Application deadline for AIMS has been extended. Find out more
Washington AIMS

Washington AIMS

Administrators Improving Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction joined with the University of Washington Bothell in a successful application for the Washington AIMS (Administrators Improving Multi-tiered Systems of Support) project. Project AIMS received five years of funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education (OSEP) to support local leadership for multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) in schools and districts across the state. The project began October 1, 2020, and will serve a cohort of fifteen principals and district administrators each year who are engaged in leading MTSS in their organizations.

The AIMS leadership team includes Tania May, OSPI Assistant Superintendent for Special Education Services, Tom Bellamy, UW Bothell Emeritus Professor of Education, and William Rasplica, Retired Executive Director of Learning Support Services for the Franklin Pierce School District and UW Bothell Instructor.

MTSS encompasses a set of instructional and administrative leadership strategies to improve equity and student learning by ensuring that each student receives services at the level of intensity she or he needs to succeed. AIMS focuses on enhancing the leadership provided by principals and school district administrators as their districts work to implement a multi-tiered system. Understanding that these local leaders are crucial to implementing and sustaining improvements, AIMS will support cohorts of 15 leaders each year who learn together, share successes and challenges with each other, and engage with colleagues across the state who are leading similar efforts.

Each cohort will participate in eight monthly full-day Saturday sessions. Each session will include a presentation by a nationally recognized expert consultant on one of the AIMS competency clusters, small group activities, and a leadership presentation by AIMS faculty members.

AIMS participants who complete the required project work will receive a $1,000 stipend at the end of the cohort year.


Application Overview:

The application window for AIMS Cohort 5 is open February 1, 2024 through August 31, 2024.

AIMS Cohort 5 will begin October 2024. A cohort orientation will be scheduled in September 2024.

The Washington AIMS project admits a new cohort every year. Interested applicants will submit application documents for evaluation by the project faculty and the AIMS leadership team. Applications will be considered as they are received until the cohort is filled.

Application Materials:

  • Application Letter: Please describe why you would like to be admitted to Washington AIMS. Describe training, experience and professional contributions regarding work with a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS). In your letter, indicate any goals you currently have regarding MTSS implementation in your school district and/or school. The letter should be no more than two (2) pages.
  • Current Resume: Please list your education and work experience. Applicants are encouraged to format resumes to reflect how experience and skillsets align with MTSS frameworks.
  • Attestation of Support by the Superintendent: Please include a letter from your Superintendent indicating support for MTSS implementation in your district or school.

Submit application materials online at https://forms.gle/xqwtLr2ooDmXkddL6.

If you require application assistance, please contact Kellie Holden, Goodlad Institute Administrator, at krholden@uw.edu.

Download Application Information

Washington AIMS Cohort 5 Application Information

For further information about Washington AIMS and to be added to the mailing list for recruitment updates, please contact Bill Rasplica, Project Coordinator using the form below.

    * required