California IDEA Reauthorization Summit California Department of Education Committed to Improving Results Alice D. Parker, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent Director of Special Education January 18, 2003

Continuously Improving Services and Outcomes for Children with Disabilities and their Families Quality Assurance for Students with Disabilities in California

Reauthorization Priorities Accountability for Results An balance of student achievement, system accountability and procedural safeguards. Reduction of unnecessary paperwork/processes so that teachers can teach and focus on ensuring student results. A Unified System of Education All children are general education first and special education is not a place apart, but integral to education. Reduce federal complexity by focusing on consolidation of reporting, shared self-assessments, reports, etc.

Reauthorization Priorities Interagency Coordination Public and private agencies & organizations coordinate expertise and support services in a meaningful, effective and cost-efficient manner. Develop clear, consistent federal law & regs that include children with disabilities in the Medicaid program. Early Intervention and Preschool Services Continued support for early identification and intervention for infants, toddlers and young children.

Reauthorization Priorities Charter Schools and Other Choice Options Clarify Federal language about Charter Schools and the provision of special education services. Provide sufficient fiscal support for charter and choice options. Discipline/Positive Behavior Supports Streamline the law and regulations. Provide clear, simple expectations for disciplinary actions regarding any student. Education services should be provided to all students— disabled or nondisabled—who are expelled or placed on long term suspension.

Reauthorization Priorities Full Federal Funding for IDEA Full federal funding for IDEA Part B grants, including Section 619. Provide increases in Part C and Part D. Funding for State Improvement Grants need to flow to states proportionally, not competitively. Qualified Personnel Noncompetitive funding for inservice and technical assistance for maintaining qualified personnel. Provision of financial incentives through grants to encourage IHEs to use a variety of methods to attract and train all new school personnel.

Reauthorization Priorities Conflict Resolution System Insure a more fair, cost efficient and effective system through reducing the #s of times notice of procedural safeguards must be given. Attorney fee awards only for activities solely related to due process hearings and court actions. Complaints limited to procedural issues and due process hearings used to resolve differences related to provision of services. Provide federal fiscal support for conflict resolution and alternate dispute resolution mechanisms.

Reauthorization Priorities Transition Increase clarity of, and focus on, transition services beginning in middle grades (ages 14-16). Align all federal legislation related to transition. Create a pool of targeted monies from IDEA, VR, the Higher Education Act, TANF, Ticket to Work, VATEA, NCLB, WIA, and Medicaid. Simplify documentation and eligibility requirements between systems to remove one of the main barriers to timely and smooth transitions.

Overall Recommendations for the Summit on Reauthorization of IDEA and Federal Policy for Education Clarify the purposes of IDEA Increase emphasis on educational issues and access to effective instruction Recommend ways for more time for teaching and less time for process. Align major pieces of federal education law such as NCLB, Rehab. Act, Higher Education Act, and IDEA, etc. Provide states with appropriate fiscal resources and clear direction on “what” the outcomes should be. Let states, districts, families, and other stakeholders determine “how” for themselves.

The best way to predict the future is to create it. Author Unknown

“ One can never consent to creep when one feels the need to soar ” Helen Keller

Our Kids are Counting on You And we have much to do… We’ve done much…