Department of Education, Central Office Operations (201)

Authority: Special Education Instructional Services: §§ 22.1-213 through 22.1-221, 22.1-253.13:1 through 22.1-253.13:8, 22.1-319 through 22.1-332, Code of Virginia; P.L. 108-446, Federal Code.

Special Education Administration and Assistance Services: §§ 22.1-253.13:1 through 22.1-253.13:8, Code of Virginia; P.L. 108-446, Federal Code.

Special Education Compliance and Monitoring Services: §§ 22.1-213 through 22.1-221, 22.1-253.13:1 through 22.1-253.13:8, 22.1-319 through 22.1-332, Code of Virginia; P.L. 108-446, Federal Code.

Student Assistance and Guidance Services: Title 22.1, Chapters 1, 13, 14, 16; §§ 22.1-16.2, 22.1-17.1, 22.1-17.2, 22.1-199.4, 22.1-206, 22.1-207.1, 22.1-208.01, 22.1-209.1, 22.1-209.2, Code of Virginia; P.L. 107-110 and P.L. 108-446, Federal Code.

A. The Department of Education, in collaboration with the Office of Comprehensive Services, shall provide training to local staff serving on Family Assessment and Planning Teams and Community Policy and Management Teams. Training shall include, but need not be limited to, the federal and state requirements pertaining to the provision of the special education services funded under § 2.2-5211, Code of Virginia.  The training shall also include written guidance concerning which services remain the financial responsibility of the local school divisions.  In addition, the Department of Education shall provide ongoing local oversight of its federal and state requirements related to the provision of services funded under § 2.2-5211, Code of Virginia.

B. The Board of Education shall consider the caseload standards for speech-language pathologists as part of its review of the Standards of Quality, pursuant to § 22.1-18.01, Code of Virginia.

C. The Board of Education shall consider the inclusion of instructional positions needed for blind and visually impaired students enrolled in public schools and shall consider developing a caseload requirement for these instructional positions as part of its review of the Standards of Quality, pursuant to § 22.1-18.01, Code of Virginia.

D. The Department of Education shall collaborate with relevant stakeholders to evaluate the options presented in House Document 8 (2009) and determine which options, if any, are beneficial to pursue with respect to (1) enhancing the early intervention system for children with autism spectrum disorders by improving the Part B special education services available to preschool-age children, and (2) improving the delivery of services to school-age children with autism spectrum disorders by increasing the consistency of service provision, enhancing its professional development programs, developing goals and objectives and monitoring progress, and improving transition services.  The Department shall report its findings to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services no later than July 31, 2010.