Please see the following updates for Approved Private Special Education Schools in FY 25.

• The Certification Matrix for Approved Private Special Education Schools has been revised to align with requirements set forth by the Certifications Unit. Please refer to this memo regarding moderate/severe certification.
• The Approved Private Special Education School Criteria is available for review. This document will be used to provide feedback and to ensure that requirements are being met during site visits.
• Quarterly renewals were temporarily halted in FY24 but are set to resume in FY25. More information will be shared regarding this new process near the beginning of the school year.
• We are enhancing the application. A notification and an updated instruction manual will be sent when the FY25 application opens.

Please review the revised documents in this alert. They can also be found on the Private Special Education Schools web page. If you have any questions, please email the ESS Private Day and ED-P inbox.

ADE/ESS is thrilled to present three exciting opportunities connected to this year's IDEA Conference.

Arizona’s 2024 Conference Youth and Family Scholarship
​In partnership with the Arizona Department of Health Services, Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program, the ADE/ESS is offering scholarships to youths/young adults aged 14 to 26 and with a documented disability, family members of students with an IEP or 504 Plan, and providers accompanying a student or family member to participate in this year's conference. Recipients of the scholarship will have their conference registration fees covered and may qualify for lodging and mileage reimbursement. A limited number of scholarships are available. Apply for the Youth and Family Scholarship by June 30, 2024.

Call for Student Artwork
ADE/ESS will showcase student artwork during this year's conference. Any student, current or recent, between 3 and 26 years old with a disability, can submit a digital copy of their artwork to be considered for display at the 2024 IDEA Conference. Submit student artwork entries through May 31, 2024.

Secondary Transition Services Awards
Nominate educators and community members who provide exceptional transition services or students who have successfully navigated through the transition planning process for a Secondary Transition Services Award. Award winners will be recognized at the 2024 IDEA Conference. Make a Secondary Transition Services Award nomination through May 31, 2024.​

For more information, please download the flyer or visit the IDEA Conference web page. For questions, please e-mail the IDEA Conference Inbox.

DATA MANAGEMENT ALERT     

Special Education Data Updates Webinar: Wednesday, May 15, 2024

The Exceptional Student Services Data Management team will host the next live Special Education Data Updates webinar on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. This session will cover a variety of data topics that will include (subject to change):   

• Reminders 

• Trending topics 

• Top Three Integrity Errors 

• Q&A    

Please register by clicking this link. Registration is required to attend. If you have any questions, please email the ESS Data Management inbox.

DATA MANAGEMENT ALERT 

FY24 Special Education Data Dashboard (SEDD) Training Opportunities

We are thrilled to announce the inaugural training sessions for the Special Education Data Dashboard (SEDD) hosted by the Exceptional Student Services Data Management team. These training sessions include both an in-person workshop and a live webinar.

SEDD serves as a comprehensive platform for Public Education Agencies (PEAs) to securely access federally mandated special education and statewide public data with redaction features. This training particularly benefits PEAs and secure care facilities seeking efficient data management solutions.

In anticipation of the application opening on May 8, 2024, we are conducting training sessions. Please register only once, as each session will cover the same material. Below, is the schedule for the upcoming SEDD training sessions:

Online Training via Zoom:
Date: Thursday, May 23, 2024
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

In-Person Training:
Location: 100 N. 15th Ave. 
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Date: Monday, June 3, 2024
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Please note that registration is mandatory. Click the respective link (on the date) for the session that best aligns with your schedule to complete your registration.
Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please contact ESS Data Management.