Special Education - Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Outline of Massachusetts State with Collage of Children

Special Education Updates
05/24/2023		DESE providing PD and TA for schools and districts to support the adoption of the new IEP forms.
05/15/2023		Department of Elementary and Secondary Education advises schools and districts in the Commonwealth to continue concerted efforts to reduce or eliminate the use of time-out rooms.
10/21/2022		The Department in collaboration with state agencies that provide adult services to individuals with disabilities who reached age 22 between March 10, 2020, and September 1, 2023.
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
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.
March 24, 2023	Presentation Recording The main focus of this meeting was Special Education updates, An overview of the new IEP form; and A discussion of the rollout of new IEP form.
March 3, 2023	Presentation Recording The main focus of this meeting was Special Education updates, and a panel presentation Reducing or Eliminating the Use of Time-Out Rooms.
January 20, 2023	Presentation Recording The main focus of this meeting was Special Education updates, a DESE Problem Resolution System (PRS) presentation and a presentation by Ma Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
Special Education Leaders Past Meetings

Last Updated: May 24, 2023

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Special Education
Phone: 781-338-3375
Fax: 781-338-3371

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