Category: Special Education

New federal provisions on maintenance of effort requirement under IDEA

A provision included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act. 2014 (signed by the President in January) sets forth the level of effort a local educational agency (LEA) must meet under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Part B in the year after it fails to maintain the level of local, or State and local, expenditures for the education of children with disabilities (known as LEA MOE). The provision is effective for the federal fiscal year 2014 Part B grants, which are awarded on July 1, 2014.

Continue reading “New federal provisions on maintenance of effort requirement under IDEA” →

Additional guidance on transportation inclusion in IEP

The Maine DOE recently issued guidance regarding the provision of transportation to special education students.  In response to questions we’ve received as a result of that dispatch, the Department wishes to provide additional clarity. Continue reading “Additional guidance on transportation inclusion in IEP” →

Section 504 training scheduled for March 28

The Maine DOE will host Section 504 training on March 28 in Augusta.

Region I Office for Civil Rights staff will discuss the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and explain the responsibilities of public schools in the education of students with disabilities. Additionally, a Maine panel of Section 504 experts will discuss individual school administrative unit’s approaches to the implementation of Section 504.  There will be time in each presentation for questions and answers. Continue reading “Section 504 training scheduled for March 28” →

Comments sought on Maine’s IDEA Part B application

The Maine DOE is seeking comments from the public on its annual application for federal funds under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which covers services for preschool- and school-age children with disabilities. Continue reading “Comments sought on Maine’s IDEA Part B application” →

Through collaboration, teachers, students better supported

Last week, Maine DOE Chief Academic Officer Rachelle Tome and I had the honor of visiting two Lewiston elementary schools undergoing transformation thanks to support from our Department and the federally-funded Title I School Improvement Grant program (SIG). To say I was impressed by what I saw at Longley and Montello would be an understatement. Continue reading “Through collaboration, teachers, students better supported” →

Updates to special education web resources

The Maine DOE has added a new question-and-answer to the “Consent” entry of the Maine Unified Special Education Regulations (MUSER) frequently asked questions section of its website.   The question-and-answer address whether a  school administrative unit may ask that a parent sign an initial consent for placement before receiving the written notice for the meeting in which decisions about initial placement have been made. Continue reading “Updates to special education web resources” →