WASHINGTON, DC – As part of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), States are provided with annual performance determinations based on the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs’ (OSEP’s) review of reported data.  Each year’s determination is based on data reported during the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY), which spans July 1-June 30.  Under IDEA, states can receive one of four determinations: meets requirements, needs assistance, needs intervention, or needs substantial intervention.

In OSEP’s June 23, 2014 communication to OSSE regarding the District’s annual determinations for FFY 2013, OSSE received a determination level of “needs assistance” related to Part C IDEA (services to infants and toddlers with qualifying disabilities, birth to three)  and “needs intervention” related to Part B IDEA (services to children with qualifying disabilities, ages 3 through 21). 

While the determinations are based on the totality of the State’s data, it is important to note the District’s FFY 2012 annual performance reports (APRs), which are based on the 2012-2013 year, serve as the foundation for the determination process. OSEP noted, in its Part B determination letter to OSSE, the significant progress the District has made in the most recent school year (SY 2013-2014), as reported in its most recent Special Conditions progress report submitted in June, 2014. 

In addition, due to the significant progress the District has made in ensuring Hearing Officer Determinations (HODs) in a timely manner and in ensuring a timely transition from Part C to Part B services for children at age three,  OSEP indicated that the District has satisfied the IDEA Part B  Special Conditions related to these areas.

OSSE is pleased to note the significant progress made in the past year, and looks forward to reporting continued improvement.  OSSE has set the bar high for FFY 2014 (school year 2014-2015), striving for 100% compliance with IDEA requirements and high quality programming that ensures that all infants, toddlers, children, and youth with developmental delays and disabilities receive an excellent education that prepares them for a full and productive life.

To read the District of Columbia's determination letters, visit the Department's website at:

http://www2.ed.gov/fund/data/report/idea/partcspap/allyears.html

http://www2.ed.gov/fund/data/report/idea/partbspap/allyears.html

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