special education monitoring – idea grant jenifer spear office of special education programs
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SPECIAL EDUCATION MONITORING – IDEA GRANT
Jenifer Spear
Office of Special Education Programs
What we Monitor?
IDEA and N.J.A.C. 6A:14 requirementsIDEA Grant
Consolidated Monitoring Program Accountability Monitors
are part of Consolidated Team (Title 1, Perkins, etc.) conduct special education monitoring activities
simultaneously with other members of the Consolidated Team
contribute their findings, corrective actions and recommendations to the monitoring report in the current consolidated report format
review CAP and provide technical assistance conduct verification activities, track verification
timelines and report closeout to Consolidated team leader
The Monitoring Process: Prior to the Site Visit
Each LEA is assigned a Team Leader from OSEP, who will be the district’s point of contact before, during and after the monitoring activities
The team leader will provide a detailed list of the requested information from the director of special services
IDEA Grant monitoring
The primary focus of the State’s Special Education grant monitoring activities must be on: Ensuring that LEAs request, control and
report on the use of IDEA funds in accordance with IDEA-B 2004, with a particular emphasis on those requirements that are most closely related to improving educational results for children with disabilities 34 CFR §300.600.
RESOURCE : IDEA Purposes of Funding
Funds provided under IDEA-B may only be used for the excess cost of providing special education and related services to students with disabilities. Funds shall be used for the following: to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for
students with disabilities ages 3-21 (Basic) and ages 3, 4 and 5 (Preschool); and
to initiate, expand or supplement special education and related services including vocational education services for students with disabilities currently receiving educational services.
IDEA Part B funds should be viewed as a supplement to local/state education funding for students. As such, all IDEA Part B funds must be used consistent with the current IDEA Part B statutory and regulatory requirements and applicable requirements in the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) and the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR)
IDEA Grant Review Verification of Usage of Funds
A sample of two years worth of Basic and Preschool IDEA expenditure summaries is reviewed to ensure that: correct funding source is utilized. Please refer to the
Uniform Minimum Chart of Accounts for New Jersey Public Schools
expenditures reflect the approved grant application split funding for supplies and equipment is documented
and substantiated all equipment ( 2,000$ ) is tagged and in appropriate
settings (public and nonpublic). Please refer to the IDEA manual for equipment criteria.
funds are used for supplementing not supplanting
IDEA Grant Review Verification of Usage of Funds (cont’d)
Contracts with other LEAs, Educational Services Commissions, private consultants, and agencies are reviewed for required components board approval
Personnel board approved split funding for personnel is documented and substantiated
for fully and partial funded staff (please refer to December 2012 broadcast memo)
time and activity is completed
IDEA Grant Review Verification of Usage of Funds (cont’d)
Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) 15% set aside if there is significant disproportionality based on race or
ethnicity in an LEA with respect to identification of children as children with disabilities identification of children in specific disability categories, placement of children with disabilities in particular educational settings, or the taking of disciplinary actions,
Funding is to be used for programs/services that serve students that have not been identified as needing special education or related services but who need additional academic and/or behavioral support to succeed in a general education environment.
Verify district tracking mechanism for CEIS Nonpublic Proportionate Share
Ensure that Individual Service Plans are fully implemented Consultation decision making and copies of letters of verification ISP review and onsite reviews at nonpublic setting, where necessary
Amendments An Amendment Application must be
submitted: for changes between expenditure categories cumulatively transferred among
expenditure categories in excess of 10 percent of the total approved budget. LEAs are responsible for monitoring the cumulative 10 percent level of fiscal changes;
when budgeting expenditures in a category for which no funds were previously budgeted or approved;
for changes in the scope of activities;
to budget any carryover/overpayment in the current grant cycle; and
all amendments must be consistent with the district's approved policies and procedures and benefit students with disabilities.
The Monitoring Process: Post-Monitoring
Issue the Report: The OSEP monitors combine their findings with those of the other grant programs and issue a single report. Reports are normally issued 2-3 months after the visit.
Required Actions: When noncompliance is identified the LEA will receive specific required actions to conduct.
Meet with OSEP Monitors: After the report is issued the team leader will visit the district to review the monitoring report in detail, provide technical assistance with areas of noncompliance and set-up a schedule for verification visits.
IDEA Part B Manual
http://www.state.nj.us/education/specialed/fund/IDEA_Guidelines.pdf
Contact Us:
Special Education Monitoring Kim Murray, 609-292-7605 [email protected]
IDEA Grant Pat Gray, 609-292-0147 [email protected]
Contact Us:
Special Education MonitorsNorthern Team:Jenifer Spear ([email protected])
Tracey Pettiford-Bugg ([email protected])
Owen Buchanan ([email protected])
Central Team:Nicole Buten ([email protected])Lisa Ruffner ([email protected])
Southern Team:Caryl Carthew ([email protected])Tricia Fair ([email protected])Ken Richards ([email protected])