The Office of Special Education Monthly Newsletter serves as a source of information for teachers, superintendents, school leaders, school board members, and directors of special education. We will also provide information on upcoming events and how to access resources.
In this issue:
Meet Kim Gonzales, Education Administrator – Curriculum Specialist
From the Office of Special Education: Special Education Statewide Educator, Administrator, and Support Staff Survey, Data and Finance Information; IDEA Advisory Panel; LEA Managed Booklet; Special Education Pay Differentials; Special Education Fall Mentorship Program; and the Disability Rights Corner
Good News From LEAs in New Mexico
Current Training(s), including DirectSTEP® e-Learning
January Upcoming Events, including Winter Special Education Academy; Dr. Martin Luther King Day; PRO's Graduation Pathways; Family Group Support Group; Communication, Advocacy, and Relationships; Grupos Virtual de Apoyo para Familias trainings; and Just Right Reader Winter Pilot
Future Opportunities such as Special Education Teacher Training (SETT)
Current and Past Updates, including Graduation Options for Students with Disabilities, Puente Para Los Niños (High Cost Fund),and Indicator 14 Information for Special Education Directors
Ongoing Events, including OSE Weekly Office Hours and the New Mexico Autism Project
WHO WE ARE
Our Mission All students with disabilities are engaged in high-quality curriculum and instruction within an inclusive educational environment with opportunities which are culturally and linguistically responsive, leading to deep learning and preparation for college, career, and community readiness.
Meet Kim Gonzales, Education Administrator – Curriculum Specialist
Kim Gonzales joined the New Mexico Public Education Department's (PED) Office of Special Education as an Education Administrator in May 2024, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and dedication to supporting students with diverse learning needs. With an impressive 28 years of experience in special education, Kim has honed her expertise through various roles, including as a special education coordinator and teacher at a school within the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Her extensive background empowers her to advocate for the educational success of all students, particularly those with disabilities.
As a passionate educator, Kim is deeply committed to making a lasting impact on the educational landscape of New Mexico. Her goal is to drive positive change within the state's special education system, ensuring that every child receives the support and resources they need to thrive academically and personally.
Outside of her professional life, Kim enjoys expressing her creativity through refurbishing furniture and tackling home organization projects. She values spending quality time with her family and friends and believes in the importance of meaningful social connections. Kim’s vibrant approach to life is reflected in both her professional and personal endeavors, and she is eager to continue making a difference in the lives of New Mexico’s children.
The OSE Leadership Team
The Office of Special Education is here to provide information and support to directors and superintendents throughout the state of New Mexico regarding special education, IDEA, and students with disabilities.
Margaret Cage, Ed.D., Deputy Secretary of the Office of Special Education
Tyre’ Jenkins, Ed.D., Deputy Director of the Office of Special Education
Charlene Marcotte, Deputy Director of Data and Finance
Ria Gill, Assistant Deputy Director of the Office of Special Education
Miguel Lozano, Chief Counsel for the Office of Special Education (Office of General Counsel)
Natalie Campbell, Assistant Chief Counsel for the Office of Special Education (Office of General Counsel)
Attention Readers: To access emails and hotlinks, right click to open in a new tab or window.
FROM THE OFFICE of SPECIAL EDUCATION (OSE)
Winter Special Education Academy Date: Tuesday, January 7 - Thursday, January 9, 2025 Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Day 1), 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Day 2), and 7:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. (Day 3) Location: Tamaya Resort, 1300 Tuyuna Trail, Santa Ana Pueblo, NM 87004 Phone: (505) 867-1234
Workshop Summary: This three-day school leadership workshop covers a broad range of educational issues, from disability services to neurodivergent education, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, accessibility, and culturally responsive practices. The conference aims to equip school leaders with the tools and insights to support all students, particularly those with diverse learning needs, in creating equitable and effective learning environments.
Conference registration is free! Travel and hotel accommodations are the responsibility of attendees. Conference registration is free! Register online here.
Your Voice Matters: Statewide Special Education Survey
The New Mexico Public Education Department’s Office of Special Education (OSE) is seeking your input to better support educators, administrators, and staff in serving students with disabilities.
We invite you to participate in a brief survey designed to assess strengths and identify areas of need in key focus areas:
Individualized Education Program (IEP) Development
Behavioral Support
Differentiated Instruction
Multi-Layered System of Supports (MLSS)
Your feedback will help shape professional development initiatives for the 2025 academic year, ensuring they address the challenges and priorities most relevant to your work.
The survey is voluntary, takes approximately 20 minutes to complete, and is open until January 20, 2025. Go hereto take the survey.
If you have questions or need assistance while completing the survey, please contact us at special.education@ped.nm.gov.
Thank you for sharing your insights and helping us improve support for educators and students across New Mexico!
Attention Superintendents and Special Education Directors: LEA Managed Booklet
To ensure effective communication and support, we kindly ask you to take a moment to update your contact information. Your accurate details are essential for us to provide you with the most relevant resources and information.
Please use the following link to submit your updated contact information: LEA Managed Booklet.
For more information or further questions, please email: sed.support@ped.nm.gov and reference the LEA Managed Information Booklet.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your collaboration!
Data and Finance Information
OSE Deputy Director of Data and Finance Charlene Marcotte has provided detailed information regarding 40-Day Manual Collection, End of Year Validation, Excess Cost Base, IDEA B Application - Phase 1, and IDEA B Application - Phase 2 Release, here in this OSE Data and Finance link.
Data and Finance Calendar
The OSE has released Data and Finance Calendar from October 2024 through September 2025. This calendar has pertinent information such as Annual Determination, Excess Cost EOY Reporting, 40-, 80-, 120-Day, IDEA B Application, and MOE Eligibility trainings. The calendar also provides a time-frame for when items are due.
Disability Rights Corner
Each month, our social & community coordinator of the Office of Special Education (OSE), Kaity Ellis, LMSW, ADAC, will share tips and insights on various aspects of disability—from accessibility considerations to etiquette and advocacy. Kaity will provide practical advice that promotes inclusivity and empowers the disability community to create more accessible environments.
This month's focus is on Advancing Disability Rights: Essential Steps for School Leaders. This platform contributes to our efforts to enhance support for individuals with disabilities within educational settings and beyond. Please feel free to share your thoughts, questions, and experiences with Kaity at kaitlin.ellis@ped.nm.gov or (505) 709-7690. Your feedback is invaluable.
Puente Para Los Niños (High Cost Fund)
The High Cost Fund aims to support local education agencies (LEAs) in meeting the needs of high-need children with disabilities, excluding those who are gifted-only. The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) has established the Puente para los Niños Fund in accordance with 34 C.F.R. § 300.704(c) and 6.31.2.9(B)(5) NMAC.
To qualify for funding from the Puente para los Niños Fund, an LEA must satisfy two criteria: (1) meet the definition of a high-need child with a disability (see Section B); and (2) fulfill the eligibility criteria (see Section C).
Funds from this initiative may only be utilized for the costs associated with providing special education programming and related services directly to high-need students, as outlined in their individualized education program (IEP). They cannot be used for services the LEA is not currently offering, nor for expenses like legal fees, court costs, or other litigation-related expenses. With the exception of necessary costs incurred or services provided through out-of-state residential treatment facilities, educational and related services must be delivered by individuals properly licensed by the PED or the New Mexico Department of Regulation and Licensing, as stipulated in 6.31.2.9(B)(9) NMAC.
Office of Special Education Fall 2024–25 Mentorship Program Now Enrolling
The Office of Special Education, in partnership with Region 9, proudly offers a statewide mentorship program. Our goal is to support new special education teachers in their first through third year by providing high-quality professional development, mentoring, and individualized coaching. This three-part approach ensures that teachers are equipped with highly effective strategies and skills to teach New Mexico’s culturally, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse student populations. Our mentorship program strives to promote retention of high quality teachers by providing ample opportunities for professional growth. For more information:
Special Education Pay Differentials Application Window Now Closed
Below is information regarding the pay differential allocations for hard to staff special education positions for the school year 2024–2025, as provided through HB2.
Application Timeline: The application and rubric was released on August 15, 2024, and was open through September 30, 2024.
Criteria: The application rubric prioritized LEAs with special education teacher positions that have been vacant for two or more school years.
Retention Stipends: Pending funding availability, teacher retention stipends will also be addressed. Stipends will be paid directly to teachers due to maintenance of effort (MOE) requirements for LEAs. The recruitment stipend for qualifying positions will be $10,000 for the year, distributed in two payments of $5,000 each in December and May.
Furthermore, LEAs are relieved of the need to budget for hard to staff stipends, as all funding will be provided through the PED. Upon approval of an application, additional information will be requested from the LEAs to ensure seamless payment to participating special education teachers and support staff.
GOOD NEWS FROM LEAs IN NEW MEXICO
If you have positive news to share about your local education agency (LEA), consider submitting your stories to special.ednews@ped.nm.gov. Remember, submissions are due by the third Monday of each month!
CURRENT TRAININGS
DirectSTEP® e-Learning The New Mexico Public Education Department has partnered with LRP Publications to bring you DirectSTEP eCourses at no charge to you.
With each eCourse you will:
Receive the highest quality training developed by respected special education experts.
Learn at your own pace for the greatest possible comprehension and retention.
Take eCourses based on individual training needs and interests.
Engage in learning through quizzes and activities.
Learn how to make decisions that are educationally and legally sound.
For any questions, please contact Implementation and Support Coordinator Josh Pedrow at jpedrow@lrp.com.
ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Office of Special Education Office Hours Date: Every third Tuesday of each month (Next meeting is on Tuesday, January 21, 2025) Time: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Location: Virtual, Microsoft Teams
The OSE will have virtual office hours every third Tuesday of each month. The first 15 to 20 minutes will focus on current events and professional development. The last 40 minutes of office hours is for addressing questions. Any questions prior to OSE office hours should be sent to ose.support@ped.nm.gov.
New Mexico Autism Project
The New Mexico Autism Project is a statewide program designed for educators who work with children who have autism. Coaching, individual and large group professional development, current evidence-based training, and technical assistance are provided. Free statewide Autism Universal Design for Learning (UDL) support to educators and teachers is also offered.
University of New Mexico Center for Development and Disability: Autism Portal
The UNM Autism Portal provides resources, online training, and podcasts specific to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
PRO Graduation Pathways Date: Monday, January 13, 2025 Time: 4:30 – 5:45 p.m. Location: Virtual, go here to register and receive the link for the Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy session.
Workshop Summary:
Learn about three different graduation pathway options for students with disabilities. Understand the specific requirements and goals of each option when making the best choice for the student’s future.
PRO Family Support Group Date: Monday, January 20, 2025 Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location: Parents Reaching Out Office (5130 Masthead St NE, Suite C, Albuquerque, NM 87109). Go here to learn more, register, and to receive the link for this training.
Workshop Summary:
We invite you to join our support group, a welcoming and safe space for families to connect with others who have a child or family member with a disability. This is an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about shared experiences, successes, and challenges. It’s also a place to share valuable information, gain insights, and access helpful resources, fostering a supportive community for all families.
PRO Communication, Advocacy and Relationships Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025 Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Location: Virtual, go here to register and receive the link for the Preparing for an IEP Meeting session.
Workshop Summary:
Join us to learn about why communication, advocacy and relationships between families and schools are vital in Special Education. Learn tips and strategies to promote effective communication and build positive relationships between school and home.
PRO Grupo Virtual de Apoyo para Familias Fecha: Miércoles, 29 de Enero de 2025 Hora: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Ubicación: Virtual, ingresa aquí para registrarte y recibir el enlace para la sesión de Preparación para una reunión de IEP.
Workshop Summary:
El grupo de apoyo le proporcionará un lugar seguro para compartir sus experiencias y conectarse con otros padres. Le proporcionará un espacio para hablar sobre los éxitos, las frustraciones y las preocupaciones que enfrenta como padre de un niño con una discapacidad.
PRO Family Leadership Conference Date: Friday, March 14, 2025 Time: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Location: 1000 Woodward Pl NE, Albuquerque, NM, NM 87106. Go here to learn more and register.
Workshop Summary:
Parents Reaching Out has served New Mexico's communities for 44 years. The Family Leadership Conference has been and continues to be a gathering place for parents, families, self-advocates, and professionals, to come together and share information with the goal of helping us all to become our own best advocates. Join us in celebrating 20 years of creating connections and many more to come.
EDUCATOR OPPORTUNITIES
Special Education Teacher Training (SETT) Program Best Consideration Deadline: Friday, January 10, 2025 Early Admission: Thursday, February 20, 2025 Final Deadline: Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Classes Begin: August 2025
Workshop Summary:
The Special Education Teacher Training Program (SETT), is a dynamic post-baccalaureate teacher preparation pathway developed in partnership with APS. The SETT program offers a unique opportunity for aspiring educators to earn a Special Education teaching license and a TESOL endorsement in just 16 months.
Participants benefit from a competitive salary of $54,000 (Level I APS) while receiving hands-on training and mentorship through an immersive residency model. The program is designed to ensure participants gain the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to succeed in the classroom, with tailored support from expert educators throughout their journey.
With only 20 spots available, this workshop emphasized the importance of applying soon to take advantage of this transformative opportunity. Participants were encouraged to consider how the SETT program could help them advance their careers while making a significant impact on the lives of students in need.
For more information and to register, see this flyer.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January. It celebrates the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an influential American civil rights leader.
Just Right Reader Winter Pilot Program Summary: Just Right Reader is donating five million Science of Reading books to students over the winter break. The pilot program aims to strengthen phonics skills at home, foster family engagement in the joy of reading, and accelerate literacy achievement. Participating
+schools and districts will receive up to 3,000 personalized decodable books. Interested districts may apply here. See this Just Right Winter Pilot flyer for further information.
IDEA B Panel Virtual Meeting Dates: Thursday, February 20 and Friday, February 21, 2025 Time: 9:00 a.m. Location: Virtual (IDEA)
Workshop Summary:
According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the State of New Mexico must establish and maintain an advisory panel to provide policy guidance for special education and related services for children with disabilities in the state. The IDEA Advisory Panel’s role is to advise the New Mexico Public Education Department with regard to serving students with disabilities through Part B of IDEA.
PAST UPDATES
Indicator 14 Information for Special Education Directors
This notice is to remind special education directors that the survey for Indicator 14 (Post School Outcomes) was due on September 30, 2024. For questions, contact Glenn Damian at Region 4 (REC4) at gdamian@nmhu.edu.
Graduation Options for Students with Disabilities and Entitlement to FAPE
On January 25, 2024, a memorandum was released by OSE Director Margaret Cage, Ed.D., about diploma options for students with disabilities (SWDs). This memorandum outlines changes to rules regarding graduation of SWDs with the primary intention of ensuring that students receiving a diploma through modified or ability programs of study continue to have an entitlement to the Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) provision of IDEA until they turn 22 or meet the requirements of the standard program of study. The memohas been posted on the Laws, Rules, and Guidance page.
Additionally, the College and Career Readiness Bureau, in collaboration with Assessment, OSE, and Curriculum and Instruction, issued an updated NM PED High School Graduation Requirements Guidance manual that includes limited guidance related to the programs of study and attainment of a diploma for SWDs.
New Mexico Crisis Lifelines
There are three mental health resources, free-of-charge to New Mexican residents. These resources are 988 (call, text or chat 988 online at www.988lifeline.org/chat), New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (855-662-7474), and Agora Crisis Line (505-277-3013 or 855-505-4504). For more information about these services, read this articlewritten by Dr. Elizabeth Cassel, Education Administrator–Parent and Community Liaison for the Office of Special Education.
The Office of Special Education Ombud
If you have a disability or need help with special education, the Office of Special Education (OSEO) Ombud is here as an advocate to assist students and their families, free-of-charge. If you would like information about our intake process, family presentations, or general information about our work, please contact: Clare Gallegos (505) 841-3885, Jody Myers (682) 554-6672, Michelle Tregembo (505)274-3885.
Find both the English OSEO Ombud flyer and the Spanish OSEO Ombud flyer for additional information.
Speech Therapy Empat Speech is an online platform that connects districts and schools with experienced Speech Language Pathologists to help address nationwide shortages of licensed therapists while leveraging technology to improve the quality and access to speech therapy. For more information about Empat Speech go here.
Next OSE Newsletter
The next OSE Newsletter will be released no later than the first week of each month. If you have any questions within this newsletter, contact us at: special.ednews@ped.nm.gov.
The following form can be shared with colleagues who wish to receive the OSE Newsletter: OSE Signup Form.
