Important Change to Weighted Enrollment Factor Matrices

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies are charged with weighting IEPs. We want you to be aware that the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) and K-12 Weighted Enrollment Factor Matrices have been revised. Rubrics called Weighted Enrollment Factor Matrices (WEF Matrices) are used to apply a Weighted Enrollment Factor (WEF) to the IEP for each child who receives district special education services. The revised matrices are posted on the Iowa IDEA website.

Q. What prompted changes in the matrices?

The Bureau of Finance, Facilities, Operation and Transportation Services at the Department of Education requested that the cost of educational modifications necessary to meet the special education needs of the child no longer be used to determine the weighted enrollment factor for a student.

In the past, for certain factors (e.g., Assistive Technology, Accessible Educational Materials, Equipment for Safe Transportation and Unique Circumstances), the WEF Matrices have taken into account the cost of a service or support. The Bureau and AEA Directors of Special Education have collaborated to effect this change.

Q. When will we begin utilizing the revised matrices at Heartland AEA?

Heartland AEA will begin applying the new matrices to IEPs dated Oct. 31, 2016 and after.

If you have any questions, contact the Heartland AEA Regional Director who serves your district.