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August 18, 2000
TO THE SPECIAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR ADDRESSED:
SUBJECT: Special Education Documents Posted on Website
This is to inform you that two documents relating to the Texas
Education Agency's monitoring of the implementation of special
education programs by school districts and charter schools have been
published and have been posted on the Agency's web site.
Special Education Data Analysis System -- School Year 2000-2001
The first document, entitled Special Education Data Analysis System -- School Year 2000-2001, outlines the methodologies that will be used by the Agency in analyzing special education data in connection with the Agency's comprehensive system of monitoring school district and charter school compliance with federal and state laws relating to special education [Texas Education Code §29.010(a)]. In making decisions regarding the appropriate schedule for and extent of its monitoring efforts for the 2000-2001 school year, the Agency will use information obtained from the following two sources:
· The analysis of the 10 data elements described in the Special
Education Data Analysis System document; and
· Complaints filed with the Agency concerning special education.
Based on the information available to the Agency, the Agency will select certain school districts and charter schools to receive a comprehensive District Effectiveness and Compliance (DEC) on-site visit during the 2000-2001 school year. The Agency also anticipates that additional school districts and charter schools will be selected for a desk audit review.
The first three pages of the Special Education Data Analysis System document address global changes that have been made to the Agency's methodologies regarding data analysis since the Spring of 2000. The rest of the document includes the specific methodology used for each data element, including the PEIMS record and field names for
each element. Whenever possible, the actual numbers (or "cut points") associated with each risk level have been included so that school districts and charter schools can calculate and determine their own risk levels. Some analyses have not yet been concluded, so complete information is not yet available for all data elements. When the analyses are finalized, the updated document (including all values associated with all risk levels) will be published and posted on the Agency's website.
Reference Guide Part II - District Effectiveness and Compliance: Special Education 2000-2001
The second document that has been published and is available on the Agency's website is the revised and updated edition of the Reference Guide Part II - District Effectiveness and Compliance: Special Education 2000-2001. The revised Reference Guide Part II, which is dated August 15, 2000, contains clarifications and modifications based on suggestions and feedback received by Agency staff subsequent to the initial publication of the Reference Guide in June.
We hope these two documents will be helpful to you as you look forward to the 2000-2001 school year. If you should have any questions, please contact the Division of Accountability Development and Support at 512-463-9716.
Sincerely,
Karen Case, Associate Commissioner
Accountability and School Accreditation
cc: Education Service Center Executive Director
Education Service Center Special Education Director
For further information on this topic, contact the Division of Accountability Development and Support at 512-463-9716.