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Exceptional Student Services

Path
specialeducation
Contact
Contact name or title
ESS Reception Desk
Contact phone number
(602) 542-4013

Internal PD Opportunity: New Learning Series for Grades K-3 Mathematics Supporting Collaboration Between Special Education and General Education

Training
Updates
The ADE/ESS/Academic Achievement and Inclusive Practices team is excited to announce a new professional learning series designed to support five school teams as they seek to improve outcomes for students with disabilities in Mathematics

INTERNAL PD INFO: FREE ADE-sponsored Self-Efficacy Professional Learning and Curriculum

Professional Learning and Sustainability
Updates
Self-efficacy instruction can transform your students' beliefs about their ability to complete difficult tasks and help them become more resilient learners.

ENROLLMENT INFO: Clarification on Certificates of Educational Convenience A and Unorganized Territories

Operations
Updates
Arizona school districts (districts) are boundaries of land recognized by the United States Census Bureau where respective districts are responsible for enrolling potential students within the district’s boundaries. Any geographic areas not identified within a district’s boundaries are considered unorganized territories. Families residing in unorganized territories may enroll in districts through a certificate of educational convenience (CEC). The attached memorandum seeks to clarify certificates of educational convenience for preschool children with disabilities who reside in unorganized territories.

INTERNAL PD INFO: Reserve Your Spots for Teach Camp Today!

Professional Learning and Sustainability
Updates
Don’t miss this opportunity to sign up your new special education teachers for Teach Camp!

SPED DATA INFO: PEA Determinations for FFY 2022 Now Available

Updates
PEA Determinations for FFY 2023 Now Available.

INTERNAL PD INFO: Multi-Tier Behavior Supports (MTBS) Year 1, Apply Now!

Professional Learning and Sustainability
Updates
Multi-Tier Behavior Supports (MTBS) is a three-year training series that will assist district, charter, or school teams in developing a school-wide approach to positive behavior management practices.

Data Management Alert: SEDD Application Information

Data Management
Updates
The Special Education Data Dashboard (SEDD) is scheduled to open on May 7, 2025. SEDD is a comprehensive platform for Public Education Agencies (PEAs) to securely access federally mandated special education and statewide public data with redaction features. Through this application, PEAs enter, review, and certify special education data required under Section 618 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

IDEA CONFERENCE INFO: Exciting Opportunities: Secondary Transition Services Award Nominations & Student Call for Artwork

IDEA Conference
Updates
ADE/ESS is excited to announce two fantastic opportunities at the 2025 IDEA Conference: Access Cultivates Opportunities, happening August 20–22, 2025, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona.

DATA MANAGEMENT ALERT: FY26 Statement of Assurances Open for Submission

Data Management
Updates
The FY26 Statement of Assurances application is open for submission. All public education agencies (PEAs) must submit the IDEA Statement of Assurances (SOA) through the ESS Portal within ADEConnect. This is required before any FY26 activities in the Exceptional Student Services portal are allowable. The portal will block any PEA that has not completed the SOA effective July 1, 2025, which is when FY26 begins.

DATA MANAGEMENT ALERT: Special Education Data Updates Webinar

Data Management
Updates
The Exceptional Student Services Data Management team will host the next live Special Education Data Updates webinar on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm.