The Next IDEA Reauthorization: Jim Russell, Legislative Chair, CASP Brett McFadden, Legislative Advocate, ACSA March, 2004 How Will It Impact School Psychologists?

What We Will Cover This Morning: Status and Update on IDEA Reauthorization The politics behind the reauthorization Key issues and policy changes impacting school psychologists Helpful sources for information/advise

What Is Reauthorization and What Does It Mean? It’s when a statutory act/provision is renewed and updated Usually applies to federal statutes and done every 5-10 years Some result in major statutory changes, others do not Process typically takes 2-3 years The 1997 IDEA Reauthorization was a major event in special education policy

What Is the Status of IDEA Reauthorization? Both houses have (or will) pass their versions – H.R and S Both bills awaiting formation of two house conference committee This is where things get tricky. Changes and amendments can happen fast Conference Committee could take 2 months – 2 years (likely one year)

Primary Issues Facing School Psychologists: Full Funding SLD determination Discipline and behavior Highly qualified pupil services professionals Merging IDEA with NCLB

Full Funding: Will It Ever Be Achieved? Neither version contains 40% guarantee Senate version may contain Harkin/Hagel Amendment for “Mandatory Funding” Harkin/Hagel would ramp up funding to 40% over time No “pass-thru” language requiring states not to backfill or deduct funding Federal funding for special ed. approx. 17% of state costs – highest ever

SLD Determination: How Are School Psychologists Impacted? Changes from failure based model to prevention model Need for comprehensive assessment language Will this change stay? See CASP White Paper on Discrepancy Model

Discipline and Behavior: HR 1350 goes far – guts manifestation determination and more S keeps the status quo with minor changes See CASP/NASP Position Paper Senate version likely to prevail

“Highly Qualified” : What Does It Mean for School Psychologists? This is the $64,000 question right now Neither version speak to high qualified requirements for PPS staff

Merging IDEA and NCLB: What Is in Store for PPS? NCLB requires all students with disabilities be included as subgroup for AYP. NCLB requires 100% proficiency by for ALL subgroups. Diverse range of special education students makes that virtually impossible (i.e. severe cognitive disabilities)

Merging IDEA and NCLB: What Is in Store for PPS? Accommodations or alternative standards can be used for up to 1% of special education students. NCLB “parent choice” provisions creates questions: Where does the IEP go when the child goes? What about availability of services?

Other Issues School Psychologist Should Keep on Their Radar Screen: Both bills make minor – moderate changes to: IEP – membership, attendance, and issue consideration Paperwork Reduction (minor reductions only) Procedural Safeguards – i.e. attorneys’ fees, statute of limitations (likely to be watered down)

Major Characteristics of This Reauthorization: Greater emphasis on general education and academic achievement Attempts to bring statute into greater “balance” and reflect best practices Reauthorization likely to be less sweeping than 1997 Senate version more moderate and has greater chance of passing

Challenges and Opportunities for School Psychologists: Profession must continue efforts to understand and integrate with general education Knowing state academic standards, statewide assessments, and curriculum a must Understanding the reading process will be key Proficiency with curriculum based assessments – especially reading

Challenges and Opportunities for School Psychologists: Moving from discrepancy model to a prevention model How IDEA and NCLB will work together remains TBD. Greater integration with general education could increase role of school psychologists