The Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education (MDE OSE) has recently updated its policies, procedures, and practices to address areas of concern in a timely manner. This update follows the guidance released by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) in July 2023, which consolidates and clarifies state responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
So, what exactly is an "area of concern"? According to the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), an area of concern is defined as "a credible allegation regarding an IDEA policy, procedure, practice, or other requirements that raises one or more potential implementation or compliance issues, if confirmed true." These credible allegations can come from various sources such as integrated monitoring activities, data reviews, grant reviews, stakeholder calls, media reports, and dispute resolution systems.
The MDE OSE has developed a robust system to ensure these areas of concern are addressed promptly. Here's a quick rundown of how it works:
- Identifying Credible Allegations: MDE OSE uses multiple sources of information to determine if an area of concern is a credible allegation. This process, known as triangulation, involves using various data collection methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, and document analysis to validate the credibility of an allegation.
- Sources of Information: The data or information analyzed may include public entities, fiscal contracts, customer service information, administrative or judicial decisions, media reports, reputable news outlets, previous program self-reviews, document submissions, information line inquiries, ISD plan review findings, state complaints, and results of monitoring activities.
- Addressing the Concern: Once an area of concern is identified, MDE OSE proceeds with due diligence to confirm or refute it. This process typically begins with a conversation with the relevant ISD Director of Special Education.
- Collaborative Actions: In collaboration with the ISD, MDE OSE may take additional actions such as conversing with the ISD Superintendent, developing an individualized plan to address the concern, conducting additional research or monitoring, and working collaboratively with member districts.
- Verification and Reporting: Once the area of concern has been addressed, the ISD notifies MDE OSE for verification. A written report is then issued to the ISD, closing out the activities related to the area of concern.
This comprehensive approach ensures that areas of concern are addressed effectively and in a timely manner, maintaining the integrity of IDEA implementation across Michigan's school districts.
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