaching and ongoing support. The intent of these areas of focus is to build special education leaders’ capacity in the adaptive change and instruction required to drive and lead the implementation of those practices at the classroom and district level. This work is grounded in our moral, ethical and professional obligation to meet the needs of each and every student. To that end, this partnership is focused on improving adult practices so that all students benefit, particularly those with IEPs.
To view the partnership agreement for this program, please click on the partnership agreement link here.
Who Should Attend?
- Special Education Directors in their first five years of the profession
- Licensed as a Director of Special Education (Completed or is enrolled in an approved program leading to licensure as a Director of Special Education and Pupil Services)
- Individuals who have primary responsibility for the special education department and work collaboratively with building leadership and classroom teachers to improve student outcomes in their district(s)
To nominate yourself or a colleague for the WIPSEL program, please complete this online form.
Nominations close on May 22, 2026. Twenty-four participants will be selected and will be placed in one of two cohorts. Participants will be notified of selection no later than June 5, 2026.
Questions may be directed to Jennifer Ledin, RSN Statewide Coordinator, at jenniferl@cesa12.org or Erin Faasuamalie, at erin.faasuamalie@dpi.wi.gov.
Resources
2024-2025 Seclusion and Physical Restraint Data and Summary Report Now Available
Wisconsin Statute 118.305 requires all Wisconsin school districts to annually report data related to seclusions and physical restraints that occur within their schools. This data, along with a summary report, are now available on the DPI’s Seclusion and Physical Restraint webpage. Due to the inherent physical risk and psychological harm to students, school staff members, and parents that can result from the use of seclusion and physical restraint, the website also contains tools and resources for school teams to reduce the use of seclusion and restraint. Tools include root cause analysis, and action planning and progress monitoring samples. Additional resources include system level, special education evaluation and IEP development, and grant information. If you have questions, please email SRMonitoring@dpi.wi.gov.
Other DPI News
News Releases
- State Superintendent Surprises Milton Art Teacher with 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Honor, May 08, 2026
- Sauk Prairie High School Counselor Named 2026-27 Teacher of the Year in Surprise Celebration, May 07, 2026
- State Superintendent Surprises Madison Teacher as 2026-27 Teacher of the Year During Visit, May 06, 2026
- State Superintendent Recognizes Wauwatosa East High School Teacher as 2026-27 Teacher of the Year During Surprise Visit, May 04, 2026
- State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week, May 04, 2026
DAC Digest, May 06, 2026
Upcoming Learning Events
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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