Early Beginnings to Bright Futures; this simple sentiment is one that we hope will be true for all children. It was also the theme of the 2024 OSEP Leadership and Project Directors Conference, held August 6–8 in Arlington, VA. Like many of you, our IDC staff was on hand at our industry’s biggest gathering of the year. Along with some 1,600 of our peers, we presented and pondered, listened and learned, networked and noticed throughout the jam-packed two and a half days of sessions, meetups, impact panels, and plenaries. Let’s take a look back at some of IDC’s highlights from OSEP 2024 and how we can continue to work together to help build students’ early beginnings into even brighter futures.
Workshopping Indicator 18
IDC’s Nancy Johnson and Heather Reynolds held a timely 60-minute workshop on Indicator 18 that helped states as they prepare to submit this information for the very first time with the FY 2023 SPP/APR (due February 1, 2025). Their session covered all the basics surrounding Indicator 18 and reviewed one of IDC’s latest online resources, namely our Indicator 18 Calculation and Reporting Tool.
Talking About DMS and Data Processes
IDC also hosted two talk sessions about key issues in IDEA data. Our own Heather Reynolds joined Susan Hayes of NCSI to speak to a pannel of states in DMS Cohort 2 about their experiences and insights about DMS preparation, including how and why they utilized the technical assisntance services of centers like IDC. The presentation included an overview of DMS and a list of resources for states. Next, Mary Watson and Chris Thacker partnered with Arkansas’ Yvonne Green for a state story about data processes, featuring our new-and-improved SEA Data Processes Toolkit. In addition to a brief tour of the improved toolkit, Yvonne offered participants and insider’s look at the value and long-term benefits of documenting state data processes.
Meetups: SPP/APR & Part B Data Managers
Our own Nancy Johnson and Chris Thacker started out by hosting a meetup session dedicated to “all things SPP/APR” where they invited participants to join a lively discussion regarding changes to the SPP/APR introduction, Indicators 4A and 4B, the new Indicator 18, and more. In a second session, Kelley Blas and Kristen DeSalvatore discussed issues unique to the role of Part B data manager, covering important issues including everything from data quality to best practices for local disctricts’ reporting.
A Date with Data & Poster Session
And that’s not all. IDC was excited to share information about our A Date with Data podcast, which was also highlighted as a potential model for state impact stories. In the exhibition hall, Fred Edora and Lauren Holahan presented a poster about “Connecting Perspectives: Engaging Stakeholders for Collaborative Impact.”
IDC Is on the Move, but Always Available
We think everyone can agree that OSEP 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together the best and brightest of our field for important conversations that we intend to continue into the fall. Indeed, while we always appreciate the chance to connect with states at conferences and other networking events, we know that the real value lies in our direct work together, making the types of actionable changes that have a real impact on children and students with disabilities and their families.
Looking for that help? Whether you want talk more about Indicator 18, improve your state’s data processes, prepare for DMS, the SPP/APR or just chat about Part B IDEA data, we are standing by to help. Contact your IDC State Liaison today to get started.