Special Education Policy Memo SY2024-2025 — 2

Mandatory Data Collection for Indicator 7 Preschool Outcomes — State Performance Plan and Annual Performance Report

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Purpose

1. Inform and remind all school districts of the requirement to collect and report Indicator 7 data for preschool students with disabilities as part of the State Performance Plan and Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR).
2. Ensure uniform data collection practices across all districts, regardless of size, to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of our state's special education programs.

Background

Indicator 7 measures the percentage of preschool children with disabilities who demonstrate improved functional abilities in social-emotional skills, acquisition of knowledge and skills, and the use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs. Accurate and comprehensive data collection is crucial for assessing program effectiveness and making informed decisions about resource allocation and instructional strategies.

Policy Details

1. Universal Data Collection Requirement:

   • All districts, regardless of enrollment size, are required to collect Indicator 7 data for every preschool student with disabilities every year.

2. Data Collection Procedures:

   • Entry data and ratings must be collected using appropriate assessment tools and methods within 4–6 weeks of the student beginning services. These tools should be designed to provide reliable and valid measures of student progress in the identified areas.

   • Districts are responsible for ensuring that all relevant staff are trained in the use of these assessment tools and the accurate recording of data.

   • Districts should have systems in place to record and track the assessment results before entering them into the Early Childhood Outcomes Summary (ECOS) database.

   • Whenever possible, exit ratings should be collected before the child exits the preschool program.

   • Please refer to the Strategic Areas Child Outcomes website for more data collection information and guides.

3. Reporting Requirements:

   • The ECOS database in the Security Portal is updated three (3) times a year with enrollment counts from the Student Information Management System (SIMS), typically in November, April, and July.
   • Districts will be informed when the ECOS database is to be updated and entry or exit ratings can be entered.
   • Districts need to certify their data no later than August 30 of each year.
   • District-level data collected must be reported by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in the annual SPP/APR.

4. Support and Resources:

   • The Department will provide technical assistance and support to districts to ensure compliance with these data collection requirements.

Action Required

• Review and implement data collection procedures for Indicator 7 within your district.

• Ensure that all relevant personnel are trained and informed about their roles in the district's data collection and reporting processes.

Conclusion

Accurate Indicator 7 data collection is essential for enhancing the quality of preschool special education services across the state. Your cooperation in adhering to these requirements ensures effective measurement and improved outcomes for preschool students with disabilities.

For any questions or further assistance, please email IDEAData@mass.gov .

Last Updated: October 15, 2024