WASHINGTON, DC – The District of Columbia was credited for its demonstrated progress in special education data reporting and compliance as part of the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), according to a State Performance Determination from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Determinations are annual and based on a review of state-reported data submitted during the 2011 Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) from July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011.
Under IDEA, states can receive one of four determinations: meets requirements, needs assistance, needs intervention, or needs substantial intervention.
In OSEP’s June 27, 2012 communication to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) regarding the District’s Part C IDEA determination for FFY 2011, OSSE received a determination level of needs assistance, based on reporting valid and reliable data for all indicators and a high level of compliance (95% or above) for key compliance indicators. OSEP also lifted special conditions placed on the District’s FFY 2011 grant award based on OSSE’s Part C IDEA monitoring efforts and demonstrated correction of identified noncompliance.
In OSEP’s June 28, 2012 communication to OSSE regarding the District’s Part B IDEA determination for FFY 2011, OSSE received a determination level of needs intervention, based on the District’s performance related to compliance with secondary transition requirements, as well as its performance on correction of noncompliance and rates of timeliness with implementation of Hearing Officer Determinations, initial evaluations, and reevaluations.
OSEP determinations are based on state data reported by District of Columbia annual performance reports (APRs), and in its May 2012 Special Conditions progress report, OSEP reported OSSE as having completed 94% of evaluations and 89% of reevaluations in a timely manner. Additionally, the District demonstrated a 95% rate of timely transition from C to B services at age three. And overall, OSEP confirmed that OSSE reported valid and reliable data for 100% of its FFY 2010 Part B APR indicators.
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