The Indiana Department of Education announced today that the United States Department of Education has determined that Indiana meets the requirements and purposes of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This determination highlights the Indiana Department of Education’s sustained efforts to provide high quality instruction to children with cognitive and physical disabilities throughout the state.
“Since taking office in 2013, I have worked with educators, families, and community leaders to ensure that all students, regardless of zip code or ability level, receive an education of the highest quality,” said Glenda Ritz, Indiana’s Superintendent of Public Instruction. “I am incredibly proud of the work that Hoosier educators and Indiana Department of Education staff do every day to provide our special education students with the resources and supports they need to succeed in both school and life. Today’s determination shows once again that Indiana’s classrooms are among the best in the nation.”
Indiana is one of only 21 states to receive a “meets expectations” designation from the United States Department of Education, the highest designation available. This the third year that Indiana has received this designation and the first time since at least 2008 that Indiana has received it for two consecutive years.
This determination is based on several factors, including an analysis of the totality of Indiana’s data, a review of the State Performance Plan and other publicly available information. The matrix used to make the final determination is individualized for each state, and takes into account the performance of children with disabilities on both statewide and national assessments and the percentage of students who graduate from high school.
Additional information is available at: http://www.ed.gov/osers