The True Measure Collaborative’s developing strategy to grow resources for special education and multilingual learner programming targets these realities in Washington state:
- Over 90% of WA districts report a budget shortfall when comparing Special Education revenues and expenditures.
- WA state is leaving federal dollars available via opportunities such as the Teacher and School Leader Incentive (TSL) and Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) grants for serving students with disabilities and multilingual learners on the table year after year.
We are partnering with schools to bring additional resources for special education services to more districts in Washington state.
KEEPING EXCEPTIONAL SPECIAL EDUCATORS (KESE)
In 2023, the TMC coordinated a successful state grant application on behalf of a consortium of four rural districts.
The successful Keeping Exceptional Special Educators (KESE) grant application secured $112,000 for use by the four districts to enhance professional development and improve retention rates for special education teachers. All four districts, plus an additional larger district that participated in the grant, dedicated a portion of their KESE grant funds to secure professional development and coaching services from the TMC during SY 2023-24.
COORDINATING FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING AWARD APPLICATIONS
The TMC is developing a roadmap for analyzing opportunities for our organization to serve as the coordinator for application to federal and state funding awards that could bring millions more into schools and districts in support of special education.