IDAHO SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY PANEL INTRODUCTION

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that every state establish and maintain an advisory panel for the purpose of advising the State Department of Education (SDE) regarding the education of children with disabilities (ages birth through 26).

The responsibilities of Idaho’s Special Education Advisory Panel, as defined in the IDEA Amendments of 2004, are as follows:

• Advise the State Department of Education (SDE) of unmet needs in the education of children with disabilities; and
• Comment publicly on rules or regulations proposed by the state regarding the education of children with disabilities; and
• Provide advice to SDE staff in developing evaluations and reporting data to the Secretary of Education; and
• Advise the SDE in developing corrective action plans to address findings identified in federal monitoring reports; and
• Advise the SDE in developing and implementing policies relating to the coordination of services for children with disabilities.

In Idaho, advisory panel members are appointed by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (IDAPA 08.02.03.109.08). Panel members serve for a three year term.

The majority of panel members are to be individuals with disabilities, or parents of children with disabilities (ages birth through 26). Panel members serve without compensation, but the state may reimburse them for reasonable and necessary expenses in order to attend meetings and perform panel duties.

Shared goals and function are critical to the direction, decisions, and actions of the panel. Applicants are encouraged to give serious thought to their role on the panel and how they can contribute to its unity and strength of purpose. Commitment and active involvement are necessary in order to assist the panel in its efforts.

If you would like to serve on the Special Education Advisory Panel, please complete and submit an application form.