| MUST KNOW
Update on the Graduation Measures Initiative
· On November 4, Department staff presented NY Inspires: A Plan to Transform Education in New York State at the November 2024 Board of Regents meeting.
· This plan provides a timeline for implementing the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures.
· Until specific changes are approved by the Board of Regents, the current graduation requirements remain in effect for all public school students in New York State.
· A recording of the November 2024 Board of Regents meeting and a list of frequently asked questions can be referenced on NYSED’s Graduation Measures webpage.
· Further questions may be directed to GradMeasures@nysed.gov.
FYI
Office of Early Learning Releases Webinar Series on the P-3 Instructional Approach
· The Office of Early Learning has released a series of recorded webinars on the P-3 Instructional Approach, which aims to enhance coordination from PreK through 3rd grade and beyond by ensuring horizontal and vertical consistency across grades.
· The four webinars include:
· P-3 Instructional Guidance Toolkit Overview
· Effective P-3 Instruction
· Supporting & Strengthening P-3 Instructional Practices
· How to Begin a P-3 Approach
· These recorded webinars feature first-hand examples from school districts across New York State on how they have implemented the P-3 Instructional Approach.
· The P-3 Instructional Guidance Toolkit and all recorded webinars are available on the Office of Early Learning’s PreK-3rd Grade Learning Continuum webpage.
· Please reach out to the Office of Early Learning at OEL@nysed.gov with any questions.
FYI
New York State Procedural Safeguards Notice for Students with Disabilities
· The New York State Education Department Office of Special Education (OSE) has posted the May 2024 Procedural Safeguards Notice in 5 additional languages (Italian, Korean, Polish, Somali, and Yiddish), for a total of 15 languages, consistent with the New York State Language Access Law.
· As a reminder, the May 2024 updates included both minor technical edits and formatting changes along with several substantive changes. The substantive changes include the:
· addition of a section on accelerated relief (pgs. 26-27);
· removal of the prohibition of attorney fees for special education mediation;
· highlighting special education mediation as a dispute resolution in a standalone section (pgs. 13-14); and
· change in hours of alternative instruction at the elementary and secondary level (pg. 33).
· The Procedural Safeguards Notice is available in English and 15 other languages on the OSE website.
· As a reminder, the Procedural Safeguards Notice must be provided to parents of a student with a disability at a minimum of one time per year and upon:
· initial referral or parental request for evaluation;
· request by a parent;
· the first filing of a due process complaint notice to request mediation or an impartial due process hearing;
· a decision to impose a suspension or removal that constitutes a disciplinary change in placement; and
· receipt of a parent’s first State complaint in a school year.
· Questions relating to the Procedural Safeguards Notice may be directed to the OSE Special Education Policy Unit at (518) 473-2878, speced@nysed.gov, or the Special Education Quality Assurance Office in your region.
FYI
2025-26 FAFSA and New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Applications Are Now Open
· Students must complete FAFSA and TAP applications each year to receive an award.
· Here’s what students and their families need to know:
· FAFSA Renewal: Renewing the FAFSA can be quick and easy. Much of the information provided by students and their families on the previous year’s FAFSA automatically carries over. Students should be sure to update any information that has changed since last year. To renew, visit the Federal Student Aid website and log in as a returning user. Visit the Prepare What You Need page for more information on the documentation needed to complete the FAFSA.
· NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): To request payment of the TAP award each year, students must complete the NYS Student Aid Payment Application, which is linked directly from the FAFSA.
· Students applying through the New York State DREAM Act can apply through their DREAM Act account.
· Text Alerts for Financial Aid: Sign up to receive texts from the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) with key information about financial aid, important deadline dates, and resources to help students on their path to higher education.
· Need assistance completing the FAFSA or TAP? Check HESC’s schedule of events for one-on-one help completing the applications.
FYI
Sign Up to Receive TEACH New York’s (TeachNY) Resources
· Since launching in March 2024, NYSED-led TeachNY has inspired prospective teachers to explore the teaching profession. The initiative provides free support for individuals interested in becoming certified educators through advertising, an online platform, virtual/in-person programming, and financial aid resources.
· All school districts in New York State are welcome to join us for an introductory information session about TeachNY. As a leader in your district, we encourage you to attend and discover how NYSED can assist with your teacher recruitment initiatives. During these sessions, we will provide an overview of various resources available to your district, including toolkits and surveys. We look forward to seeing you there!
· TeachNY’s resources and support for districts are free!
· We will offer four “Learn About TeachNY” sessions for district leaders, principals, and human resources directors. Please sign up here, and you will receive a link.
· Not able to attend on one of these dates? Please contact Proudy Bailey, TeachNY’s Regional Program Manager, to receive access to TeachNY’s recruitment resources.
· For questions, please email OTLD@nysed.gov. |
