Public invited to comment on proposed changes to Idaho Special Education Manual

The Idaho Department of Education is inviting the public to comment on proposed changes to the state’s Special Education Manual.

Revisions are being made to ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act’s provisions surrounding the eligibility of Specific Learning Disability, the department said in a May 21 news release.

According to the department's website, sites.ed.gov, a specific learning disability is defined as a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding and using language that may manifest in the ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell or to do mathematical calculations. 

The Idaho Special Education Manual is a part of the Idaho Administrative Procedures Act. It is used to enforce and monitor the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in the public school system. Before any policies or procedures can be adopted or changed, the Idaho Department of Education must ensure the opportunity for public participation in the process.

Members of the public will have the option to digitally comment through an online form or at an in-person hearing. Hearings will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. July 22 and 9 to 10 a.m. July 23 on the second floor of the Idaho Department of Education, 650 W. State St., Boise, with an available livestream option.

All written comments may be submitted by using the public comment form. Comments will be accepted through July 23.

Info: sde.idaho.gov/sped