Special Education - Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

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Special Education Updates
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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
February 14, 2025	Presentation The focus of this meeting was: General Supervision- OSEP Monitoring Review and ESEA New Guidance; Special Education Updates- Interagency Review Team, IRT, Paraeducator E-Learning Modules, IDEA Data, IDEA Fiscal, Annual Special Education Determinations, Maintenance of Effort , Proportionate Share, Equitable Services, and GEM$; New IEP Updates- FC 0274 grant, IEP Vendors meeting.
January 17, 2025	Presentation The focus of this meeting was: General Supervision- Restraints and Seclusion in Schools, Fast Facts from OSEP; Special Education Updates- MCD, MCDHH, EOHHS, SLPI, School Based Medicaid, NA & NI Convenings, Early Childhood (EC) Transition, Indicator 11, Significant Disproportionality, CCEIS, Child Count, Meaningful Consultation, Excess Cost, MOE ; New IEP Updates- FY 2025 FC0274 Grant.
December 13, 2024	Presentation The focus of this meeting was: General Supervision- OSEP 2025 Differentiated Monitoring; Special Education Updates- Policies and Procedures, IDEA Data collection and use, LEA Determinations Technical assistance, Website redesign, Champ Software, OASES Monitoring procedures, and PRS General Education Procedures; DDS presentation on 688 Referrals; New IEP Updates.
November 15, 2024	Presentation The focus of this meeting was: General Supervision- OSEP 2025 Differentiated Monitoring; Special Education Updates- LEA Policies and Procedures, Website Survey, IDEA Data- LEA Determinations and Significant Disproportionality; IDEA Fiscal Updates- Child Count and Excess Cost; Technical Assistance updates- Early Childhood Transition, Ni and NA districts; and New IEP updates including IEP Vendor meeting and Family Communication.
October 18, 2024	Presentation The focus of this meeting was: General Supervision- OSEP 2025 Differentiated Monitoring and Special Education Priorities 2024-2025; Special Education Updates- Interagency review of complex cases, MCAS Alternative Assessment including disproportionality, Significant Disproportionality, and Indicator 7 Data Collection and Entry, Child Count, Resolution Funds, and Equitable Services; Updates for NI and NA Districts; Early Childhood (EC) Transition Collaborative Convenings; and New IEP updates.
Special Education Leaders Past Meetings

Last Updated: February 18, 2025

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Fax: 781-338-3371

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