Top Ten Policy Tips for Special Education Carol Ann M. Hudgens, Ed.S Section Chief: Policy, Monitoring and Audit Exceptional Children Division April 2015

Child Find Parent Requests Written Notification –Outside Evaluations –Doctor’s Notes Evaluation Decisions

IEP team members Required Members –General Education Teacher –Special Education Teacher –LEA Representative –Parent –Interpreter of Evaluation Results Responsibilities Role of Local Education Agency’s (LEA) Representative

Development of the IEP Data-driven Unique Needs

Implementation of the IEP Teacher Notification Documentation Who is responsible?

Specially Designed Instruction Definition Data-driven Who provides it?

Least Restrictive Environment Continuum of Services –Regular Classes –Special Classes –Special Schools –Home Instruction –Instruction in Hospitals and Institutions Who decides?

Prior Written Notice Purpose Proposals Refusals Explanation Data

Review and revise the IEP When? –Change in Progress –Concerns are Expressed Why?

Discipline Removals –Short-Term Suspensions –Long-Term Suspensions Change in Placement –IEP Team Meeting –Manifestation Determination Review Key Terms –Consecutive –Cumulative Who can help?

Dispute Resolution Informal –Facilitated IEP Team Meeting Formal –Mediation –State Complaint –Due Process Be PROACTIVE!

What to Expect Your First Year

LEA Program Assessment Monitoring activity during the second semester –Purpose Technical Assistance

LEA Program Assessment Review includes: –Service Verification –Licensure Checks –Student Records –Student Handbook –Survey of staff

LEA Program Assessment Possible Outcomes –Customized Support –Corrective Action

Lessons Learned Trouble spots –Mismatch between Powerschool + CECAS + Student Schedule + Teacher Schedule + IEP Services + IEP Goals –Licensure –Data collection for service delivery –Record Keeping Requesting Records Compliance with timelines