The Public Education reform Amendment Act of 2007, effective June 12, 2007, (DC Law 17-9) creates a new agency, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) with authority over all state special education functions in the District of Columbia. In this regard OSSE will function in much the same way as a state department of education.

OSSE is working with the District of Columbia Public Schools and charter schools to put into put into practice immediate changes to address the needs of special education children. First and foremost all state education agency functions transfer to OSSE as of October 1, 2007. The immediate goal is to upgrade delivery of high-quality special education services including improvements to the adjudicative process and dispute resolutions in connection with development of an Individual Education Program and appropriate placements. OSSE is conducting a review of the special education programs located outside the District of Columbia, where District youth are sent.

The purpose of the OSSE Webpage is to provide the public with access to information about special education related services, approved placements and direct on line connections to helpful documents. This website will be routinely updated with reports, guidelines and brochures to assist families, educators, administrators and other educational advocates. Select the links below for more information: