The National Center for Special Education Research released the first report on the Evaluation of States' Monitoring and Improvement Practices Under IDEA study. Under IDEA, states must monitor special education and early intervention programs. Prior to the reauthorization in 2004, IDEA did not explicitly detail monitoring requirements. Provisions in the 2004 reauthorization now require states to monitor priority areas using quantifiable indicators. The current report discusses states' monitoring practices in the year prior to the enforcement of these new requirements. The two most commonly reported focus areas for monitoring programs for individuals ages 3 through 21 (Part B) were free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment (35 states) and access to the general curriculum (30 states). The two most commonly reported focus areas for monitoring programs for infants and toddlers (Part C) were Individualized Family Service Plan requirements and procedures (35 states) and transition to preschool (33 states).
Online Availability
