E-News

State Receives OSEP Determination Letters on Implementation of IDEA

The federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) recently issued IDEA progress reports to state departments of education. Officially known as "U.S. Department of Education Determination Letters on State Implementation of the IDEA," the reports indicate if states met requirements of IDEA or need assistance or intervention to meet those requirements.

IDEA is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which provides public education to the nation's nearly 7 million children with disabilities. For funding accountability, states must show that they are meeting the education needs of children with disabilities.

Each state develops its own state performance plan, based on federal guidelines and then submits an annual performance report to OSEP telling how it met the targets of its plan. OSEP sends detailed progress reports to states in June, showing states where they need improvement. To view Minnesota’s determination letter, click here. To find letters for other states, click here.

New PACER Web Site Addresses School-wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Support

School-wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (SW-PBIS) is a statewide initiative for all students, with and without disabilities. It emphasizes interventions that create a positive school climate, resulting in increased learning and reduced disciplinary actions. PACER’s new site, funded by the Minnesota Department of Education, explains what SW-PBIS is and how parents and schools can be involved in this important effort.

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Call for Papers: Deadline for Abstracts is June 30

The Opening Doors conference on accessing services for children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs from traditionally underserved communities has announced a call for papers. PACER Center is a partner in this “state of the science” national conference, Nov. 10-11, at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda, Md. Sessions will focus on early screening for disabilities and special health care needs; inclusive recreation; and adolescent transition. The keynoter is motivational speaker and disability advocate Greg Smith. Registration begins Sept. 1. Opening Doors is a five-year Rehabilitation Research and Training Center funded by the U.S. Department of Education National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDDR). The conference is sponsored by NIDRR, the HSC Foundation, the Maternal Child Health Bureau, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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U.S. Department of Education Releases Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

The public has an opportunity to comment on proposed amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regulations governing the Assistance to States for the Education of Children with Disabilities Program and Preschool Grants for Children with Disabilities Program. Comments must be received on or before July 28, 2008. Issues on the regulations include:

• Parental revocation of consent for special education services
• Representation of parents by non-attorneys in due process hearings
• State monitoring, technical assistance, and enforcement of the Part B program
• A state's or local educational agency's (LEAs) obligation to make positive efforts to employ qualified individuals
• The allocation of funds, under sections 611 and 619 of the Act, to LEAs that are not serving any children with disabilities

These proposed regulations have not previously been available for public comment. The proposed amendments are from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS).

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Join IBM's World Community Grid

The World Community Grid is an IBM effort to link computers worldwide and put idle computer time to use in aiding projects that benefit humanity. The grid is built upon an IBM infrastructure and includes IBM support. To become part of the grid, members install a small, free software program on their computers. When their computers are on but not being used, the program connects to the World Community Grid’s server, performs computations, and sends the results back to the server. Members’ donated resources help increase the pace of research. Visit www.worldcommunitygrid.org, click “find a team,” and select “PACER Center.” Join the team! It’s safe and easy.

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