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. Out of this appropriation, $402,000 the first year and $402,000 the second year from the general fund is provided to the Department of Education to provide training, technical assistance, and on-site coaching to public school teachers and administrators on implementation of a positive behavioral interventions and supports program with the goal of improving school climate and reducing disruptive behavior in the classroom.  Such training and other assistance may be provided as part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to assist schools with implementation of a tiered system of supports that addresses both academic and behavioral needs.