Title: G4 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part B & Part B Pre-K Grant

Recommendation:
I recommend that the School Board approve the continuation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B and Part B Pre-Kindergarten Entitlement Grants in the amount of $42,600,000, effective July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006, and authorize the Superintendent or designee to sign all documents and contracts related to the grant which are required for implementation of the grant activities.

Description:

The purpose of these grants is to implement statewide initiatives relative to the education of students with disabilities, in compliance with the mandates of IDEA, Part B.

The grants require support services in the following areas:

Instructional staff and instructional support staff, equipment, materials/supplies, and contractual services to cover the excess costs of special education and related services to students with disabilities.

Early identification of disabled students through Child Find, as mandated by IDEA.

Activities/training to address accommodations on state and district tests, and to support inclusion of students with disabilities in state and district tests.

Training of regular education teachers to support the inclusion of disabled students.

Services to parents of students with disabilities by improving the parent/school relationship through workshops and meetings.

It is expected that the use of funds from these grants will lead to improved student achievement as measured by the statewide assessment programs.

The total amount requested includes $8,651,604 in IDEA roll forward funds from 04-05.

Upon approval, the grants will be submitted to the Florida Department of Education.

Financial Impact:
Pending State approval, the financial impact to the Special Revenue-Other Funds budget will be an increase of $42,600,000.  These funds will be allocated within the Exceptional Student Education Department budget to meet the needs of students as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B.

For Additional Information, contact:
Ann Killets (akillets@palmbeach.k12.fl.us)
Janice S. Cover
Russell Feldman

Attachments (list):
ESE DATA PANEL - GENERIC.xls