In This Issue of the OSEEL Newsletter
- Kentucky Receives Highest Rating for Special Education Implementation for 15th Consecutive Year
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Spotlight on Effective Instruction: Empowering Educators with Key Resources
- Transition Education Unit
- Division of IDEA Monitoring and Results
- Division of IDEA Implementation
- Gifted and Talented
- Extended School Services
- Early Learning Unit
- Division of State Schools - KSB and KSD
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) has recognized Kentucky for meeting the requirements and purposes of Part B of the IDEA for the 15th consecutive year.
This achievement reflects the dedication of Kentucky’s special education staff and families in supporting school-aged children with disabilities. The Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Early Learning (OSEEL) administers the Part B program in Kentucky.
In 2024, 21 states or territories, including Kentucky, were determined to meet requirements. Kentucky is one of only two states to maintain this level of excellence for so many consecutive years, underscoring the state's commitment to the ideals of IDEA: equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency for children with disabilities.
"This accomplishment reflects the collaborative efforts at all levels of education in our state,: said Gretta Hylton, associate commissioner of OSEEL. "I deeply appreciate the ongoing support and commitment from our educators, families and community partners."
Spotlight on Effective Instruction: Empowering Educators with Key Resources
OSEEL is committed to enhancing the quality of education for students with disabilities through its North Star Priority of Effective Instruction. Its goal is to ensure all educators have access to essential resources that support evidence-based practices in their classrooms.
We are excited to highlight that a comprehensive collection of instructional resources is available online. This resource page offers valuable tools for general education teachers, special education teachers and district staff.
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Kentucky Foundational Literacy Toolkit: This tool assists in improving literacy outcomes for students with disabilities by implementing key foundational literacy practices.
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Kentucky Mathematics Toolkit: This toolkit helps identify and measure effective mathematics instruction for students with disabilities.
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The IRIS Center: Developed with input from experts, these resources include modules and activities on evidence-based instructional and intervention practices.
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High-Quality Mathematics Instruction: This module outlines essential practices and standards-based curriculum for teaching mathematics.
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Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)/Response to Intervention (RtI): This module provides guidance on instruction, assessment and data-based decision-making in mathematics.
By leveraging these resources, educators can enhance their instructional strategies and ensure that every student receives a high-quality, inclusive education. Explore these tools and join us in our mission to support effective instruction for all students.
Transition Education Unit
This year marks the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The signing of the ADA was a landmark event to promote equal opportunities for persons with disabilities across public environments (e.g., workplace, postsecondary education).
As educators, we recognize that job accommodations are vital in creating inclusive workplaces and increasing employment opportunities for students with disabilities. The Job Accommodation Network is a valuable resource.
Kentucky's State Personnel Development Grant program, KY Transition 360 for Educators, will launch this fall! This dynamic tiered professional learning opportunity offers on-demand resources and trainings designed to enhance educator capacity in transition education, aiming to improve post-school outcomes for youth with disabilities. More information is coming soon.
On July 9-10, the Kentucky Department of Education's OSEEL Transition Education Unit hosted its second annual Special Education Professional Cohort for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Summer Program. The program strives to enhance CTE opportunities for special education students by training special education teachers alongside CTE professionals with an emphasis on collaboration. The initiative included scholarships for 14 special education teachers across the Commonwealth to attend the program and foster ongoing community and learning among educators statewide.
 Pictured above (from left): OSEEL Transition Education Unit members Jason Wheatley, Allison Johnson, Marisa Duarte, Stephanie Miller and Bill Bates
 Pictured above OSEEL Transition Education Unit members, Office of Career and Technical Education members and Special Education CTE Professional Cohort participants
Division of IDEA Monitoring and Results
Alternate Assessment Aligned with Alternate Academic Achievement Standards (AA-AAAS) Parent Modules
OSEEL is pleased to offer AA-AAAS modules specifically for parents. These modules provide valuable insights into the guidelines for the alternate assessment, helping parents better understand the process and expectations during Admission and Release Committee (ARC) meetings.
These modules can be found under Parent Resources on the Kentucky Alternate Assessment Participation Waiver webpage. For more information, please email Lauren Thieneman or call (502) 564-4970, ext. 4554.
Division of IDEA Implementation Updates
Newly Released Guidance
KDE's OSEEL has published several guidance resources, including:
For questions on guidance resources, please contact Lynn Lockard.
Early Learning Unit
Preschool Professional Learning Resource
KDE's OSEEL is excited to announce professional training modules that will be available to all districts serving state-funded preschool students. The training modules focus on inclusion inside the early learning classroom and the use of assistive technology with preschool students.
More information regarding the training modules, suggested uses and access will be distributed to preschool coordinators through the preschool listserv.
Questions regarding the training modules or technical issues related to access should be directed to Tammy Rutherford, Ed.D.
Division of State Schools: KSB and KSD
 KSB students work program.
Kentucky School for the Blind (KSB)
KSB’s work program thrived this summer, with three weeks of on-the-job learning. Students experienced everything from the food service industry to animal care, customer service and housekeeping with jobs at the Kentucky Kingdom and the Louisville Zoo.
KSB launched its summer work program in 1994 to give blind and visually impaired students the opportunity to command their future. The KSB work program is for students who attend KSB year-round and blind and visually impaired students throughout the state.
Students stay in the dormitories and attend work each day (Monday-Friday) for three weeks. Each student is assigned a job and is overseen by supervisors at their job site and KSB.
Kentucky School for the Deaf (KSD)
 KSD students with an actress on stage.
 KSD students and staff with the Danville Fire Department.
A huge thanks to both the Pioneer Playhouse and the City of Danville Fire Department for being such gracious hosts for KSD students.
Six students pose with an actress from Pioneer Playhouse, who is a former KSD teacher, for a group picture. After receiving direction from an actress, students had the opportunity to act while on stage.
At The City of Danville Fire Department, students learned about various parts and equipment that are on the ladder truck and also watch as a firefighter demonstrates how they put on their protective gear. Students and staff had a blast.
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