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.
From the Office of Special Education, ADA 35 Celebration, Graduation Requirements and Pathways Flyers, Data and Finance Information, LEA Managed Booklet, and the Disability Rights Corner
Upcoming and Past Events, including the 2025 EPICS Behavioral Health and Mental Health Summit, Disability Pride Month, Isleta Pueblo Back-to-School Distribution & Career Fair Event,Parents Reaching Out Four Corners Special Education Day, Charter Schools Conference
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.
WHO WE SERVE
The Office of Special Education is dedicated to providing information and support to administrators, families, special education directors, special service providers, superintendents, and teachers throughout New Mexico, focusing on special education, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and students with disabilities.
Meet Monica Santistevan, Program Support Specialist Monica Santistevan serves as a Program Support Specialist with the Office of Special Education, driven by a lifelong passion for supporting student learning and success. With over 20 years of experience educating students from birth to age 21, she holds a licensure in Special Education, Elementary Education, and Early Childhood Education. Monica has also developed expertise in Coaching Adult Learners, Teaching English as a Second Language (TEASL), and Trauma-Informed Practices.
Her mission is to help ensure that all students in New Mexico have access to high-quality educational services. In her current role, she is proud to support educators, educational leaders, families, and students across the state.
Outside of work, Monica enjoys spending quality time with her family through movie nights, game nights, and shared meals. She is also passionate about gardening, finding joy in planting flowers and caring for her garden. One of her favorite pastimes is going on walks with her beloved French Bulldog, Rusty.
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FROM THE OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION (OSE)
Americans Disability Act (ADA) 35 Celebration: Reflecting on Change, Moving Forward
Join the New Mexico Public Education Department’s Office of Special Education as we commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Date: Friday, July 25, 2025 Time: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Location: New Mexico State Capitol (Roundhouse) 490 Old Santa Fe Trail | Santa Fe, NM 87501
Graduation Requirements and Pathways Flyers for Cohorts Through 2028 and Cohorts Beyond 2029
The Office of Special Education would like to thank both Educator Administrator Advanced Judy Cruz of the College and Career Readiness Bureau and Division Director Lynn Vasquez of the Assessment, Research, Evaluation, and Accountability Bureau for presenting updated Graduation Requirements for Cohorts through 2028 and Graduation Requirements for Cohorts Beginning In 2029 during the monthly Office Hours for the Office of Special Education. Judy worked with other bureaus, divisions, and offices within PED to ensure flyers were created to help districts and LEAs would better understand both pathways and graduation requirements.
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.
Data and Finance Information The OSE 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 its 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 the Disability Rights in Education: A Guide for LEAs. 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.
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. 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.
Des Moines Empowers Teachers with UDL Voice and Choice
In Des Moines, New Mexico the start of the school year is kicking off with a unique Universal Design for Learning (UDL) professional learning experience, by teachers, for teachers. Educators will showcase how they give students voice and choice in learning, creating inclusive, empowering classrooms. A powerful example of teacher-led innovation!
UDL Escape Room a Hit In Dulce
In Dulce, teachers raved about the UDL escape room training, calling it the best professional learning they've ever had! It helped them truly grasp UDL and inspired practical classroom ideas. Fun, hands-on, and transformative!
UDL Gaining Ground In Los Alamos
Universal Design for Learning is becoming systemic in Los Alamos! Tools are reaching educators across all levels, not just through leadership but peer-to-peer. One high school teacher is already planning to dive deeper into new tools to empower her entire team.
If you have positive news to share about your local education agency, consider submitting your stories to special.ednews@ped.nm.gov. Remember, submissions are due by either the second Monday or Friday, depending upon the month.
CURRENT TRAININGS
DirectSTEP® e-Learning
Don’t forget – the New Mexico Public Education Department partners with LRP Media Group to provide all LEAs with access to DirectSTEP® eLearning courses at no charge.
Special Ed Connection is the go-to online source for:
Expert guidance on all your special education challenges
Best practices and practical tools
Support to help staff navigate legal and implementation issues for students with disabilities
Kelly Whiting from LRP provided an overview of both resources during the June 17 Office of Special Education Office Hours.
Stay tuned – more information will be shared in the coming weeks!
ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Office of Special Education Office Hours Date: Every third Tuesday of each month (Next meeting is on Tuesday, July 22, 2025) Time: 9:00 a.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).
EPICS Summer Workshops for Parents Dates: Six workshops from Friday, July 11, through Friday, September 19, 2025 Time: 10:00 a.m. (Bi-weekly) Location: Virtual, Zoom
Workshop Summary: Education for Parents of Indigenous Children with Special Needs (EPICS) has operated since 2009. It was created to support Native American parents who wanted to ensure that their children with disabilities' needs were met, while recognizing their cultural heritage and improving advocacy. This advocacy effort includes conferences, trainings, and workshops.
Throughout the year, EPICS has bi-weekly Zoom workshops for parents and professionals. The Summer 2025 Workshops Flyer contains further information about upcoming workshops. Each workshop requires separate registration. Links for workshops are sent after event registration.
Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Events Dates: Three workshops from Wednesday, July 16, through Wednesday, June 30, 2025 Time: Visit flyer for details and registration Location: Virtual, Zoom
Workshop Summary: During the month of July, PRO invites families to join three free workshops designed to help prepare for a successful school year:
Back-to-School Panel: Parent Perspectives
Hear directly from fellow parents as they share real-life experiences, practical tips, and insights to help ease the transition into a new school year.
Preparing for an IEP Meeting: Tools for Families
Gain confidence and clarity with strategies and resources to help you prepare for your child’s IEP meeting and advocate for their individual needs.
Setting Up for School Success: A Guide for Families
Explore hands-on strategies to support your child academically, socially, and emotionally—from creating a student snapshot to strengthening communication with teachers.
These sessions are designed to empower families at every stage.
Parents Reaching Out provides in-person and virtual support groups in English and Spanish. Please go here to connect with a support group.
EDUCATOR OPPORTUNITIES
NMCASE Wants YOU to Join an Incredible Organization! What is CASE? CASE is a global non-profit membership association dedicated to providing leadership and support to over 90,000 educational advancement professionals. These professionals work in areas such as alumni relations, communications, development, marketing, and advancement services, united by a common goal: championing education to transform lives and society.
Join Now! You can use IDEA funds to pay for your membership. If you need assistance, please reach out to Daelena Potter, Membership Chair (dpotter@pecosca.us), or Roger Hein, Current President (rogerhein@lovingtonschools.net).
Social Work Education to Enhance Training in Special Education Workshop Summary: The SWEET-SPED Project, led by Drs. Kimberly Knox and Stacy Gherardi, aims to improve training for School Social Workers in New Mexico. Funded by the Office of Special Education Programs, the initiative will launch a graduate certificate in School Social Work-Related Services in 2027, focusing on culturally competent practices and family engagement. Additionally, a statewide conference will be held to enhance the skills of current professionals. The project seeks feedback from stakeholders to better prepare future practitioners and strengthen support for students with disabilities across the state.
If you have any questions reach out via email at kimknox@nmsu.edu with the subject line "SWEET-SPED." If you are involved in New Mexico school social work, we look forward to hearing from you as we collaborate on this vital initiative.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Disability Pride Month Date: Tuesday, July 1 – Thursday, July 31, 2025
Every July, Disability Pride Month marks a powerful celebration of the history, achievements, and vibrant culture of the disability community. First recognized in 1990 in Boston, the same year the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, this month is a time to honor progress while recognizing the work still ahead. The ADA, enacted on July 26, 1990, was a major step toward ensuring equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities across all areas of life. To learn more, read about Disability Pride Month on The Arc website.
Disability Pride Month Flag Raising and Proclamation Dates: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location:Santa Fe City Hall, Lincoln Avenue and Marcy Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501.
Workshop Summary: Join us as we kick off Disability Pride Month and commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with a ceremonial flag-raising and a reading of the official City proclamation.
Come together with community members to honor this historic milestone and celebrate inclusion, access, and disability pride.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided. For accessibility questions or general information, contact info@disabilitypride-nm.org or call 917-348-1049. This event is free and open to the public.
Parents Reaching Out Four Corners Special Education Day Date: Friday, July 18, 2025 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Location: San Juan College, Farmington, New Mexico
Workshop Summary:
Join us for Four Corners Special Education Day at San Juan College in Farmington, NM. This empowering event will feature expert-led trainings on a wide range of special education topics, covering every stage from birth to graduation. Explore valuable services at our resource fair, enjoy a complimentary lunch, and enter to win in our gas gift card raffle. Whether you're a family member, educator, or professional, this day is designed to support and uplift the special education community across the Four Corners region. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow!
Second Annual Disability Pride Parade Dates: Saturday, July 19, 2025 Time: 10:00 a.m. Location:Santa Fe City Hall, Lincoln Avenue and Marcy Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501.
Workshop Summary: Join us to celebrate community, visibility, and disability culture at Santa Fe’s Second Annual Disability Pride Parade.
Individuals, families, and organizations are invited to march in honor of the ADA’s legacy and the strength of the disability pride movement.
This event is free and open to the public. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided.
For accessibility questions or general information, please contact info@disabilitypride-nm.org or call 917-348-1049.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Isleta Pueblo Back-to-School Distribution & Career Fair Event
Dates: Saturday, July 19, 2025 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Location:950 Moonlight Dr. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105
Workshop Summary: Showcase your school, business, or creations at the Isleta Pueblo Back-to-School Distribution & Career Fair Event. Don’t miss your chance to connect with the community at this exciting event, taking place on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Whether you're representing a school, promoting your business, or sharing your unique creations, this is your opportunity to shine.
The deadline for vendor registration is Monday, July 7, 2025 – secure your spot today!
For more information, please call our office at (505) 869-9790.
Charter Schools Conference
The PED Charter Schools Conference took place on Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the Embassy Suites in Albuquerque. This two-day event brought together charter school leaders, educators, board members, students, and s tudent showcases and performances.
PED’s Assistant Deputies Ria Gill and Randall Rapanut from the Office of Special Education (OSE) led a breakout session titled "Navigating Special Education: A Comprehensive Walkthrough of Key Requirements." The session offered valuable insights into the essential processes, legal mandates, and best practices for supporting students with disabilities. Attendees gained a clearer understanding of the special education landscape, along with practical tools to ensure compliance and promote equity in service delivery.
Evening socials provided valuable opportunities for networking and community building. Overall, the conference equipped participants with new strategies and strengthened connections, highlighting New Mexico’s ongoing commitment to advancing charter schools and supporting student success.
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 Ombud (OSEO) 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.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Tip Tuesday by Janae Menicucci Tuesday Tip is here! Each week, we bring you practical, time-saving strategies designed to support educators with easy-to-implement ideas aligned with UDL principles. From leveraging AI tools for quick sub plans to exploring the world with virtual field trips, our tips are all about reducing stress, boosting engagement, and helping you create inclusive, effective learning experiences. Be sure to check out each week’s feature and attached resources for more inspiration — and don’t hesitate to reach out to The NM UDL Team if you'd like help putting these tips into action!
AspyreSelect: Streamlining Medicaid Billing and Service Management
AspyreSelect streamlines Medicaid billing with powerful automation tools designed for schools, outpatient clinics, and childcare centers. Our platform reduces human error, saves time, and enhances accuracy—so you can focus on care, not paperwork.
Comprehensive Features Include:
Prescription Management
Service Tracking
Billing Management
All fully compatible across any device for seamless access.
What We Offer:
IEP Accountability & Compliance Support
Real-Time Insights & Reports
24/7 Customer Assistance
Quarterly Goal Tracking
With a user-friendly interface and solutions tailored to your needs, AspyreSelect improves workflow efficiency and ensures you stay audit-ready.
Speech Therapy CES Member Districts and Charters, as valued members of CES, you are eligible for reduced rates on Speech Language Services through our partners, Amergid Healthcare Staffing and TinyEye Therapy Services. Whether you require in-person or tele-therapy, we are committed to providing comprehensive staffing solutions for your needs.
Be sure to mention that you are a CES member, and they will be happy to assist you.
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact me directly. Lianne Pierce, Director of Ancillary Services, Email: lianne@ces.org.
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.
Monica Santistevan serves as a Program Support Specialist with the Office of Special Education, driven by a lifelong passion for supporting student learning and success. With over 20 years of experience educating students from birth to age 21, she holds a licensure in Special Education, Elementary Education, and Early Childhood Education. Monica has also developed expertise in Coaching Adult Learners, Teaching English as a Second Language (TEASL), and Trauma-Informed Practices.
