THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT /
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK / ALBANY, NY 12234

October 2008

Available in PDF Format for Printing

On October 20, 2008, the Regents approved, through emergency action, an amendment to the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education to extend the date by which school districts will be required to use the State’s forms for individualized education programs (IEPs), Committee on Special Education (CSE) and Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) meeting notices, and prior written notices (Notices of Recommendation) from January 1, 2009 to September 1, 2009. 
(See http://www.regents.nysed.gov/2008Meetings/October2008/1008vesida1.doc)
         
The Board of Regents acted to mandate the use of State forms based on the State’s findings that IEPs varied greatly from school district to school district across the State and that many school district’s IEPs did not include the information required by the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education.  In addition, the State found that the CSE/CPSE meeting notices and prior written notices provided to parents did not always fully inform parents of the information they need and are entitled to have.  By mandating these forms, students’ IEPs will be more appropriately developed, parents will be more fully informed and school districts are more likely to meet compliance requirements.
 
The Department initiated development of the proposed forms in the spring of 2007, with extensive input from stakeholders, including review and comment from parents of students with disabilities, school district administrators and teachers, IEP software development representatives, the Commissioner’s Advisory Panel for Special Education, attorneys with special education expertise and others.   The proposed forms, which include only information that must be provided to meet federal and State requirements, are attached for public preview prior to finalization. (Please note: All forms and notices are available only in PDF format at this time for printing and review purposes.)

Proposed IEP Forms

• School age IEP
• Preschool IEP

Proposed Meeting Notice Forms

• Guidelines on the Use of New York State Mandated Meeting Notice Forms
• CSE or Subcommittee Meeting Notice
• CPSE Meeting Notice

Proposed Prior Written Notice Forms (Notice of Recommendation)

• Guidelines on the Use of New York State Mandated Prior Written Notice Forms
• Initial Referral for Special Education
• Eligibility to Receive Special Educations Services
• Not Eligible for Special Education Services
• Reevaluation
• Changes to Special Education Identification, Services or Educational Placement
• Initial Provision of 12 Month Special Education Services
• Declassification – School-Age Student
• Declassification - Preschool Child
• Graduation with a High School (Local or Regents) Diploma
• Receipt of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) Diploma.

Three public hearings have been scheduled as follows for those individuals wishing to provide public comment on the proposed forms. 

Individuals who need accommodations for a disability in order to attend the meeting (e.g., interpreting services and material in an alternative format) should notify Cathryn Tisenchek by e-mail (ctisench@mail.nysed.gov) or phone (518-473-2878) no later than one week before the scheduled public hearing date.  Questions regarding the public hearings may be directed to Joanne La Crosse at 518-473-2878.

The last day for receipt of written public comment on the proposed forms will be November 24, 2008.  Written comments should be sent by facsimile or mail, preferably using the attached form to:

Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities
New York State Education Department
One Commerce Plaza, Room 1624
Albany, New York 12234
ATTN:  Special Education Policy Unit - Forms and Notices
Facsimile: 518-473-5387

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