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Special Education

Special Education

Outline of Massachusetts State with Collage of Children
Special Education Updates
09/26/2023 View HTML Page  Parent New IEP Form Information Letter template, in sixteen languages, now available for School use
09/15/2023 View HTML Page  The Department is reissuing the former "Draft Process Guide" and repurposing the document to serve as a "Technical Guide." As the name implies, this document will cover the technical changes to the IEP Form. This tool should be considered alongside other
09/12/2023 View HTML Page  IEP 2023 Business Requirements and IEP 2023 Preliminary Data Requirements Analysis update
Special Education Updates Archive
graphic of puzzle pieces showing how eight key components all interlock to form complete Components of General Supervision: Fiscal Management, Integrated Monitoring, Sustaining Compliance & Improvement, Implementation of Policies and Procedures, Technical Assistance & Professional Development, Dispute Resolution, Data, and SPP/APR

As the State Educational Agency, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has responsibility for general supervision under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). DESE provides technical assistance and monitors local education agencies’ (LEAs) implementation of IDEA and state special education law. General supervision has eight distinct but interconnected components, creating a cohesive system.

Information from Special Education Leaders Meetings
September 15, 2023 Presentation Recording
The focus of this meeting was: Update on new MA IEP, Updates from OSERS on the state's general supervision responsibilities, and Other Special Education Updates.
August 18, 2023 Presentation Recording Sample IEP
The focus of this meeting was: Update on new MA IEP, Back to School Information for Special Education; and Other Special Education Updates.
June 23, 2023 Presentation Recording
The focus of this meeting was: Update on new MA IEP, new Early Literacy Screening Guidance, Plan for Special Education Leaders Meetings in SY24, and Special education updates.
May 26, 2023 Presentation Recording
The focus of this meeting was: Update on new MA IEP, Staffing supports for students with complex medical needs: Panel discussion, Plan for Special Education Leaders Meetings in SY24, and Special education updates.
April 28, 2023 Presentation Recording
The focus of this meeting was Special Education updates, detailed review of final revisions to the new IEP form; IDEA Grant changes, and A discussion of the rollout of new IEP form.
Special Education Leaders Past Meetings

Last Updated: September 26, 2023

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Special Education
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