Begin Main Content Area

Special Education

The Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) provides a full array of professional development and technical assistance targeted to improving student results. Parents, educators, students, and administrators can find information regarding a variety of topics by going to Educational Initiatives.

Help for families and advocates of children with special needs can be obtained by calling the ConsultLine at 1-800-879-2301, or request ConsultLine to contact you by using the on-line request form.

Voter Registration Services

As part of its provision of services to special education students designed for transition to adult life, school districts and other local education agencies are required to afford students the opportunity to register to vote upon attaining 18 years of age. For all information regarding voter registration services or to obtain a voter registration application, you may go to the followings Basic Education Circulars (BECs).

Voter Registration BECs

Also, below are links to the PA Guide to Agency Based Voter Registration and a copy of a request for agency based voter registration forms that can be ordered from the Department of State.

Overview

Assessment

Compliance

In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Chapters 14 and 15 of the State Board Regulations, PDE provides general supervision over all public schools, school districts, and other public education agencies within the state to ensure that each student with a disability receives a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and that each family has the benefits of a system of procedural safeguards.

Complaint Form

The Complaint Form and procedures are to be utilized to file a complaint with the Bureau of Special Education. Please click on the link below to obtain a copy of the Complaint Form and/or State Complaint Resolution Procedures.

Equitable Participation

The following links will provide the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act regulatory language relative to Equitable Participation services for parentally placed private school students with disabilities; a question and answer document developed by the Bureau of Special Education clarifying frequently asked questions and a PowerPoint presentation regarding Equitable Participation.

Funding Sources

IDEA-B Policies and Procedures

IDEA-B Grant Application

The proposed annual State grant application under Part B of IDEA for federal fiscal year 2017 is available for public comment:

LEA Model Policies and Procedures

Under the regulatory provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part B (IDEA-B), to be eligible for funds the Local Educational Agency (LEA) must, among many things, demonstrate to the satisfaction of the State Education Agency (SEA) that it meets the conditions in §§300.101 through 300.163, and §§300.165—300.174. The conditions under §300.220 require the LEAs to have in effect policies, procedures, and programs that are consistent with the State policies and procedures established under §§ 300.101 through 300.163, and §§300.165—300.174. The Board approved LEA Policies and Procedures must be on file with the Department of Education. This current model of LEA Policies and Procedures is formatted to facilitate future modifications of the policies and procedures. Modifications to the IDEA Policies and Procedures may be necessary to ensure compliance with Part 300, if: (1) The provisions of the IDEA or the implementing regulations are amended; (2) There is a new interpretation of the IDEA by Federal or State courts; or (3) There is an official finding of noncompliance with Federal or State law or regulations.

Program and Fiscal Guidelines

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) establishes a free appropriate public education for all students with disabilities, in the least restrictive environment, and was last reauthorized in 2004. PDE provides technical assistance and training through the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) and Intermediate Units regarding IDEA requirements for a variety of stakeholders. More information about IDEA is available on the U.S. Department of Education’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act webpage. Additional resources are below.