The special education team ensures the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). To achieve this, we provide guidance and resources to our state's educators and families so they can engage in the vital work of providing Idaho students with disabilities the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their potential.
Through collaboration with our education partners, we provide a support-focused framework that allows our educators and families to meaningfully engage in providing students with the quality education that all students deserve.
June 14 Medicaid Advisory Committee Meeting Cancelled
The June 14, 2023 Medicaid Advisory Committee Meeting is cancelled because some key members are unable to attend. Review the June 14, 2023 Agenda and Notes for more information.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Members of the public are welcome to review initial drafts of the new Idaho Extended Content Standards alignment for English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA/Literacy), Mathematics and Science, and are encouraged to comment on the standards. This input will be used to guide the remaining work needed to finalize the extended content standards alignment and present them to the State Board of Education on August 23, 2023.
The statewide review process includes educators, parents, administrators and other educational partners who serve on review committees for each content area. These educational partners worked throughout the winter and spring to provide these initial drafts for public review and comment.
To review the initial draft standards alignments, go to the State Department of Education’s Content Standards Review page and select English Language Arts/Literacy, Mathematics or Science under the 2022/23 Content Review Information and Public Comment section. Once a draft has been reviewed, members of the public may submit their feedback using one of the following comment forms:
Public comment will be accepted until June 23, 2023.
The U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, has issued a letter urging state and school district leaders to end corporal punishment in schools and reinforcing the Department of Education’s position that corporal punishment in schools should be replaced with evidence-based practices such as Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. In addition, the Department of Education has released Guiding Principles on How to Maintain Safe, Inclusive and Supportive Fair School Climates
The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) have released new guidance to help schools support students with disabilities and avoid discriminatory use of discipline as follows
- OSEP Discipline and Behavior Series-January 30, 2023
- 2022 OSEP Discipline-Behavior Guidance
- Guidance to Help Schools Support Students with Disabilities and the Use of Discipline - 10/13/22 OSEP webinar
- Updated: July 22, 2022
- Letter from Secretary Cardona
- OSEP Implementation of IDEA Discipline Provisions
- Q&A: Addressing the Needs of Children with Disabilities and IDEA's Discipline Provisions
- Positive, Proactive Approaches to Supporting the Needs of Children with Disabilities
- Supporting Students with Disabilities and Avoiding the Discriminatory Use of Student Discipline
- Fact Sheet
- Discipline Guidance Summary
Idaho receives grants each year under Section 611 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The amount of that state allocation determined is outlined in the IDEA regulations.
Written comments may be submitted directly by using the Public Comment Form, or you can email your questions or comments directly to lpofelskirosa@sde.idaho.gov. Comments will be accepted until April 30, 2023.
Open Meeting Notice
The contents and requirements under the State Application Package have changed, with the addition of the Build America Buy America Act provisions, and a requirement to post a GEPA 427 statement. Therefore, a public hearing will be held to address any public questions, concerns, or comments regarding the application for funding, and the changes in the application package. The meeting will be held via Zoom with live captioning on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 9 am MT.
Click here to register for the Zoom Public Hearing, hosted by the Special Education Idaho Training Clearinghouse. If you would like to attend but require other accommodations, please email lpofelskirosa@sde.idaho.gov.
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