Special Education and Charter Schools Division of Special Education 1
Charter School Responsibilities for Students with Disabilities Non Discrimination Individuals with Disabilities Education Act State Mandates LAUSD Policies and procedures Modified Consent Decree - MCD 2
A Different Approach to Instruction Does this include students with special needs? 3
No Discrimination Code of Federal Regulations 34 C.F.R. 104.4(a): “No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity which receives or benefits from Federal financial assistance.” 4
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act IDEA provides families of students with disabilities many rights and protections. 5
Purpose of IDEA Increased accountability Improve results for children with disabilities Improve early intervention for struggling students Reduce over-identification and misidentification Increase the ability of schools to be safe Reduce litigation 6
State Mandates Over the years, the state of California added many provisions that exceed those in IDEA. All public schools, including charter schools, must comply with these as well. 7
LAUSD Policies and Procedures The Special Education Policies and Procedures Manual assists school personnel in understanding and implementing practices that are consistent with Federal, State and District requirements. 8
Monitoring of Compliance District Validation Review (DVR) – Conducted on a four year cycle – Self-Review Checklist – completed annually Charter Schools Division Oversight – Special Education included – Visits will be conducted on a regular basis 9
Procedural Safeguards A Parents Guide to Special Education Services is provided to parents one time per year, except a copy must also be given-- Upon initial referral or parental request for evaluation Upon the first filing of a due process complaint Upon request by the parent. 10
Students with Disabilities Eligibilities Eligibility criteria based on federal guidelines Related services Continuum of Program Options Goals, Program and Placement based on student needs Meet the assessed needs of the child 11
District Resources Continuum of Programs/Services Technical Support Professional Development Clinics (IEP, Behavior) Coordination of Due Process 12
The Modified Consent Decree Unique to LAUSD is the Modified Consent Decree (MCD), a legal mandate imposed on all schools in the District including those schools chartered by LAUSD. There are 19 required outcomes. Some of these outcomes have been met, but there are still some remaining that will be monitored closely. 13
The Modified Consent Decree The MCD has date reporting requirements which must be addressed in the petition. 14
We must be vigilant! LAUSD in partnership with charter schools collaborate to ensure that students with disabilities get equal opportunities and equal protections. 15
Memorandum of Understanding Prior to LAUSD Governing Board approval, the Charter School will execute a MOU by and between the LAUSD and Charter School regarding the provision and funding of special education services consistent with the LAUSD Special Education Local Plan Area for Special Education. 16
SUMMARY The MOU contains terms related to the following: Special Education Responsibilities 1. General Requirements Transferring Students Assessments Alternative Placements Least Restrictive Environment Staffing Requirements Student Discipline/Inclusion 17
Summary (cont.) Procedural Safeguards/Due Process Hearings Complaints Special Education Local Plan Area Funding of Special Education Services District Responsibilities Relating to Charter School Special Education Program Notices 18
Thank You!!! Go forth and continue your good work! 19
CONTACT INFORMATION Sydney Quon, Director sydney.quon@lausd.net 213-241-6701 Jody Molodow, Coordinator jody.molodow@lausd.net 213-241-6701 20
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