This guide will review vital components of special education compliance, including:
Compliance— it's not everyone's favorite topic, but achieving and maintaining special education compliance in the classroom is of the utmost importance. Educators are bound by federal and state laws to support children with special education needs. The most recent data published by the National Center for Education Statistics show that 15% of all public school students receive special education services. The legal ramifications for failure to follow educational laws can be hefty. Having the right software to support your learners' needs while remaining compliant is vital.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
What was initially passed in 1975 as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) became known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1990. IDEA mandates a free and appropriate public school education for all eligible students. Part B of IDEA mandates that all school-aged children (ages 3-21) with disabilities must receive free services through the public school system. There are many components to IDEA that educators, especially those working with the special education population, must be well versed in.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
One of the primary requirements set forth by the IDEA is the creation of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students eligible for special education services. IEPs are individualized plans to meet the unique needs of children with a wide range of disabilities. Every child who qualifies for special education services must have an IEP.
An IEP is collaboratively created between teachers, parents, the student, and other school staff. The IEP is used to guide the team in the individualized delivery of services and supports to ensure each child makes the most progress possible. An IEP is a legally binding document that educators must follow.
Each state holds different requirements for what must be included in an IEP. However, all IEPs must consist of the following information:
- The student’s current levels of educational performance
- Goals for improving performance
- Methods the team will use so the student can achieve their educational goals
- In what ways the student will participate in the general education curriculum
Special Education Software to Support Compliance
Maintaining compliance with federal and state mandates is crucial for special educators and school districts as a whole. Choosing software to support ever-evolving industry needs can be overwhelming.
When choosing software to support the needs of your students, you may want to consider an option that meets the following requirements:
- Student data can be collected and stored in one secure location
- A transparent record of student progress
- Minimizes clerical errors and data loss
- Ability to assess students according to the standards of applied behavior analysis (ABA)
- Reduces litigation or mitigates due process occurrences
Maintaining Compliance with CentralReach’s Special Education Software
CentralReach’s suite of Special Education solutions provides end-to-end data collection and IEP solutions to help your staff assess and monitor student progress while remaining compliant with federal special education requirements.
LiftEd provides numerous benefits for students, teachers, school support staff, parents, and caregivers.
Create more effective IEPs
As previously mentioned, IEPs are a required component under the IDEA. The creation and implementation of IEPs are vital for maintaining compliance with federal mandates. LiftEd allows you to create effective, individualized plans that are actionable and transparent. Furthermore, tracking and monitoring IEP goals is a breeze with data collection tools and automated IEP progress reports.
Improved Quality and Quantity of Data
Because LiftEd is based on the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA), high-quality data collection and analyses are a key component. With daily data collection and automated graphing, teachers can easily monitor each child’s progress through individual targets and long-term goals.
Streamline Communication
Caregivers and educators can communicate directly via LiftEd, streamlining communication in one secure location. LiftEd automatically translates to over 100 languages, strengthening effective communication among teachers and parents.
LiftEd Testimonial
Chary Matisak, a BCBA in the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District, shared this about CentralReach’s special education software, "LiftEd has changed the game in data collection software. From navigating the platform with ease to recording daily data to providing graphical displays, LiftEd is a must for the field of special education.”
With LiftEd by CentralReach, educators can easily integrate data from existing platforms and IEP systems to one secure location. Streamline communication, data and analysis, IEP planning, and create individualized instruction all in one place.
With technology built on the science of ABA, you can be sure you are meeting the educational and behavioral needs of your students with autism, IDD, and other neurodevelopmental differences.
Want to learn more about CentralReach’s Special Education solutions?
CentralReach is proud to partner with districts across the country to help meet the needs of students with autism and IDD. Our purpose-built solutions are designed to support the lifelong journey of autism and IDD care – at home, school, and in the community. Intuitive technology-based solutions equip educators with the tools and insights needed to measurably improve student outcomes and live more independent lives.
