Welcome to our blog! Today, we're diving into Ohio's comprehensive system of general supervision for special education. Understanding this system is crucial for educators, parents, and stakeholders dedicated to improving outcomes for students with disabilities.
State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that each state develops a State Performance Plan (SPP) to ensure accountability in implementing IDEA requirements. Ohio's SPP includes measurable targets for 17 indicators under IDEA Part B, addressing the needs of children with disabilities aged 3 to 21. The Annual Performance Report (APR) tracks the state's progress against these targets.
Ohio's Department of Education, with input from stakeholders, has set rigorous targets to ensure continuous improvement. The state also publicly reports on the performance of educational agencies compared to these targets. For more detailed information, visit the Ohio Department of Education's website.
State Systemic Improvement Plan
Indicator 17 of the SPP/APR represents Ohio's State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP). This ambitious plan aims to enhance results for students with disabilities by improving state and local infrastructure. Ohio's SSIP focuses on increasing the graduation rates of students with disabilities, which have been among the lowest in the nation.
Key goals include:
- Increasing the percentage of students with disabilities graduating with a regular diploma.
- Ensuring more students in grades 9 through 12 are on track to meet graduation requirements.
The Office for Exceptional Children collaborates with various departments and stakeholders to implement the SSIP effectively. These efforts are critical to ensuring that students with disabilities achieve successful post-school outcomes.
State Determinations
Each year, the U.S. Department of Education evaluates states' implementation of IDEA and issues state determinations. These determinations can range from "Meets requirements" to "Needs substantial intervention," based on compliance and outcome measures. Ohio's state determinations, known as Special Education Ratings, are accessible on the Ohio Department of Education's website.
Policies, Procedures, and Effective Implementation
Ohio has established policies and procedures that align with IDEA to ensure that students with disabilities receive a quality education. The Ohio Operating Standards for the Education of Children with Disabilities provide a framework for educational agencies to follow. These standards ensure that special education programs are operated in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
Ohio also provides model forms for schools and parents to document special education processes, including Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Evaluation Team Reports (ETRs).
For more information, please follow this link.
