Special Education Program Plan Statement
IDEA -2004
The federal special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), was reauthorized in December of 2004 and came fully into effect on July 1, 2005. The reauthorized act continues to emphasize the need to provide appropriate educational services to students with disabilities in order to improve educational results for these students.
Partnerships Improving Educational Outcomes for Students with Disabilities
IDEA-2004 continues to emphasize the role of parents and expands opportunities for parents, general educators, and special educators to work together in partnerships that support student learning and the success of students in adult life.
LEA Compliance
Every Local Educational Agency (LEA) must maintain the documentation named in each element of the Special Education Program Plan Statement to demonstrate compliance with IDEA-2004 at the local level. Massachusetts has aligned the submission of the Special Education Program Plan Statement to the cohort model associated with the data collection activities for the State Performance Plans indicators. The SEPPS submission is not tied to the Program Quality Assurance Coordinated Program Review process.
An updated Data Collection Schedule for the Massachusetts State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report
An updated District Cohort Assignments for the Massachusetts State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report
Districts assigned to Cohort 1 and Boston must complete and submit their Special Education Program Plan Statement 
to the Special Education Planning and Policy Development Office of the DESE by October 1, 2019.
Attachments:
Program Plan Statement — updated 08/2019
Memorandum on Requirements for the Special Education Program Plan Statement (SEPPS)
Updated Data Collection Schedule and District Cohort Assignments for the Massachusetts State Performance Plan for Special Education (MA SPP) Activities
The State Special Education Regulations
Assistance to States for the Education of Children With Disabilities and Preschool Grants for Children With Disabilities; Final Rule
Last Updated: August 9, 2019