About the Webinar:
This presentation shared how schools can maintain ESE compliance through their practices, policies, and procedures and addressed emerging concerns stemming from state complaint data and due process-ordered actions in ESE.
What Schools Need to Know: Essential Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and Student Services Requirements for Charter Schools
Presenter:
- Alice Schmitges, Chief, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, Florida Department of Education
Date/Time: November 20, 2024
Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
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Session Summary
This session, presented by Alice Schmitges, Chief of the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services at the Florida Department of Education, provides crucial guidance for charter schools on maintaining compliance with ESE regulations and addressing emerging concerns in the field.
The presentation begins with an overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B, emphasizing the importance of providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all eligible students with disabilities. Schmitges highlights the rights and protections afforded to these students and their parents, including the right to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that meets their unique needs.
Schmitges then delves into the specific requirements for charter schools, emphasizing that they must adhere to the same standards as traditional public schools. She discusses the concept of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and the importance of providing services in inclusive settings to the maximum extent appropriate.
A significant portion of the presentation focuses on real-world scenarios and challenges faced by charter schools in serving students with disabilities. Schmitges addresses common issues such as IEP development and implementation, data tracking, and collaboration with parents and districts. She provides practical advice and solutions, drawing on her own experiences and expertise in special education.
The session also covers state complaint data and due process-ordered actions, highlighting areas where schools may encounter difficulties. Schmitges discusses potential findings of non-compliance, including failure to provide FAPE, implement IEPs effectively, or conduct proper evaluations. She emphasizes the importance of thorough documentation, staff training, and adherence to policies and procedures to avoid such issues.
The presentation concludes with a Q&A session, allowing participants to seek clarification and guidance on specific concerns. Schmitges provides valuable insights and resources, including information on the Special Ed Connections website, a subscription service offered by the department to support schools in understanding and implementing ESE regulations.