Research


Administrative History

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are mandated by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for each public school child who receives special education services. This plan consists of a written statement of present educational performance, measurable annual goals, and special education services and accommodations. The development of each plan must include the input of the child's parent, a special education teacher, a classroom teacher, a counselor, the school administrator, a professional related to the services required by the child (social worker, occupational therapist, etc), and the child herself, if she desires to advocate for her own needs.

Within the State Education Department's Office of Vocational and Educational Services to Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), the Office of Special Education Services monitors the actions of the state's school districts in meeting the needs of students with disabilities. The office's Special Education coordinators are involved in the creation of IEPs. Disagreements may arise between the schools and the parents over the IEPs in terms of what services will best meet the students' needs. When these disputes cannot be resolved through discussion or local mediation, either party may request a formal hearing before an impartial officer under the terms of 8NYCRR 200.5. At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer provides a copy of his/her decision to the concerned parties. The school district maintains the full hearing record as part of its student files, including the hearing transcript, copies of exhibits, the decision and other background materials. However, under 8NYCRR 200.5(c)(11), the hearing officer also provides to the Office of Special Education Services a copy of the final decision with all personally identifiable information concerning the student deleted.