State Education Department Announces Release Of Special Education Annual Performance Report 2007-08

The New York State Education Department announces the release of its 2007-08 Special Education Annual Performance Report (APR).  A copy of the APR is available athttp://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/spp/apr2009/home.html.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that each state develop a State Performance Plan  (SPP) that evaluates the State’s efforts to implement the requirements and purposes of IDEA and describes how the State will improve its implementation and results for children with disabilities. The APR is required to report on the results of the State’s activities and describes progress or slippage in meeting the measurable and rigorous targets set in the SPP on 20 measures of compliance or performance.

The 2007-08 APR shows continuing improvement on the State’s results for students with disabilities on many measures, including:  improved graduation rates; a decrease in the drop out rates of students with disabilities; increased participation and improved performance of students with disabilities on State assessments; improved compliance with requirements to provide students suspected of having a disability with timely evaluations and services and transition planning for adult services; and a greater percentage of students with disabilities receiving education services in settings with their nondisabled peers.

Questions regarding the APR may be directed to the Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), Special Education Policy Unit at 518-473-2878.