As a Special Education Director, ensuring parent involvement is crucial for the success of students receiving special education services. One of the key metrics for assessing this involvement is Indicator 8, part of the Kansas State Performance Plan (SPP). Let's dive into what Indicator 8 is and why it matters.
What is Indicator 8?
Indicator 8 is a federal requirement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It mandates that schools survey parents to determine the percentage of parents with a child receiving special education services who report that schools facilitated their involvement. This involvement is essential for improving services and results for children with disabilities.
What is the Data Source for Indicator 8?
Districts survey a stratified, representative sample of parents of students aged 3-21 who received special education services during the previous school year. Parents receive a letter from their district containing a URL to complete the survey online. Paper copies are also available for those who prefer them.
Where Can I Find the Indicator 8 Data?
The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) publishes data for all Kansas State Performance Plan indicators, including Indicator 8, in the Kansas State Performance Plan-Annual Performance Report and Kansas APR Reports. Reports for individual Local Education Agencies (LEAs) are available each summer following the close of the survey window.
Why is Indicator 8 Important?
Indicator 8 data is critical because it helps us understand how well schools are facilitating parent involvement, which is a key factor in improving educational outcomes for children with disabilities. The data includes:
- The percent of parents who report that schools facilitated their involvement.
- The number of parents sent the survey.
- The total number of parents who responded.
- The percentage of parents who responded.
This information is reported at the state level and is essential for making informed decisions about special education services and parent engagement strategies.
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