Special Education

The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) is required to make an annual determination on the performance of each school district under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), consistent with sections 616(a) and (e) of the IDEA. NDE makes this district annual determination using both outcome and compliance data. NDE is also required to assess each school district for risk under the Uniform Grant Guidance, determining the school district’s risk of noncompliance with federal statutes and regulations and whether the school district may not achieve intended outcomes with federal special education dollars. NDE combines the data analysis, technical assistance, and monitoring of NECounts and district annual determinations in one process, NECounts and district annual determination.

34 C.F.R. § 300.165(a) requires a State to “ensure that there are public hearings, adequate notice of the hearings, and an opportunity for comment available to the general public, including individuals with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities” prior to adopting any policies or procedures that the State needs to comply with Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

As a condition of receiving IDEA funds, the State agency (which is the SEA under IDEA Part B Section 611 and Section 619 and the LA under IDEA Part C) must have a general supervision system. This system includes multiple components such as monitoring to — (1) improve educational results and functional outcomes for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families and children with disabilities; and (2) ensure that LEAs and EIS programs and providers meet the requirements under IDEA.

State General Supervision Responsibilities Under Parts B and C of the IDEA

As part of Nebraska’s “Journey to Inclusion,” we are excited to work with our partners at Hanover Research to develop meaningful and easy-to-use resources to inform stakeholders about how to support inclusive efforts. This published infographic “Best Practices in Special Education NDE” highlights instructional strategies that not only support students with special needs but all students in the classroom.  These high-impact instructional strategies are also aligned with selections found in the Targeted Improvement Plan (TIP) that schools submit to portray continuous improvement efforts within Special Education programs.

In December 2023, this infographic was reviewed by Nebraska’s Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) and we are excited to share it widely.  Stayed tuned for the next publication, “Benchmarking Co-Teaching Policies & Practices.”