DC to Receive More Than $170 Million in Stimulus Relief for K-12 Education
As you know, Congress recently passed a $900 billion stimulus relief package. We are excited that a portion of these funds will make their way to the District of Columbia to provide additional support to our K-12 schools. In the coming weeks, we expect additional guidance from the US Department of Education and will work as quickly as possible to get that information out to you, our education community. Here is what we know so far:
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSA), was signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020, and provides an additional $82 billion for education funding into the Educational Stabilization Fund (ESF) established under the March 27, 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
$54.3 billion has been added to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund for public K-12 schools nationally, with $172,013,174 allocated to the District of Columbia. States are encouraged to use this funding to address learning loss, prepare schools for reopening, and for testing, repairing, and upgrading projects to improve air quality in school buildings. Ninety percent of ESSER funding is for subgrants to Title I-A-eligible local educational agencies to support this effort; remaining funds are reserved for additional supports for these emergency needs.
States must report to the US Department of Education how they are using funds to measure and address learning loss among students disproportionately affected by the coronavirus and school closures, including the following: low-income students; children with disabilities; English learners; racial and ethnic minorities; students experiencing homelessness; children and youth in foster care.
$4.05 billion has been added to the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund for public K-12 schools nationally, with $7,728,185 allocated to the District of Columbia. These funds are for use to safely reopen schools, continue instruction, and address learning loss for public and private schools.
We will keep you posted as we receive additional guidance from the US Department of Education. For questions, please contact OSSE.CARES@dc.gov.
Help Revise the DC Social Studies State Standards – Join the Technical Writing Committee - Deadline Extended
OSSE invites K-12 educators and stakeholders to apply for the DC Social Studies Standards Technical Writing Committee whose members will review and revise the existing standards. The application for the Technical Writing Committee will close onFriday, Jan. 22, 2021. Please view the online application to learn more about the responsibilities and time commitment required for this committee. Each participant may be eligible to receive a stipend of up to $2,000 for successful completion of tasks and duties. For questions about the Technical Writing Committee application, please contact Annette Thacker-Bartlett at Annette.Thacker@dc.gov.
Additional Background: The DC State Board of Education (SBOE) and OSSE are leading a revision of the current DC social studies standards, which were last revised in 2006. This revision process presents an opportunity for the standards to be culturally responsive, anti-racist, to impart important social studies content in the early grades, strengthen student knowledge of democratic principles and values, and promote civic engagement. Visit the SBOE website to learn more about the revision process.
Public Notice from OSSE for Waiver Request to the US Department of Education
In light of the continued disruption to learning caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency, the US Department of Education has announced flexibilities available under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) Title IV, Part A Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant Program for the 2020-21 school year.
States may request waivers, on behalf of our LEAs, of one or more of the following requirements in Title IV, Part A of the ESEA:
Section 4106(d) of Title IV, Part A of the ESEA, related to LEA needs assessments for the 2020-21 school year.
Section 4106(e)(2)(C), (D), and (E) of Title IV, Part A of the ESEA, with respect to content-area spending requirements for fiscal year 2021 Title IV, Part A funds.
Section 4109(b) of Title IV, Part A of the ESEA, with respect to the 15 percent spending limitation for technology infrastructure for fiscal year 2021 Title IV, Part A funds.
Please note that all other requirements in Title IV, Part A of the ESEA would continue to apply. These waivers are the same as the waivers that were offered for Title IV, Part A for fiscal year 2020 in the spring.
OSSE intends to apply for these three waivers and asks for public comments. You may submit public comment on OSSE’s planned request for this waiver to the listed sections of Title IV, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) by emailing Con.App@dc.gov by 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 22, 2021.
School Health and Safety Guidance Technical Assistance OSSE's Health and Wellness Division is offering the following technical assistance:
Biweekly technical assistance calls led by OSSE and in partnership with DC Health, the Public Charter School Board, DCPS, and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education. The online calls provide support regarding the implementation of health and safety guidance during the COVID-19 recovery period. These Monday calls take place from 1-2 p.m. every other week. The next call is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 25. Register for this and all upcoming calls.
Updated resources, including resources on PPE requirements, exclusion and dismissal criteria and protocols, and return to school criteria, are now available on the COVID-19 guidance and resources webpage.
Question submission form for schools and LEAs to submit questions to OSSE regarding health and safety reopening guidance. Submit a question via this Google Form.
Nominate an Outstanding Math, Science or STEM Teacher for a Presidential Award (PAEMST)
OSSE seeks nominations for outstanding grade 7-12 teachers of mathematics, science, engineering, technology or computer science to be considered for the 2021 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The Presidential Awards are the nation’s highest honors for STEM teachers and recipients receive recognition from the White House, a $10,000 award, invitations to a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and an opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation.
Principals, teachers, parents, students, and members of the general public are encouraged to nominate exceptional grades 7-12 teachers of STEM subjects by the deadline of Monday, March 1, 2021. Nominations may be submitted for more than one teacher. Once nominated, a teacher has until the application deadline ofThursday, April 1, 2021 to apply to be considered for this year’s award. Grade 7-12 STEM teachers may also initiate the application process themselves, without waiting for a nomination, by visiting PAEMST.org.
Learn more about the PAEMST award and the nomination and application process by attending OSSE’s PAEMST Nomination Celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, from 5-6 p.m. Registerfor this virtual event. For more information about the PAEMST award program, including eligibility criteria, please visit the official website. For questions, please contact Lauren Allen, state science/STEM specialist, at Lauren.Allen@dc.gov or Tanaga Rodgers, state math specialist, at Tanaga.Rodgers@dc.gov.
OSSE Seeking Nominations: 2021 DC History Teacher of the Year
OSSE is calling for nominations for the 2021 District of Columbia History Teacher of the Year! This award, sponsored by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, honors exceptional K–12 educators who teach American history(including DC history) as either an individual subject or as part of other subjects, such as social studies, reading, or language arts. Educators who serve full-time in public, public charter, and private schools in the District of Columbia, with at least three years’ teaching experience, are all eligible to be considered for this award.
Nominations can be made by a student, parent, colleague, or principal/administrator or another person familiar with the teacher’s work. Self-nominations are not accepted. To nominate a teacher, complete this short nomination form with the teacher’s contact information. Nominations are due by Wednesday, March 31, 2021.All nominees will be invited to complete the application process by Friday, April 30, 2021. For more information about this award, please visit the official website. For questions about OSSE’s participation in this award, please contact Annette Thacker-Bartlett at Annette.Thacker@dc.gov.
2020 DC Environmental Literacy Plan Released
OSSE has released the 2020 DC Environmental Literacy Plan (ELP). As required by the Healthy Schools Act, OSSE has collaborated with numerous District agencies to develop this three-year strategic plan that will guide environmental education efforts across the District. The ELP describes how environmental concepts can be integrated into school curriculum, professional development opportunities for teachers, governmental and community partners with resources to support schools, and more. The plan can be downloaded from the OSSE website. For questions, please contact Grace Manubay at Grace.Manubay@dc.gov.
Graduation Requirements Flexibility (reminder) The Council approved emergency legislation providing flexibility from graduation requirements for the 2020-21 school year. Mayor Muriel Bowser signed the emergency legislation and it will be effective until Wednesday, March 17, 2021. The law takes the following actions:
Waives the community service requirement for a senior who would otherwise be eligible to graduate from high school in the 2020-21 school year; and
Waives the Carnegie Seat Time requirement of 120 hours of classroom instruction for the 2020-21 school year to students in an LEA with an approved continuous education plan.
This flexibility is the same provided to graduates in the 2019-20 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. LEAs may make diploma decisions based on these flexibilities at this time.
Temporary legislation awaits Council action that will extend this flexibility beyond March 2021; this legislation awaits a second reading and action by Mayor Bowser. We will update you as the temporary legislation moves through the legislative process. For questions, please contact Justin Tooley, deputy chief of staff, at Justin.Tooley@dc.gov.
LEA COVID-19 Nonpublic School Reminders: Nonpublic Learning Plans and LEA Requests for Continued Payments to Nonpublic Schools(reminder) Nonpublic school Continuous Learning Plans: For continued payment in the 2020-21 school year, nonpublic schools must submit an updated learning plan to OSSE and the LEA of enrollment each time the plan changes or dates are extended. The plan should be developed in collaboration with each DC LEA that has a student attending the nonpublic school and should align with the District of Columbia’s 2020-21 School Year LEA Continuous Learning and School Recovery Plan. Additional information regarding learning plans can be found on OSSE's website.
LEA Requests for Continued Payments to Nonpublic Schools: In order for nonpublic schools to continue to receive payments from OSSE throughout the 2020-21 school year COVID-19 period, LEAs must submit an updated request to continue payments to nonpublic schools for each nonpublic special education school serving LEA’s enrolled students (pursuant to Chapter 28 of Title 5-A of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (5-A 28 DCMR § 2821.15). LEAs should complete the Request to Continue Nonpublic School Payment form. Completed forms should be uploaded to OSSE’s Nonpublic Invoice Box File Transfer Protocol (FTP) for Online Invoice Submission.
Important Immunization Reminder and Requirements for In-Person Learning (reminder)
The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of protecting children against contagious diseases. Now, more than ever, families should make appointments and receive their necessary immunizations and flu shots. A list of health providers and locations offering pediatric immunizations is available on the DC Health website.
To protect the health and safety of all students, DC Health and OSSE have advised that all schools adopt the Immunization Policy for In-Person Attendance for the 2020-21 school year. This includes notifying and potentially removing non-compliant students from in-person instruction after a 20-school day period due to the public health risks of in-person congregation without up-to-date immunizations. Parents/guardians should be notified immediately by the school if their student is not up-to-date on their immunizations, regardless of whether the student is participating in distance or in-person instruction. Students who have been in the distance learning posture this school year must be up-to-date on their immunizations before returning for in-person instruction.
OSSE's website has resources, training and information available for schools and families to support meeting immunization requirements. For questions about the Immunization Policy for In-Person Attendance, please contact OSSE.SchoolHealth@dc.gov. For questions about immunization information, data, and locations where families can receive immunizations, schools can contact DC Health at DOH.Immunization@dc.gov or visit the DC Health Immunization Program webpage.
Special Education Transportation Reminders in Preparation for Return to Service(reminder)
OSSE's Division of Student Transportation (OSSE DOT) is providing transportation services for the 2020-21 school year, for schools offering “hybrid” (combination of distance and in-person) or “in-person” learning. While we recognize and appreciate the updates we have received for school calendars to reflect a model that includes in-person services, we wanted to remind you of our timeline for submitting your school calendars, to include the day you will begin in-person learning and the associated Transportation Request Forms (TRFs) for your eligible students who will use transportation services.
According to our Special Education Transportation Policy, OSSE DOT has 10 business days to process transportation requests. However, given the higher volume of requests at the start of the school year along with the need for data verification, staff notifications, and various other preparation activities, DOT requests that all calendar updates and TRFs be submitted no less than 20 business days (four weeks) prior to your first day of in-person learning for the applicable student group to ensure transportation services are provided. Once services begin, requests will be processed on a rolling basis according to our policy.
OSSE DOT has made several changes based on federal and local health guidance to ensure the protection, safety and well-being of our students, staff, and the school communities we serve. As a part of our reopening plan, we will provide families with information regarding the internal measures OSSE DOT will be taking to create a safe transportation environment with student-specific routing information prior to the first day of service. LEAs and schools can access this information on OSSE's website and are welcome to share it with families as well. Additionally, all school buses are now named, “District of Columbia Student Transportation,” to be more inclusive of all educational programs supported by transportation services.
It is our goal to make the transition to school-based learning as safe and seamless as possible for the families and schools we serve. For additional questions or concerns, please contact our TOTE Support Line at (202) 576-5520 or DOT.Data@dc.gov.
2021 Virtual Professional Learning for DC Educators OSSE's Division of Teaching and Learning (TAL)has several professional learning opportunities now open for registration. Several new PD series will begin in January and February 2021, across a range of educator topic areas. Upcoming series include:
Games, Creative Exercises, and Brain Breaks for SEL and Academic Achievement (starts today, Friday, Jan. 15)
Upcoming Emergency Epinephrine Administration Trainings Every public and public charter school in DC is required by law to have a minimum of two staff certified in the administration of epinephrine (EpiPens) each year. Whether your school is offering in-person instruction, distance learning, or a combination of the two, it is important that your school has two staff certified in the administration of this life-saving medication, as mandated by the Access to Emergency Epinephrine in Schools Amendment Act of 2015.
This spring, OSSE’s Allergy Management Team within the Division of Health and Wellness is holding a series of Epinephrine Administration Trainings to provide one-year certification of all employees who complete this training. As part of this course, participants will learn how to identify and prevent severe allergic reactions, properly store epinephrine auto-injectors, and safely administer epinephrine during an emergency.
The live trainings will be offered virtually on the following dates:
Wednesday, Jan. 27, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 17, from 1-3 p.m.
School staff may also choose to receive certification at their convenience via a recorded Online Certification Course. To register for either a live or recorded training, complete the training sign up form. For questions, please contact OSSE’s Allergy Management Team at OSSE.Epi@dc.gov.
LEA Special Education Points of Contact Webinar (reminder)
On Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2020, from 10-11 a.m., OSSE will host its next monthly webinar training for all LEA Special Education Points of Contact (LEA SE POCs). During this training, OSSE will provide important information relevant to your role as the LEA SE POC, according to the following agenda:
Policy Updates
Monitoring Updates
Transportation Updates
Nonpublic Updates
Please note: All LEA SE POCs are expected to participate in each month’s webinar, and share any relevant content, updates, or announcements with LEA staff following the broadcast. If you are not already signed up for the webinar series, please register.
For questions about this webinar, please contact Tiffany Ingram at Tiffany.Ingram1@dc.gov.
Youth Mental Health First Aid – Virtual Workshop (reminder)
Youth Mental Health First Aid USA is a public education program that introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge.
This blended learning course teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance use disorder.
The workshop will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. [Register] Participants are required to complete a two-hour self-paced intro course prior to attending the virtual training. All pre-work and virtual details will be provided to participants one week prior to their training date.
Homeless Education Program MKV Monthly Dialogue Schedule (reminder)
OSSE's Homeless Education Program has invited subject matter experts to present on a variety of topics that impact students and families experiencing homelessness. These one-hour monthly webinars are available to LEA/school-based employees, homeless liaisons and community partners. Presentations typically take place on the second Wednesday of each month, through May 2021, from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth: Youth Advocacy & Scholarship Program - Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021
NAEHCY will share information for youth experiencing homelessness necessary to make sound financial decisions preparing for their transition from high school. Details about the 2021 NAEHCY Conference and scholarship application will be shared with attendees. Register
College and Career Readiness, FAFSA, DCTAG Presentation - Wednesday, March 10, 2021
High school and adult education liaisons will receive information for 2021-22 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application, preparing students for DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) application and transitioning from high school. Register
Ayuda Community Partner Presentation - Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Program and services for low-income immigrant families. Register
End of the 2020-21 School Year MKV Procedures - Wednesday, May 12, 2021
LEA and school-based homeless liaisons will be prepared for the end of the school year close out procedures, summer learning transition and preparation for the 2021-22 school year. Register
For any additional questions or technical assistance, please contact Tasheen Stallings at Tasheen.Stallings@dc.gov.
Federal Funding Announcement for Environmental Education Grant Opportunity
The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office has released details of the fiscal year 2021 Chesapeake Bay-Watershed and Training (B-WET) program funding opportunity. Applications are due by Monday, March 1, 2021. The full Notice of Funding Opportunity is now available and includes comprehensive information about eligibility and the application process. An info session will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Register
This year, new grants will focus on one of the following two priorities: 1) increasing LEA capacity to plan for and deliver curriculum-embedded environmental education and 2) implementing system-wide meaningful watershed educational experiences (MWEEs) in LEAs. NOAA recognizes that educators are facing challenges due to shifts between in-person and virtual learning this year and because of this aim to provide maximum flexibility in how B-WET programs are delivered. These grants are intended to help school districts develop long-lasting MWEE programs that exist well beyond the grant funding.
This year the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office has also included an optional Special Interest Area of Community Partnerships. This includes projects that partner specifically with community organizations that are run by and/or serve marginalized groups, particularly minority communities. For more information on the Priority Areas and Special Interest area, please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity. For questions, please contact Elise Trelegan, Chesapeake B-WET Program Coordinator at Elise.Trelegan@noaa.gov.
OSSE will continue to update and redistribute these resources quarterly. If you have a question not addressed in these resources, please contact OSSE Communications at OSSE.Communications@dc.gov.
Subscribe to LEA Look Forward
To subscribe to OSSE's LEA Look Forward, please contact OSSE Communications at OSSE.Communications@dc.gov and provide your first name, last name, and email address.
