PDE Special Education Policy update 9/5/2023

Please visit the links to access more information regarding a policy update from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education regarding the change in age of eligibility for a free and appropriate public education.

• PDE IDEA B FAQ:
• IDEA-B Policies and Procedure (Revised August 31, 2023)(PDF)
• PENN*LINK Message, August 30, 2023(PDF)
• Letter to Families, English and Spanish(PDF)

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires Pennsylvania to ensure that the total number of student assessed in each subject using the PASA does not exceed one percent of the total number of all students in the state assessed on the statewide assessments.  Each local educational agency (LEA) must complete and submit the PASA 1.0% of its students enrolled in grades 3-8 and 11 will be assessed using the PASA. A list of LEAs who anticipate exceeding the threshold will be made publicly available on the PDE website, in accordance with 34 CFR 200.6(c)(3) regulations.  LEAs must also make the document publicly available upon request, removing any personally identifiable information.  The Carbondale Area School District anticipates exceeding the 1.0 percent threshold for PASA participation for the 2020-2021 testing cycle.  The necessary justification information has been submitted to the Bureau of Special Education.  Questions on the Carbondale Area School District’s participation rates should be directed to Heather Tolerico,  Director of Special Education at [email protected] or 1-844-330-2273 Ext: 1230.