Updates

Special Education Directors,

The ADE/ESS Dispute Resolution (DR) unit recognizes the value of that ensuring collaborative, student-focused IEP teams are equipped to make sound decisions in the development of IEPs. We are pleased to offer professional learning opportunities, free of charge, to PEAs seeking to establish or strengthen a Facilitated IEP culture. Our current presentations emphasize three key components of effective facilitated IEP meetings: knowledge of the IEP process under the IDEA, standardized meeting practices, and the use of meeting management skills that aid in minimizing conflict and maximizing collaboration. As you prepare your professional development calendar for the summer and upcoming school year, our Alternative Dispute Resolution Specialist would be happy to make arrangements to work with your team. Submit your Facilitated IEP Training Request soon to secure your preferred date(s)!

DATA MANAGEMENT ALERT

FY23 Discipline Data Collection Update

To learn about updates to the ESS Discipline Data Collection (DDC) application for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2023, please review this memo which outlines upcoming changes. 

It is important to note that while reporting discipline data into AzEDS has been made available for FY23, this is a pilot year. All discipline data submissions for SPED students resulting in a removal will be required to be submitted into the ESS Discipline Data Collection application for FY23.

DATA MANAGEMENT ALERT 

Special Education Data Updates Webinar Wednesday, April 20th  

The Exceptional Student Services Data Management team will be hosting the next Special Education Data Updates live webinar on Wednesday, April 20th from 2pm – 3pm.

DATA MANAGEMENT ALERT

FY23 Statement of Assurances required by all PEAs opens on 4/13/22

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), the representative body for Special Education for Arizona, Exceptional Student Services, is required to obtain assurances from public education agencies (PEAs) to attest that they are meeting the requirements under state and federal statute for special education in the state of Arizona.

It is a requirement for all entities that are defined as public education agencies (PEAs) regardless if they get federal funds or not.

Special Education Directors:

Are you concerned about the current rate of suspensions and expulsions at your school or district? Do you feel students are losing valuable class time due to disruptions and other behavior problems? Are teachers struggling to be successful with classroom management? Are administrators spending too much time dealing with discipline issues?  If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you might find the solution in Multi-Tier Behavior Supports.

DATA MANAGEMENT ALERT 

 FY22 ESS Discipline Data Training Webinar  

 ESS Data Management is hosting a training webinar for the ESS Discipline Data Collection (DDC) application on April 6, 2022, from 10:00am – 11:00am.

DATA MANAGEMENT ALERT

NEW Home-based vs. Homeschooled vs. Homebound Guidance Document

A new guidance document identifying the key differences between reporting Home-based vs. Homeschooled vs. Homebound students is now available on our AzEDS SPED Reporting page, under Tools and Resources.

Special Education Directors,

Please see the following public notice, comment, and hearing period information for the IDEA Part B State Application and Proposed Early Childhood Special Education Transition Policy and Procedures.

Federal Fiscal Year 2022 IDEA Part B State Application

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) will apply soon for federal funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. This application document serves as the basis for the operation and administration of activities to carry out the requirements of Part B of the IDEA.  As part of the public participation process set forth in the IDEA Part B regulations at 34 CFR § 300.165 and in section 441(b)(7) of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) ((20 U.S.C. 1232d(b)(7)), the State must publish its Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2022 IDEA Part B Application and allow public comment.

Special Education Directors,

The ADE/ESS Assistive Technology (AT) team is excited to announce our first in-person professional learning opportunities of the 2021–2022 AT Builders National Presenter Series with Judith Schoonover for special educators and related service providers.

“Want to ‘Make’ a Difference? Promote ParticipATion with Easily Found Materials!” with Judith Schoonover.  

DATA MANAGEMENT ALERT

Update to Integrity Rule for FY 2022: -40031

An update to an integrity rule for FY 2022 will be introduced into the integrity process on SPED data shortly. This rule is a continuation of our effort to further validate SPED reporting to ensure clean data for the state.   

A one-sheet Integrity Tool is available on our AzEDS SPED Reporting webpage for troubleshooting tips. An updated error message has been added to our SPED Integrity Rules Reference document and the change is referenced on the FY 2022 ESS Data Reporting Updates document.