The Next IDEA Reauthorization:

Jim Russell, Legislative Chair, CASPBrett McFadden, Legislative Advocate, ACSA

March, 2004

How Will It Impact School Psychologists?

What We Will Cover This Morning:

• Status and Update on IDEA Reauthorization

• The politics behind the reauthorization

• Key issues and policy changes impacting school psychologists

• Helpful sources for information/advise

What Is Reauthorization and What Does It Mean?

• It’s when a statutory act/provision is renewed and updated

• Usually applies to federal statutes and done every 5-10 years

• Some result in major statutory changes, others do not

• Process typically takes 2-3 years

• The 1997 IDEA Reauthorization was a major event in special education policy

What Is the Status of IDEA Reauthorization?

• Both houses have (or will) pass their versions – H.R. 1350 and S. 1248

• Both bills awaiting formation of two house conference committee

• This is where things get tricky. Changes and amendments can happen fast

• Conference Committee could take 2 months – 2 years (likely one year)

Primary Issues Facing School Psychologists:

• Full Funding

• SLD determination

• Discipline and behavior

• Highly qualified pupil services professionals

• Merging IDEA with NCLB

Full Funding: Will It Ever Be Achieved?

• Neither version contains 40% guarantee

• Senate version may contain Harkin/Hagel Amendment for “Mandatory Funding”

• Harkin/Hagel would ramp up funding to 40% over time

• No “pass-thru” language requiring states not to backfill or deduct funding

• Federal funding for special ed. approx. 17% of state costs – highest ever 

SLD Determination: How Are School Psychologists Impacted?

• Changes from failure based model to prevention model

• Need for comprehensive assessment language

• Will this change stay?

• See CASP White Paper on Discrepancy Model 

Discipline and Behavior:

• HR 1350 goes far – guts manifestation determination and more

• S. 1248 keeps the status quo with minor changes

• See CASP/NASP Position Paper

• Senate version likely to prevail

“Highly Qualified” : What Does It Mean for School Psychologists?

• This is the $64,000 question right now

• Neither version speak to high qualified requirements for PPS staff

Merging IDEA and NCLB: What Is in Store for PPS?

• NCLB requires all students with disabilities be included as subgroup for AYP.

• NCLB requires 100% proficiency by 2013-14 for ALL subgroups.

• Diverse range of special education students makes that virtually impossible (i.e. severe cognitive disabilities)

Merging IDEA and NCLB: What Is in Store for PPS?

• Accommodations or alternative standards can be used for up to 1% of special education students.

• NCLB “parent choice” provisions creates questions:

Where does the IEP go when the child goes? What about availability of services?

Other Issues School Psychologist Should Keep on Their Radar Screen:

Both bills make minor – moderate changes to:

• IEP – membership, attendance, and issue consideration

• Paperwork Reduction (minor reductions only)

• Procedural Safeguards – i.e. attorneys’ fees, statute of limitations (likely to be watered down) 

Major Characteristics of This Reauthorization:

• Greater emphasis on general education and academic achievement

• Attempts to bring statute into greater “balance” and reflect best practices

• Reauthorization likely to be less sweeping than 1997

• Senate version more moderate and has greater chance of passing

Challenges and Opportunities for School Psychologists:

• Profession must continue efforts to understand and integrate with general education

• Knowing state academic standards, statewide assessments, and curriculum a must

• Understanding the reading process will be key

• Proficiency with curriculum based assessments – especially reading

Challenges and Opportunities for School Psychologists:

• Moving from discrepancy model to a prevention model

• How IDEA and NCLB will work together remains TBD.

• Greater integration with general education could increase role of school psychologists