MMSD – DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

Number 1
November,1997

This Issue's Contents:

·  Reauthorization of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

·  Highlights of IDEA's Reauthorization

Key Terms
IDEA: (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Federal legislation governing special education.
CHAPTER 115: Wisconsin legislation governing special education.
P.I. 11: Wisconsin administrative rules and regulations for special education.

Reauthorization of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

This bulletin is the first in a series to provide information on the Reauthorization of IDEA and subsequent changes in the MMSD's local special education policy and procedures. A Steering Committee has been appointed to assist with the overall planning process to bring our District into compliance with these mandated changes. This Committee, comprised of teachers, administrators, and legal council will meet on a regular basis during the 1997-98 school year to guide the planning and implementation of changes in our local policies and procedures. Informational bulletins, such as this one, will serve as one method for communicating the work of the Steering Committee and to keep you apprised of developments related to this important initiative.

This first bulletin provides an overview of the Reauthorization of IDEA and the major changes contained in this legislation. Future issues will provide more detail regarding these changes and the resulting impact on our local schools. These bulletins will also serve as the vehicle for describing staff development opportunities we will be offering to assist school personnel with acquiring the knowledge and skills to implement these changes. I ask your patience and understanding as we move forward with bringing the District into compliance with these legal requirements.

Jack Jorgensen
Director of Educational Services
November, 1997

Highlights of IDEA's Reauthorization

On June 7, 1997, President Clinton signed into law the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997. These amendments significantly change certain aspects of special education law. The 1997 Amendments represent the culmination of several years of work by the Clinton Administration, Congress, educators, parents, and advocates for students with disabilities to reauthorize IDEA. The good news about this legislation is that the changes will, in many cases, result in less paperwork for special educators and more flexibility in designing and delivering special education services.

Major Changes

Significant changes were made in the following areas of IDEA:

1.  Identification, evaluation, IEP and placement;

2.  Participation and performance of EEN students in state and local assessment programs;

3.  Private school placements;

4.  Discipline, suspension and expulsion;

5.  Parent dispute resolution; and

6.  Funding.

In addition to changes in federal legislation governing special education, the State of Wisconsin is drafting a Statutory Proposal to significantly alter Chapter 115, the state laws governing special education. These changes would align Wisconsin special education law with federal law. If approved by the State Legislature in March, 1998, the proposed changes would eventually result in the repeal of about two thirds of PI. 11 - the Wisconsin Administrative Rules governing special education. Future bulletins will discuss in more detail the impact of these proposed changes on Madison Metropolitan School District's local special education policies and procedures.

Timeline for Implementation

Some of IDEA's changes went into effect on July 1, 1997. Therefore, MMSD will immediately begin to address these changes through the development of an implementation plan. This plan, developed with the assistance of the IDEA Steering Committee, will outline a series of action steps to bring the District into compliance with IDEA and any subsequent changes in State law and Administrative Rules and Regulations.

The goal of the MMSD is to have a local implementation plan developed by July 1, 1998. Certain actions contained in the plan will have already been implemented yet this year, while others most likely will commence with the 1998-99 school year.

Dissemination of a revised Special Education Policies and Procedures Handbook and subsequent staff training in the use of this handbook will be completed during the first semester of the 1998-99 school year.

Information regarding the reauthorization of IDEA can be accessed through the following internet address: http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/dpi/dlsea/een/idea.html

You should continue to use the current MMSD EEN Policies and Procedures Handbook until a revised version is available. Questions related to the reauthorization of IDEA can be directed to a program support teacher or your area special education administrator. Every effort will be made to respond to questions in a timely manner. Written suggestions or comments can be directed to IDEA Steering Committee c/o Jack Jorgensen, Doyle Administration Building.

If you have any questions or comments, you can reach MMSD's Department of Educational Services by sending an e-mail message to: