Director of Special Education and Pupil Services
Timely Information
Portrait of a Graduate Online Survey
Please share this short three question survey with anyone who may want to provide additional recommendations on Wisconsin’s Portrait of a Graduate. If you missed a listening session, this module highlights Wisconsin’s process for developing a shared, statewide vision through collaboration with educators, families, students, and community partners. It explores how a Portrait of a Graduate can guide teaching and learning to ensure all students graduate ready for their futures. Please take five minutes to complete our Portrait of a Graduate survey. Please use code 415-909-558 when prompted.
SPED Portal Applications: Transitioning from WAMS to MyWisconsin ID
The state of Wisconsin and DPI are committed to providing secure access to systems. As part of this commitment, DPI (along with all other state agencies) is planning a significant upgrade to authentication systems, transitioning from the current Web Access Management Systems (WAMS) platform to the Wisconsin Department of Administration's new, state-of-the-art MyWisconsin ID system. WAMS will end on June 30, 2026. If you have been logging in using Google, continue to do so. Or, if you typically use WAMS but have a Google enterprise account at your agency, we prefer you start using the Google Single Sign-on method.
Starting on July 1, 2026, if you have previously accessed DPI applications using a WAMS ID and you do not have a Google enterprise account at your school or district to sign in with Google, you will need a MyWisconsin ID. DPI highly recommends transitioning to signing in with Google or signing up for a MyWisconsin ID at your earliest convenience. Note, while you can sign up for a MyWisconsin ID right now, the login option will not be available until sometime in June.
MyWisconsin ID uses modern authentication that provides better functionality and security. Create a MyWisconsin ID by following the steps with screenshots on the webpage (DET MyWisconsin ID Self Registration). The MyWisconsin ID is person-specific; it is not a facility or company ID. You may already have a MyWisconsin ID associated with your personal email address due to interactions with other state agencies. To access DPI applications, associate your MyWisconsin ID with your work email address.
If you already have a WAMS account with your district email address, use the same email address with your new sign-in method to retain your existing access and user roles for DPI applications. If your WAMS account used a different email address than your current school/district email address, then you can follow the steps on the WISEhome webpage to request access to the DPI applications you need in your current role.
2026–27 Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) Supplemental Grant Competition
The Department of Public Instruction is pleased to announce the 2026–27 Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) Supplemental Grant Competition. Wisconsin public school districts, Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESAs), and consortia are eligible to apply. Private/charter schools are not eligible for this grant program. This is a supplemental funding opportunity. Current grantees of the 2025–2027 AODA Grant are not eligible to apply for this round of funding.
The AODA Grant provides funds to support the implementation or expansion of comprehensive, district-wide K–12 programs focused on preventing and addressing alcohol and other drug use. Priority will be given to applicants that have completed an AODA needs assessment, identified an evidence-based strategy, and are prepared to implement programming. Applications are due to DPI by 11:30 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026. For the application and additional information, please visit the AODA webpage. Questions may be directed to DPIAODA.Grant@dpi.wi.gov.
Resources
New, FREE Learning Opportunity for Teams of Wisconsin District & School Leaders
The Wisconsin Principal and Special Education Director IDEA Leadership Community of Practice is a sustained, collaborative learning experience designed for teams of principals, assistant principals, special education directors, and other leaders from the same district. Districts may register up to four representatives to participate as a team.
Across four interactive sessions, teams will learn together, share ideas, and engage in real-world problem-solving focused on strengthening collective leadership to champion the success of students with disabilities.
By participating as a district team, leaders will have dedicated time and structure to align perspectives, strengthen collaboration across roles, and translate shared learning into actionable next steps.
Session Dates & Times:
June 16, June 18, and June 22 | 1:00–2:00 PM CT
June 23 | 10:00–11:00 AM CT
Click this Link to Register your District’s Team
This opportunity is offered in partnership with the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA), Lead IDEA Center, Wisconsin Association of School Personnel Administrators (WASPA), Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Special Services (WCASS), and Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).
Other DPI News
Ed Leaders Dispatch, May 22nd, 2026
- Update on Spring 2026 Online ACT Scores
Connect-Ed, May 19th, 2026
- Ashwaubenon Students Hope to Bridge the Gap with Global Outreach Project,
- DPI Gathers Statewide Math Stories to Help Inform Future Support
- Be Air Aware During Wildfire Season
- New Community of Practice to Bring Together Special Education Directors, Principals, and Other District Leaders
DAC Digest, May 20th, 2026
Upcoming Learning Events
Endless Possibilities Conference: Advocacy in Education and Beyond!
Friday, August 7, 2026 | 8:30 am-3:00 pm at Waukesha County Technical College
Are you ready to advocate for a future without limits? This conference brings together a powerful collective of voices to provide you with the tools for success at every stage of the journey. Additional information and registration can be found on the Endless Possibilities Conference webpage.
Fall Blind and Visually Impaired Program Support Teacher Registration is Now Open!
On Friday, October 2, 2026, the WCBVI Outreach team will be hosting the event at Mid-State Technical College in Stevens Point, WI. This is a professional development event for teachers of the blind and visually impaired (TVIs) and orientation and mobility specialists (O&Ms). Topics include:
- Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (WCBVI) updates
- Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL)
- APH Product Showcase: Demonstration and Hands-On Exploration
- Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) and alternate achievement standards
Register for the Fall PST today! Registration closes September 15, 2026.
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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