The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) is applying for federal funding under IDEA 2004 for the period of July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. The eligibility document serves as the basis for the operation and administration of activities to carry out the requirements of Part B of the IDEA. In accordance with 34 C.F.R. §§ 300.165 and 441 (b)(7), the federal regulations that implement the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) ((20 U.S.C. §1232d(b)(7)(B)), this application is posted for public participation and comment.

The Application document sets forth policies and procedures that Arizona will undertake:

1. to ensure that all eligible children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that includes special education and related services to meet their unique needs;
2. to ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected;
3. to assist public education agencies in providing for the education of all children with disabilities; and
4. to assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate those children.

The IDEA Part B State Application and Interactive Spreadsheet are available to parents, educators, and members of the general public for review and comment starting March 1, 2019 through May 3, 2019 at the Arizona Department of Education, Exceptional Student Services, 3300 N. Central Avenue, 24th floor, Phoenix, Arizona 85012, or on the ADE website at www.azed.gov/specialeducation.

Public comment for the 2019-2020 Proposed IDEA Part B State Application will be taken for 30 days starting March 1 through March 31, 2019. Comments may be submitted in writing to:

Alissa Trollinger Deputy Associate Superintendent Exceptional Student Services Arizona Department of Education 1535 West Jefferson Street, Bin #24 Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Email: [email protected]

http://www.azed.gov/specialeducation/

Strategies to Boost Parent Participation

#1 Offer use of a school computer or tablet when families are on campus for parent/teacher conferences, IEP meetings, school events, pick-up and drop-off times, parent group meetings and when you make home visits. Have translators or support staff available to assist parents.

#2 Follow-up phone calls, emails, and personal interactions to confirm parents received a login code are effective. Mention that the survey will take only a few minutes to complete and that their input is valued.

#3 Use email, social media, and message apps to promote the survey and send periodic reminders.

For assistance contact: Becky Raabe, [email protected], or (928) 637-1871.

Parent survey information and family engagement resources are posted on the survey website, www.azed.gov/specialeducation/parent-involvement-survey-admin.

Please review the revisions on the Excused Absences guidelines. They are located under Guidelines > Defining Excused Absences (formerly EX-1).

If you have any questions regarding these guidelines, please contact [email protected].