How is Your State Spending its IDEA Stimulus Money?
The Advocacy Institute has launched a new website - IDEA Money Watch, to serve as a means by which to track, through the use of State-by-State blogs, how states and local school districts are spending their allocation of the $11.3 billion in federal monies as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
To find out more about IDEA Money Watch or to see posted information about your State, go to IDEA Money Watch.
Favorable Decision Issued in Civil Liability Case
Jennifer C., etc. v. Los Angeles Unified School District (December 2008)
In late-December 2008, the California State Court of Appeals, Second Appellate District issued a decision that offers greater protection of children with special needs attending public school.
In the matter of Jennifer C., the court opined that a children with special needs "cannot reasonably be expected for taking care of himself or herself". Therefore, the public school district has a legal responsibility to adequately supervise and protect children with special needs attending their schools, even in the absence of previous incidents causing harm to children.
To read the Jennifer C. opinion:
Jennifer C. v. LAUSD Case No. B205903.PDF
United States Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights Addresses the Current Trend of Bullying in Schools
On October 26, 2010, the United States Department of Education issued guidance to assist educators in combating bullying in schools. The Guidance clarifies "when student bullying may violate federal education anti-discrimination laws".
To read the Dear Colleague Letter:
colleague-201010.pdf
Facts About Bullying:
Bullying Fact Sheet-201010.pdf
For Additional Information on Bullying:
BullyingInfo.org
How is Your State Doing with Its Compliance with the IDEA?
With the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in December 2004, each state and U.S. territories became required to submit an annual performance plan to the United States Department of Education. The State Performance Plans (SPP), as they are referred to, are intended to show the States’ efforts in implementing Part B of the federal statute as well as “describe how the State will improve such implementation”.
The monitoring process began on February 1, 2007 when each state was required to submit an Annual Performance Plan. “The primary focus of the Federal and State monitoring activities” are to ensure “that States meet the program requirements…with a particular emphasis on those requirements that are most closely related to improving educational results for children with disabilities” [20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(2)(A)].
IDEA details four categories for the secretary's determination. The State:
Meets the requirements and purposes of IDEA;
Needs assistance in implementing the requirements of IDEA;
Needs intervention implementing the requirements of IDEA; or
Needs substantion intervention implementing the requirements of IDEA.
Part B State Performance Plans Letters and Annual Performance Report Letters
California Residents: The California Department of Education now has Part B compliance reporting for school districts on their website. See California Annual Performance Report Measures.
United States Department of Education Issues Guidance on RtI
that Speaks to School Districts Delaying or Denying Special Education Assessments
To Read the USDOE's January 2011 Memorandum to State Directors of Special Education:
OSEP.RTI.memo.01-21-11.pdf