Special Education and related services are provided annually to about 124,000 eligible students in the state across 295 school districts. The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures that children with disabilities and the families of such children have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE).  IDEA is focused on improving educational results for children with disabilities.  RCW 28A.155 provides the statutory basis for special education services in Washington, and WAC 392-172A provides the regulatory basis for both IDEA and RCW 28A.155.

Data Management

 http://www.k12.wa.us/SpecialEd/Data/default.aspx

OSPI must report annually to the public on the performance of each school district or educational service agency located in the State of Washington on the targets set in the state performance plan (SPP). Statewide and district performance data are located within this section of the OSPI website. Also included within this section are federal data collections forms, instructions and resources; federal grant applications; the state performance plan and annual performance reports.

The following pages provide an overview of the three dispute resolution processes available for students aged 3 through 21 years under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA).

Program Review

 http://www.k12.wa.us/SpecialEd/programreview/default.aspx

The Special Education Program Review Team collaborates with school districts to ensure improved educational results and functional outcomes for all children with disabilities. Washington’s program review systems includes a review of both quantitative and qualitative information provided by districts to ensure that districts are implementing the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004.