AEA System Synthesis on DE Ruling on State Complaints Concerning House File 847 and Children with Disabilities

On Dec. 1, 2021 the Iowa Department of Education shared a decision related to a state complaint related to masking and children with disabilities. Iowa’s AEAs have provided both the full and abbreviated versions of the decision, which will be shared by each AEA with its managers and partnering superintendents in accordance with the ruling.

Information had been shared at both the Heartland AEA superintendent’s meeting and the Heartland AEA Special Education Network last week regarding a recent Ruling from the Iowa Department of Education on State Complaints Concerning House File 847 and Children with Disabilities. Iowa’s AEAs have created an abbreviated version of the ruling as a resource for administrators to use when working with teams to understand the ruling.

NEW! OSEP COVID-19 Q&A: Implementation of IDEA Part B Provision of Services in the Current COVID-19 Environment

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services’ Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) released a Questions and Answers (Q&A) document in response to inquiries concerning implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B provision of services in the current COVID-19 environment: IDEA Part B Provision of Services. 

OSERS/OSEP will continue to work with state and local leaders to identify any additional areas where it can provide information to support stakeholders in their important work. For more information about COVID-19, visit ED COVID-19 Information and Resources and U.S. Government COVID-19 Information and Resources.

Changes Required by ESSA to Graduation Requirements for Children with Disabilities - Revised Timelines for Public Comment and Hearing

Last month, the Iowa Department of Education provided information about a required change in practice that they will phase in over time regarding graduation requirements for children with disabilities. This change is required by an amendment made to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by the Every Student Succeeds Act. That federal amendment changes the definition of a “regular high school diploma.” Due to scheduling conflicts and difficulties, a public hearing that was scheduled for Jan. 8 is postponed and will be rescheduled to a date later this spring. The period of public comment is open now and will be extended to the date of the rescheduled public hearing. The DE will communicate the new hearing date. Refer to this letter from the DE for more information.