Attached is a data collection packet which contains the instructions for special education program approval and forms and instructions for needs assessments for personnel and inservice training. THE LOCAL DISTRICT SPECIAL EDUCATION SUMMARY FORM AND SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICE PROVIDER FORM WILL BE DISSEMINATED IN THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION’S MASS MAIL SYSTEM. The packet is designed to consolidate data collection activities, thus reducing the burden on district personnel for reporting required data throughout the year. To expedite the reporting process, information on the Local District Special Education Summary Form and Special Education Service Provider Form submitted for FY 2001-2002 has been copied and is being provided for verification only. The Local District Special Education Summary Form will provide information needed to approve the district's special education program for FY 2002-2003.
Only students identified as disabled and who are receiving special education services in approved programs may be counted for the calculation of special education funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B. Districts may also use information submitted on this form to analyze technical assistance needs in special education.
Following the receipt and review of the special education program approval information, Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) Area Supervisors will notify district superintendents as to the status of their special education program. If a program is not approved, recommendations for obtaining approval will be provided. The district must then submit a revised Local District Special Education Summary Form for reconsideration. Questions concerning the Local District Special Education Summary Form should be directed to the ADE Special Education Area Supervisor at (501) 682-4225.
The two (2) additional forms (Special Education Personnel Needed and Inservice Training Needs Survey), in conjunction with the Special Education Service Provider Form, will provide information needed to respond to annual federal data reporting requirements mandated by PL 105-17. These data may also be used to determine manpower trends in special education and to determine the potential supply of personnel in the present and future. Information provided on the Inservice Training Needs Survey will provide a basis for establishing state priorities for inservice training topics and audiences. For questions about the Special Education Service Provider Form, contact Susanne Bunn at (501) 682-4223. Contact Cassandra Green at (501) 682-4222 for questions about the Special Education Personnel Needed or Inservice Training Needs Survey Forms.
The completed forms are due on or before December 6, 2002, and should be forwarded to:
Arkansas Department of Education
Special Education
Grants and Data Management
1401 W. Capitol, Suite 450
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-2936