 Welcome to the first issue of IDEA Insights, a newsletter from the Iowa Department of Education designed to provide timely information for professionals serving children with disabilities. Topics will include best practices, assessments, program updates and professional learning opportunities.
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The Iowa Department of Education is introducing a new online family portal within the ACHIEVE system to enhance communication and engagement with parents of learners in Early ACCESS and special education. This first-in-the-nation tool will offer parents round-the-clock access to their learner’s historical information, making it easier to stay informed and engaged in their learner’s education progress on individualized outcomes and goals.
Key Features of the Family Portal for Parents:
- Access to a learner’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and/or Individualized Education Program (IEP) and historical records
- Real-time updates on progress and goals
- Ability to electronically view and sign consent documents
Eligible parents will begin receiving email invitations from ACHIEVE to create family portal accounts during the final week of February 2025. To qualify, family members must be considered a parent under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), have signed consent for Early ACCESS or special education and related services and provide a valid email address to their IFSP service coordinator or IEP facilitator.
While the family portal will be a valuable resource for parents, it is not intended to replace direct communication with the IFSP or IEP team. Creating an account is optional for parents. Educators and service providers should continue to share information and communicate with families as usual.
Questions regarding the ACHIEVE Family Portal can be emailed to shannon.grundmeier@iowa.gov.
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Early Literacy Alternate Assessment (EL AA) Winter Screening Window in ACHIEVE: January 27, 2025 - February 7, 2025
The Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Instruction and Assessment Planner will not be available until the spring window opens February 3, 2025. Teachers can be using the DLM familiar texts and professional learning during this time.
Information on administering the DLM science assessments and uploading writing samples can be found on Iowa’s Alternate Assessment Google Site. For access to the google site or additional questions, please email jennifer.denne@iowa.gov.
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Districts are permitted to establish policies and procedures that allow students receiving special education services to complete graduation requirements in unique, individualized manners. At minimum, the state requires a student to complete four years of English and language arts, three years of math, three years of social studies, and three years of science (“4-3-3-3”). Districts often adopt policies for graduation that require additional units or coursework. Although districts may permit an IEP team to adapt district graduation requirements, state graduation requirements may not be changed.
Beginning in 8th grade, the IEP team should create and annually update a student’s course of study, which identifies the coursework needed for graduation and preparation for postsecondary expectations. The course of study should be appropriately ambitious and ensure a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) is provided. Any decision to adapt the district's graduation requirements for a student with an IEP should be individualized, consistent with the local school board’s policies, adhere to the state's minimum requirements, and address Iowa Academic Standards. For example, a student participating in Iowa Alternate Assessments can accomplish 4-3-3-3 requirements to receive a diploma.
In rare cases, an IEP team may determine a student is on track for a certificate rather than a diploma. A certificate provides an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of a student who may not achieve a diploma; however, a certificate does not end a student’s eligibility to a FAPE and is not a diploma equivalency.
The best place to learn more about your school’s policies for graduation is in the school board’s policy handbook, which is generally available on the district website. For more information on graduation considerations for students receiving special education services, please visit the Department’s website or email kelsey.teeter@iowa.gov.
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The next topic in the Policy and Practice webinar series is Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).
When: February 12, 2025 at 8:30 am.
Participants can join the webinars via Zoom using the passcode 431127.
Learn more!
The U.S. Department of Education released guidance to help schools and early childhood programs better support students’ behavioral needs. The “Using Functional Behavioral Assessments to Create Supportive Learning Environments” guidance focuses on evidence-based practices to support students, with or without disabilities, whose behavior interferes with learning.
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8th Circuit Ruling: Kass vs Western Dubuque
The Kass vs Western Dubuque Community School District case involved transition services for a student on an IEP and his placement. The parents alleged that the district violated IDEA when it developed the IEP for their son. Although he had enough credits to graduate, the IEP team determined he had unmet transition needs. The family objected to the proposed IEP and filed a due process complaint with the Iowa Department of Education. The administrative law judge ruled in favor of the district, and determined there was not a denial of FAPE. The Eighth Circuit affirmed the court’s decision.
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