Special Education Leaders Meeting Highlights and Emergency Licensure Updates
Special Education Leaders gathered for a meeting discussing Emergency Licensure Requirements for SY2022-2023, introducing the Executive Office of Education Ombudspersons. Topics included Dyslexia Updates, Special Education Updates, and Q&A sessions. Feedback surveys and results highlighted top future meeting topics, including addressing mental health needs of students with disabilities, IEP Improvement Project, and staffing for the upcoming school year. Details on the old and new Emergency License validity were also shared.
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Special Education Leaders' Meeting August 2, 2022
Special Education Leaders Feedback Survey 01 Emergency Licensure Requirements for SY2022-2023 Introducing the Executive Office of Education (EOE) Ombudspersons 02 03 CONTENTS Dyslexia Update 04 Special Education Updates 05 06 Q&A
Special Education Leaders Feedback Survey 01
question #1. Massachusetts Department ofElementaryandSecondaryEducation 4
question #3. Massachusetts Department ofElementaryandSecondaryEducation 5
Special Education Leaders Survey Results Q & A feedback Top topics for future meetings Addressing mental health needs of students with disabilities IEP Improvement Project Staffing for the upcoming school year Massachusetts Department ofElementaryandSecondaryEducation
Emergency Licensure Requirements for SY2022-2023 02
Emergency License As of May 26, 2022, the Emergency license is back. Over the next few slides, we will provide some details on how the old one is different than the new one. Massachusetts Department ofElementaryandSecondaryEducation 8
Old Emergency License License was originally valid until June 30, 2021. Was available up until 180 days following the State of Emergency - December 12, 2021. Based on feedback from some school districts and some ongoing challenges to satisfy all licensure requirements, the Commissioner exercised a clause in the statute and extended the validity of the license, first until June 30, 2022, and now until June 30, 2023 Special Education and ESL teachers can apply for a no-cost extension to June 30, 2023. They need to demonstrate subject matter knowledge to get the extension. Massachusetts Department ofElementaryandSecondaryEducation 9
Old Emergency License (cont.) An ESL teacher with an emergency license would demonstrate subject matter knowledge by passing the ESL MTEL Special education teachers would demonstrate subject matter knowledge by satisfying the competency review. If you are employing a special education teacher, a great way for them to qualify for the extension is via Structured Guidance & Supports (more about that in slide 8). Can also satisfy the competency review via coursework, seminars/workshops or mentored employment (more about that in slide 7). No deadline to apply for the extension No deadline to qualify for the extension No cost for the extension Extension process is explained on our YouTube channel: Emergency Extension Special Education and ESL MELS - YouTube Massachusetts Department ofElementaryandSecondaryEducation 10
New Emergency License Language in the Supplemental Budget authorized the Department to be able to reissue it. We will have 180 days from the end of the special state of emergency to be able to issue it (just like the initial round). Since it became available around 7:00 PM on May 26th we have issued over 2,600 new emergency licenses (as of 7/29/22). These emergency licenses are valid for 12-months from the date of issuance (old emergency license is basically valid for a school year with the current expiration of 6/30/23). Requirements to obtain one are just like in the old emergency license except for special education and ESL, those requirements are the same as the expectations for an extension. Massachusetts Department ofElementaryandSecondaryEducation 11
New Emergency License (cont.) These emergency licenses will be eligible to be extended by demonstrating progress towards getting licensed. Up to two extensions are possible, however, based on the progress necessary, many individuals may qualify for a license when demonstrating progress for a 2nd extension. Requirements to get an extension will likely be announced in August. Process to get an extension in ELAR may not be developed until at least September. Massachusetts Department ofElementaryandSecondaryEducation 12
New Emergency License (cont.) Example of draft requirements to get an extension for most academic teacher licenses: Possession of an Emergency license in the field and at the grade level of the extension sought Completes the requirements for the first extension since the issuance of the Emergency license in the field and at the grade level of the extension sought One of the following: o passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills test o passing score (list all subject matter test) o Enrollment in or completion of coursework within approved preparation program for the field and at the grade level of the Emergency license sought Participation in induction program Has not documented compliance with all requirements for a provisional or initial license for the field and at the grade level of the Emergency license sought Massachusetts Department ofElementaryandSecondaryEducation 13
The Competency Review A Competency Review is the process for determining whether the subject matter knowledge requirements for a license have been met in a field for which there is no MTEL subject test. Competencies are also known as the "coverage of" requirements and can be satisfied through the completion of a professional learning experience(s) that provided at least 10 hours of instruction specific to and completely covering a subject matter knowledge requirement. Competencies can be satisfied through completion of any one or combination of coursework, seminars, workshops, mentored employment, or peer coaching or Structured Guidance and Support (SGS). Massachusetts Department ofElementaryandSecondaryEducation 14
Structured Guidance & Supports Classroom focused professional support The Structured Guidance & Supports (SG&S) process is one path for completing the Competency Review. The SG&S process is a performance-based assessment for a teacher licensure candidate. SG&S The SG&S process and assessment takes place over a supervised 150-hour field- based experience. Assessment Supervision Massachusetts Department ofElementaryandSecondaryEducation 15
Introducing the Executive Office of Education (EOE) Ombudspersons 03
Office of the Ombudsperson Why? The MA Executive Office of Education (EOE) established the Office of the Ombudsperson to address certain complex and time-sensitive situations where school-age children facing an emergency may need urgent decisions about their education. What is the goal? To establish strong practices and effective communication systems across State agencies that enhances collaboration and creates repeatable processes to respond to children in crises and reduce the length of time they are boarding. Who are we? Heidi Gold, Sr. Policy Manager, EOE Emily Sherwood, Consultant, EOE 17
Role of Ombudsperson Main point of contact for other State agencies who are working to resolve complex cases They may be working with hospital staff, attorneys, social workers, families directly, etc. Most involve children with ASD/ID who are well known to the districts Liaison between EOE, DESE and the LEAs and EOHHS and their agencies: Department of Children and Families Department of Mental Health Department of Developmental Disabilities MassHealth 18
Role of Ombudsperson Upon obtaining a release, we may contact you to ask the following about a particular child: To inquire about educational services while a child is boarding (in an emergency department or medical unit awaiting admission to a psychiatric unit or in a psychiatric unit awaiting a discharge plan) Provide an update on a placement that has already been approved to understand the status of the applications to various residential schools Provide information related to a recent IEP and related evaluations Will continue to refer to BSEA and PRS for dispute resolution 19
Whats Next We want to hear from you! How can we help facilitate better processes? Contact Information: Heidi Gold: Heidi.s.gold@mass.gov; 617-780-5006 Emily Sherwood: Emily.e.sherwood@mass.gov 20
Public Comment on Proposed Dyslexia Regulations As part of efforts to improve early literacy and identify and effectively educate students with dyslexia, the Board of Elementary and Secondary voted at its June 28, 2022 meeting to solicit public comment on a proposal to amend the special education regulations on School District Administration and Personnel to require all elementary schools to assess each student s reading abilities and foundational skills at least twice per year from kindergarten through at least third grade. Full details on the proposed amendment are available by downloading this Board memo. Public comment on this proposed amendment will be accepted via email to DESE s Office of Special Education Planning and Policy at specialeducation@doe.mass.edu through Friday, August 19. Massachusetts Department ofElementaryandSecondaryEducation 22
Early Literacy Universal Screening Assessments In 2022, DESE engaged in a comprehensive process to identify early literacy universal screeners that comport with the Massachusetts Dyslexia Guidelines and principles of anti-bias. A diverse group of experts which included researchers, teachers, administrators, and specialists worked with DESE to determine assessment criteria. Publishers had the opportunity to submit information about their assessments, which were reviewed and scored based on established criteria . Current Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education approved early literacy universal screeners are listed below in two categories: Meets Expectations and Partially Meets Expectations. July 18: Updated list of Early Literacy Universal Screening Assessments posted on website https://www.doe.mass.edu/instruction/screening- assessments.html Massachusetts Department ofElementaryandSecondaryEducation 23
05 Special Education Updates
Time Out Reminder that the Reducing or Eliminating the Use of Time- Out Rooms guidance is still in place. The Master Agreement requirements and associated documents for Effective Behavioral Intervention Programs can be found at 23MASESMN1 on COMMBUYS. Massachusetts Department ofElementaryandSecondaryEducation 25
Individual Student Accommodations 603 CMR 28.03 (3)(c) and 28.04 (4) Individual Student IEP Contingency (Unscheduled evaluations for medical reasons) 603 CMR 28.04(4) Students with an IEP who are likely unable to attend school in person for more than sixty (60) school days in any school year, as documented by a physician. More information may be found in the Q&A guide. Individual StudentMedical Requirement Home or Hospital Services 603 CMR 28.03(3)(c) Students unable to attend school in person for a minimum of 14 days. More information about this regulation may be found in the Q&A guide. Massachusetts Department ofElementaryandSecondaryEducation 26
Implementing Education in Home or Hospital Settings 608 CMR 28.04(4) Form and Guidance Updated information related to the implementation of educational services in the home or hospital settings o Question and Answer Guide on the Implementation of Educational Services in the Home or Hospital Updated Question 4 to include livestreaming and/or remote instruction o Physician's Affirmation of Need for Temporary Home or Hospital Education for Medically Necessary Reasons (28.03(3)(c)) o Physician's Affirmation of Medical Reasons That Student is Likely to Remain at Home, in a Hospital, or in a Pediatric Nursing Home for More than 60 School Days (28.04(4)) o All these materials have also been posted here: https://www.doe.mass.edu/news/news.aspx?id=26474 Translations posted! Massachusetts Department ofElementaryandSecondaryEducation 27
New OSEP Guidance New Guidance Helps Schools Support Students with Disabilities and Avoid Discriminatory Use of Discipline | U.S. Department of Education Questions and Answers: Addressing the Needs of Children with Disabilities and IDEA s Discipline Provisions. July 19, 2022 (PDF) Massachusetts Department ofElementaryandSecondaryEducation
Important Dates and Action Steps - Year 2 of Resolution Funds Date Actions and documentation due to the Department June 1, 2022 LEAS s must conduct consultation meetings regarding Resolution Funds. LEAs must submit signed written affirmation to the Department. A sample affirmation that includes Resolution Funds can be found at https://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/proshare/ in the Sample Documents section. LEAs will complete IDEA consolidated grant applications for Fund Codes 240 and 262 for proportionate share and the Resolution Funds. Budget and narrative descriptions submitted to the Department as part of the grant application process reflecting activities discussed during the consultations. July 2022 - October 4, 2022 Fall 2022 services begin Check service plans and update as needed, finalize contracts with vendors, communication and meetings with homeschooled families and private school families regarding services and service plans Consultation with private schools Fall 2022 October 1, 2022- December 1, 2022 Child count Retain documentation as this count will be reported to the Department during the summer/fall 2023 in the IDEA application for FY2024. Massachusetts Department ofElementaryandSecondaryEducation 29
Important Dates and Action Steps for Year 2 of Resolution (cont.) Date Actions and documentation due to the Department December 31, 2022 Complete the self-assessment which will include: A summary of the budget you proposed through the application, The total expenditures to date, A summary of the type of expenditures, and Date of the spring consultation meeting. Department will notify affected LEAs of FY2024 allocations (Year 3). April 2023 The Department recommends consultation meetings regarding the FY2024 Resolution Funds occur by May. May 2023 June 1, 2023 LEAs must submit signed written affirmation to the Department as evidence of the spring consultation regarding FY2024 Resolution Funds. A sample affirmation that includes Resolution Funds can be found at https://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/proshare/ in the Sample Documents section. Massachusetts Department ofElementaryandSecondaryEducation 30
Special Education Leaders Meetings for SY2022-2023 2022 2023 Friday, September 16, 2022 (Noon to 1:00 p.m.) Friday, October 21, 2022 (Noon to 1:00 p.m.) NEW DATE/TIME! Friday, November 18, 2022 (Noon to 1:00 p.m.) No meeting in December 2022 Friday, January 20, 2023 Noon to 1pm Friday, February 10, 2023 Noon to 1pm Friday, March 24, 2023 11am to noon Friday, April 28, 2023 11am to noon Friday, May 26, 2023 11am to noon Friday, June 23, 2023 11am to noon Massachusetts Department ofElementaryandSecondaryEducation 31
06 Q&A
