The special education team ensures the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). To achieve this, we provide guidance and resources to our state's educators and families so they can engage in the vital work of providing Idaho students with disabilities the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their potential.
Through collaboration with our education partners, we provide a support-focused framework that allows our educators and families to meaningfully engage in providing students with the quality education that all students deserve.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This document provides guidance on the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for students enrolled in juvenile detention centers.
In 2023 the Idaho Legislature passed bills addressing Restraint and Seclusion and Open Enrollment in Idaho schools. The State Department of Education has produced the following resources to assist school districts in the implementation of this legislation.
The U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, has issued a letter urging state and school district leaders to end corporal punishment in schools and reinforcing the Department of Education’s position that corporal punishment in schools should be replaced with evidence-based practices such as Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. In addition, the Department of Education has released Guiding Principles on How to Maintain Safe, Inclusive and Supportive Fair School Climates
The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) have released new guidance to help schools support students with disabilities and avoid discriminatory use of discipline as follows
- OSEP Discipline and Behavior Series-January 30, 2023
- 2022 OSEP Discipline-Behavior Guidance
- Guidance to Help Schools Support Students with Disabilities and the Use of Discipline - 10/13/22 OSEP webinar
- Updated: July 22, 2022
- Letter from Secretary Cardona
- OSEP Implementation of IDEA Discipline Provisions
- Q&A: Addressing the Needs of Children with Disabilities and IDEA's Discipline Provisions
- Positive, Proactive Approaches to Supporting the Needs of Children with Disabilities
- Supporting Students with Disabilities and Avoiding the Discriminatory Use of Student Discipline
- Fact Sheet
- Discipline Guidance Summary
Idaho receives grants each year under Section 611 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The amount of that state allocation determined is outlined in the IDEA regulations.
Written comments may be submitted directly by using the Public Comment Form, or you can email your questions or comments directly to lpofelskirosa@sde.idaho.gov. Comments will be accepted until April 30, 2023.
Open Meeting Notice
The contents and requirements under the State Application Package have changed, with the addition of the Build America Buy America Act provisions, and a requirement to post a GEPA 427 statement. Therefore, a public hearing will be held to address any public questions, concerns, or comments regarding the application for funding, and the changes in the application package. The meeting will be held via Zoom with live captioning on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 9 am MT.
RESOURCES
