1. What’s Coming Down the Pike: A Policy, Funding, and Futures Discussion
Deborah A. Ziegler – Council for Exceptional Children
Nancy Reder - National Association of State Directors of Special Education
Sharon Walsh - IDEA Infant and Toddler Coordinators Association 
Jane West - Jane West Consulting
Lindsay Jones - National Center for Learning Disabilities

2. A New President and Congress: Implications for Federal Education Policy!
Deborah A. Ziegler,
Director
Policy and Advocacy, Council for Exceptional Children

3. Agenda Who’s In! Federal Budget What’s OVERDUE?
ESSA Implementation
IDEA
Education Sciences Reform Act
Higher Education Act
Perkins Act
Special Education Legislative Summit

4. Slide 4

5. Slide 5

6. Who’s In!
Donald J. Trump President of the United States

7. Who’s In!
Betsy DeVos
Secretary, U.S. Department t of Education

8. Who’s In! U.S. Senate 52 Republicans 46 Democrats 2 Independents
U.S. House of Representatives *237 Republicans *193 Democrats
U.S. Senate 52 Republicans 46 Democrats 2 Independents
*As of 03/01/2017 from pressgallery.house.gov

9. Who’s In! Senate House Sen. Mitch McConnell Rep. Paul Ryan
Majority Leader, Republican
Rep. Paul Ryan
Speaker of the House
Rep. Nancy Pelosi
Minority Leader, Democrat
Sen. Chuck Schumer,
Minority Leader, Democrat

10. Who’s In! Rep. Virginia Foxx, Sen. Lamar Alexander Sen. Patty Murray
Chairman, Republican
Rep. Virginia Foxx,
Chair, Republican
Sen. Patty Murray
Ranking Member,
Democrat
Rep. Bobby Scott
Ranking Member, Democrat

11. Key Presidential Appointments:
Who’s Not Yet In?
Key Presidential Appointments:
Approximately 550 positions in the Trump Administration to be confirmed by Senate
To date, less than 10% appointed and confirmed by Senate
Approximately 4,000 positions can be filled by presidential appointment

12. Who’s In/Soon To Be Out?

13. Investing in America’s Future
Federal Budget
Education Matters
Investing in America’s Future

14. Federal Budget

15. Federal Budget Budget Battles
Since January 2011, Republicans and Democrats have had multiple battles over the budget and deficit
Republicans are opposed to revenue increases
Liberal Democrats are opposed to entitlement cuts
Education and other nondefense programs have borne the brunt of the cuts
Outlook not good for breaking the stalemate

16. The Federal Budget and Education

17. Federal Budget
Fiscal Year 2016 Outlays

18. Federal Budget FY 2016, 2017 and 2018 Appropriations Programs
FY 2016 Enacted
FY 2017 Enacted
FY 2018 President’s Budget
FY 2018 President’s Budget Status
IDEA State grants
$11,912.8 billion
$11,890.2 billion
Level Funded
IDEA Preschool grants
$368.2 million
$367.5 million
IDEA Grants for infants and families
$458.6 million
$457.7 million
IDEA State personnel development
$41.6 million
IDEA Technical assistance and dissemination
$44.3 million
IDEA Personnel preparation
$83.7 million
$83.5 million
IDEA Parent information centers
$27.4 million
IDEA Technology and media services
$30.0 million
Research in special education
$54.0 million
$53.9 million
Special education studies and evaluations
$10.8 million
Javits Gifted and Talented
$12.0 million
Eliminated

19. Federal Budget
Federal Share
of IDEA Funding

20. DRACONIAN PROPOSAL – SHORT ON DETAILS!
Federal Budget
FY 2018 Budget
President Trump released his budget on May 23, 2017
Eliminates $2.4 billion – Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants
2017 – $68.2 B – $59.0 B
Slashes $9 billion – 13% of DOE’s funding
Eliminates $1.2 billion – 21st Century Community Learning Centers
Invests $1.4 billion of new money in school choice, including private school vouchers, ramping up to an annual total of $20 billion
Eliminates or reduces over 20 categorical programs
Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented
$250 million to private schools
Striving Readers
$168 million to charter schools
Teacher Quality Partnerships
$1 billion increase for Title I – Portability Provision
Impact Aid Support Payments for Federal Property
Maintains $13 billion – IDEA
International Education Programs
Other reductions and eliminations
STARVE THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM AND PRIVATIZE EDUCATION
DRACONIAN PROPOSAL – SHORT ON DETAILS!

21. IDEA Full Funding Act Introduced
Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA) introduced the IDEA Full Funding Act – June 16, 2017.
Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) will introduce a companion bill in the near future.
Provides mandatory funding that puts federal government on a 7-year glide path to reach the 40% of the additional costs associated with educating students with disabilities.
Currently, the federal government funding is at 15% of those additional costs.
Supports Party B 611 increases only – Part C, Preschools 619 and Part C are not included in the bill.

22. FFY 2018 Funding
Final Funding levels must be passed by both Houses and signed by September 30, 2017
If no agreement is reached, a Continuing Resolution (CR) is needed to keep the government in operation.
There are very few days left in this session of Congress
Very likely a CR will be needed for October 1,
These funds will be allocated to states under IDEA in July 2018.

23. CEC’s Position on School Vouchers
CEC opposes private school vouchers:
Contrary to best interests of children and youth and their families, the public school system, local communities and taxpayers
Contradict and undermine central purposes of civil rights laws (IDEA)
CEC opposes private school vouchers for these specific reasons:
Absence of necessary accountability
No guarantee of FAPE
Families opt out of procedural protections
Segregation within the private school
No guarantee of equal access
Promotes re-segregation rather then diversity
Use of public education funds for private schools
Trump Administration Proposal –
CHOICE – FOR SOME!

24. What’s OVERDUE? ESSA Implementation IDEA Education Sciences Reform Act
Higher Education Act
Perkins Act

25. What’s OVERDUE?
IDEA… ???

26. Special Education Legislative Summit

27. Slide 27

28. OSEP Leadership Conference 2017 Washington Update
Nancy Reder
Deputy Executive Director
NASDSE

29. Repeal of the Affordable Care Act
In the House:
Repeal/replace means cutting Medicaid by $880 B
Biggest concern is per capita caps and/or block grants – Fed pays approximately 63% historically
Repeals mandatory Medicaid coverage for children ages 6-19 over 100% of the federal poverty level – 5 million could lose coverage
Impact on special education is
‘ginormous’

30. The Affordable Care Act Repeal/Replace - House
Passed in June
Repeals/replaces ACA and cuts Medicaid by $880 Billion
Biggest concern is per capita caps and/or block grants – historically, Fed pays approximately 63%
Repeals mandatory Medicaid coverage for children ages 6-19 over 100% of the federal poverty level – 5 million could lose coverage
Impact on special education and early intervention is ‘ginormous’
Nancy

31. The Affordable Care Act Repeal/Replace -Senate
Bill #1 – done secretly – DOA and Bill #2 – nope
Senate delayed vote until after July 4th recess.
Bill #3 – maintains tax increase on wealthy and maintains Medicaid cuts and caps
Senate to stay in two extra weeks in August
CBO score on Monday & vote expected Thursday
All Democrats oppose and are definite NOs
2 Republicans (Collins and Paul) are Nos
Need one more NO or bill will pass
Nancy

32. More on Repeal/Replace/Eliminate – All of These and More
Status:
Not enough votes in the Senate to vote in favor of replacement
Late breaking news: not enough votes in the Senate to pass a repeal

33. School Choice
When we talk about school choice, what are we talking about?

34. Public School Choice Flexible school boundaries Magnet schools
Public charter schools (virtually all charter schools are public)
The type of charter school affects its responsibilities
Flexible programs (e.g., programs only offered at certain schools)

35. Non-Public School Choice, aka Private School Vouchers
Tuition tax credits exist in 17 states
Process diverts taxes owed to a state to charitable donations that are bundled and given to parents
Giving voucher outright to parents for child to attend private school (e.g., proposed Title I portability)
Educational savings accounts
DC voucher program currently only federal voucher program
New proposals in the President’s budget proposal

36. Supreme Court Cases
The Court heard two special education cases this term:
Fry v. Napoleon Community Schools
Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District

37. Early Childhood Update
Sharon Walsh
IDEA Infant Toddler Coordinators Association (ITCA) and
Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children (DEC)

38. Topics Results of First Five Years Fund 2017 Public Survey
Federal Funding
Congressional Action on Early Learning Legislation
Federal Policy Updates on IDEA, Head Start, Child Care and ESSA

39. The First Five Years Fund National Poll for 2017
79% of voters (bipartisan) want Congress and the administration to work together to improve the quality of child care and preschool, and make it more affordable for parents.
58% of voters say that Congress and the president are not giving early childhood education the attention it deserves.
85% of voters say there should be increased funding for child care that directly supports greater access to quality programs for low- and middle-income children while their parents work or attend school.

40. There is strong support for essential investments in quality early childhood education from birth through age five.

41. Appropriations for Early Learning
FFY 2017 Final
FFY 2018 President’s Proposal
IDEA 619 Preschool
$367.5 million
IDEA Part C
$457.7 million
Preschool Development Grants
$249.5 million
-0-

42. Appropriations for Early Learning
FFY 2017 Final
FFY 2018 President’s Proposal
Child Care Development Block Grant
$2.756 Billion
$2.761 Billion
Head Start & EHS
$9.151 Billion
$9.168 Billion
21st Century Learning Centers
$1.192 Billion
-0-

43. Home Visiting MIECHV was initially authorized in the ACA
Extension funding for MIECHV was enacted 2015
Designed to improve the health of at-risk children through evidence-based home visiting programs
Will expire September 30, 2017
H.R. 2824, the Increasing Opportunity through Evidence-Based Home Visiting Act, introduced with a five-year extension at the current annual allocation of $400 million.
Bill also includes modifications to the MIECHV program.

44. Home Visiting Coalition “Ask”
5-Year Reauthorization to provide states with stability to expand and ground home visiting programs
Double annual funding of MIECHV incrementally over 5-years from $400 million to $800 million annually
Must be accomplished by September 30th
Home Visiting Coalition

45. Reauthorization of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act (EHDI)
Almost completed by last Congress.
Originally enacted in 1999 to provide federal funds for state grants to develop infant hearing screening and intervention programs.
S. 652 and H.R introduced in March 2017 to reauthorize for five years.
Leading sponsors of the bill are Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Representatives Brett Guthrie (R- KY) and Doris Matsui (D-CA).

46. New OSEP Preschool LRE Guidance
OSEP released an updated Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) related to Preschool Least Restrictive Environments (LRE).
Issued in January 2017
The policy guidance covers:
Key statutory and regulatory requirements,
Preschool placement options,
Reporting educational environments data for preschool children with disabilities, and
Use of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B funds for preschool children with disabilities.

47. ESSA State and LEA Plans
State Plans describe how SEA will provide:
Assistance to LEAs and schools using Title I funds to support early childhood education
Information on family engagement and child development to early childhood and K-12 teachers and principals.
State report cards include number and percentage of children enrolled in preschool programs.

48. ESSA State and LEA Plans
LEAs describe if and how the LEA will use Title I funds to provide early childhood education. Must describe how they will support, coordinate, and integrate services with early childhood education programs, including transition to kindergarten.

49. ESSA Title IX Preschool Development Grants
Initial grants to States
1 year
Renewal grants to States
Up to three years with state match of 30%
Renewal grants used to:
Provide preference to rural areas
Implement activities in areas in need of improvement
Expand access to existing programs
Develop new programs to address needs of un-served children and families
Supplement, not supplant, public funds

50. ESSA and Early Childhood
Early Learning in the ESSA Act U.S. Department of Education, Office of Early Learning, 2016
What Early Learning in ESSA Can Look Like for States and Districts First Five Fund 2017
Unlocking ESSA's Potential to Support EL
CEELO ESSA Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes (CEELO) webpage on ESSA implementation

51. Head Start Performance Standards
Ensure full participation in program services and activities for children with IFSPs and IEPs §
Provide additional services for children §
Additional services for children with disabilities.
Services during IDEA eligibility determination.
Published September 6, 2016
/head-start-performance-standards

52. Head Start Responsibilities
Provide supports for children with significant delays who are not eligible for IDEA (1302 Subpart C)
Recognizing the parents’ role in the IFSP or IEP process, and preparing parents to advocate for their children (1302 Subpart C)
Provide transition services to support children with disabilities and their families as they prepare to leave the program.
(1302 Subpart G)
Coordination and collaboration with local agencies responsible for implementing IDEA, Part B (preschool) and Part C (infant and toddler) services to ensure appropriate referral, evaluation, service delivery and transition. (1302 Subpart J)

53. CCDBG Regulations – September 30, 2016
The CCDBG Act of 2014 requires that States:
Develop strategies for increasing the supply and quality of child care services for children with disabilities;
Provide information about the availability of child care services that promote informed child care choices and related to programs carried out under IDEA 619 and Part C;
Provide information on developmental screenings including IDEA 619 and Part C; and
Provide training and professional development appropriate for children, including children with disabilities.

54. Federal Prospects: What ’s Going to Happen Next In Early Learning?
Slide 18
Federal Prospects: What ’s Going to Happen Next In Early Learning?

55. Teacher Quality Matters
Jane West
Higher Education Consortium for Special Education
Teacher Education Division of CEC
@janewestdc

56. Appropriations Concerns
Eliminates Title II ESSA $2.3B
Eliminates Teacher Quality Partnership Grants – Higher Education Act $43M
Eliminates Public Service Loan Forgiveness (often used by teachers)
Flat Funding Personnel Prep IDEA

57. Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act?
Teacher Prep Regs gone
Title II HEA
Data collection
Teacher Quality Partnership program
State report cards
State list of low performers
Student Financial Aid
TEACH Grants
Loan Forgiveness

58. ESSA State Plans Titles I and II ESSA:
Reform certification and prep program standards
Equitable access to effective and experienced teachers
Define “effective” and “experienced” teacher
Recruit teachers from other fields
Create Teacher and Principal Academies
Hold job while in alternate route
Authorized by state like charter schools
No requirements for faculty credentials, # courses etc.
Must offer state financial aid
May consider “graduates” as having an MA

59. What Keeps Me Up at Night!
No more highly qualified
ESSA defers to states/locals
Pressure of shortages
Low enrollment in teacher prep programs
Expanded appetite for alternative routes
Apprenticeships?
Expanded choice: no requirements for teacher quality?

60. What can you do? Tell your story Use social media
Develop relationships with your Congressional delegation
Be at the table as your state develops and implements ESSA plans
Find awesome allies and third party endorsers

61. You’re probably on the menu!
And Remember
If you’re not at the table……
You’re probably on the menu!

62. OSEP Project Directors’ Conference
Slide 62
OSEP Project Directors’ Conference
July 2017
Lindsay E. Jones, Esq.
@LD_Advocate

63. Vouchers: Parent Perspective
For students with disabilities, major concerns include:
Parents must waive IDEA rights before accepting a voucher
Vouchers often don’t cover full cost of tuition – shifts burden to parents

64. ESSA Update Now: States developing ESSA plans, which include:
Assessment & accountability systems (Title I)
Supporting Effective Instruction (Title II)
Well-Rounded Education (Title IV)
April/September 2017: States submit ESSA plans
: Transition year for many States
: Full Implementation
Lindsay:
Note: ESSA plans that include Title I, II, III, IV are consolidated plans. We believe that most states will submit a consolidated plan however some may only select to submit a plan with some of the Titles.
Mention: CRA and its possible impact
In Flux…
The Department issued a new template in March that tells states what's "absolutely necessary" for them to consider in developing those plans and removes the parent input requirement. April/Sept. deadlines remain intact.

65. ESSA Advocacy Toolkit
Easy to Use Parent Guide to Impact ESSA Implementation in States & School Districts

66. ESSA Advocacy Toolkit (cont.)
Toolkit Topics:
How ESSA Works
Why Accountability Matters
Indicators That Measure School and Student Achievement
Importance of State and local Report Cards & School Ratings
Interventions that Support Struggling Schools
Accommodations for High School Tests

67. Personalized Learning & Students with Disabilities
Part I: State Recommendations & Case Studies
Part II: Self-Advocacy & Self- Determination
How do we ensure students have skills in the areas of:
self-awareness
decision-making
goal-setting
agency
communication?

68. Slide 68

69. State of Learning Disabilities: Goals
Raise Awareness & Dispel Stigma
Prevent the Downward Spiral

70. State Snapshots