Graphic reading KDE News.The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) released annual state determinations on implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for Part B (ages 3-21) for fiscal year 2019.

Kentucky was found to Meet Requirements and Purposes of Part B of the IDEA. This marks the 12th consecutive year of Kentucky receiving the U.S. Department of Education’s highest level of determination states can receive for the implementation of special education programming.

Kentucky’s Part B program is administered by the Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Early Learning (OSEEL).

“Expectations are higher than ever for educators to provide educational opportunities for students with disabilities that focus on results-driven accountability,” said Gretta Hylton, association commissioner of OSEEL “The IDEA is so much more than compliance. It provides an entitlement to a free, appropriate public education focused on improved outcomes for students with disabilities. We are very proud of our local districts, special education cooperatives, early childhood regional training centers and OSEEL team for achieving this determination.”

Only 23 of 60 states and entities received a Meets Requirements and Purposes of Part B of the IDEA

Part B of IDEA governs how special education and related services are provided to preschool and school-aged children (ages 3-21) with disabilities. Each state’s 2021 determination includes:

  • A Compliance Matrix; and
  • A Results Matrix.

Jason E. Glass, Kentucky’s Commissioner of Education, said he is pleased Kentucky’s districts have been able to meet this high bar for accountability for so many years.

“We are very proud of the work occurring in special education programs within our local districts that resulted in 12 consecutive years of Kentucky’s outstanding determination,” he said.