September 2, 2008: Phase I of the Special Education Data System (SEDS) went live, providing District school officials with access to a repository of data on referrals, eligibility, individualized education plans (IEP), and service tracking for special education students. The system helps to track special education processes, enable effective and efficient state reporting and closely monitor student performance to allow more targeted interventions to improve student outcomes.
During the 2007-2008 school year, in conjunction with DCPS, the OSSE developed a strategic plan to implement a Continuous Improvement Monitoring System to ensure that all local education agencies meet District and federal requirements for serving students with disabilities.
As of June 30, 2008, the OSSE had received 10,789 applications for financial assistance for postsecondary education—an increase of 24 percent over the previous year. In addition, the number of applicants deemed eligible by this date increased from 2,444 to 4,377, or 79 percent.
The DCTAG program has supported 12,798 students since it started during the 2000-2001 school year. This grant program has awarded $188,184,539 to eligible DC residents attending colleges and universities throughout the United States. Students were able to use a single application, the DC OneApp. This year, students applied for grants from the DC Tuition Assistance Grants Program, the DC Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program, the DC Adoption Scholarship Program and the DC Adult Scholarship Program.
During FY 2008 the Direct Loan and Credit Enhancement programs leveraged financing totaling $68 million for 331,837 square feet of educational facility space serving a total of 2,105 students.
Sources:1 Education Trust; 2 Office of the State Superintendent of Education, 3 Urban Institute, 4 DC Public Schools
Agencies 
