DATA MANAGEMENT ALERT: Upcoming change for FY26 – Modification to Exit Code W3: Expelled or long-term suspension

DATA MANAGEMENT ALERT  

Upcoming change for Fiscal Year 2026 - Modification to Exit Code W3: Expelled or long-term suspension 

An update to enrollment withdrawal code W3: Expelled or long-term suspension has been introduced in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The AzEDS team has separated this code into two exit codes in an effort to further validate SPED reporting and ensure accurate data for the state. The two exit codes are listed below: 

W31: Long-term suspension 

W3: Expelled before scheduled end of school year 

Through FY25, the existing withdrawal code, W3, applies to both expulsions and long-term suspensions. In order to meet federal reporting requirements, we must be able to identify expulsions. Currently, ESS is using an annual free-form survey within the Special Education Data Dashboard for the PEAs to clarify which withdrawal codes refer to expulsions. Adding a W31 code for expulsions will improve data quality and eliminate the need for the free-form survey. 

Relevant Statutes and Requirements: 

Section 618 of IDEA 

EDFacts files FS144 and FS006 

The SPED Exit Validation Matrix has been updated for this change and published on our ESS Data Management website.  

Please contact [email protected] with any questions regarding this update.