Highlights of the Commissioner’s Advisory Panel Accomplishments
Accomplishments for 2011-12
The Commissioner’s Advisory Panel (CAP) for Special Education Services was established pursuant to P.L. 94-142, Education of the Handicapped Act. Section 4403(6) of Education Law, section 612 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and section 300.169 of the Code of Federal Regulations prescribe its responsibilities. CAP provides recommendations to the Commissioner of Education and the Office of Special Education with respect to special education and related services for children with disabilities in New York State (NYS). The Commissioner shares appropriate recommendations with the Governor and Legislature.
During the 2011-12 school year, CAP received information and provided comment on the following policies.
- Multiple pathways to a diploma and safety net options for students with disabilities related to assessment, coursework, course credits and testing accommodations.
- Proposed high school exiting credentials documenting achievement of the Career Development and Occupational Studies Learning Standards as a replacement for the individualized education program diploma for students with disabilities who because of their disability are unable to earn a diploma and as a supplement to a diploma for all students.
- State Performance Plan and Annual Performance Report data, targets and interventions.
- Alignment of IDEA and Elementary Secondary Education Act (ESEA) accountability systems, including criteria and interventions.
- Potential impact of the ESEA Waiver Proposal on students with disabilities.
- Educational stability and related issues for children in foster care.
- Cross system issues for children receiving services from multiple agencies.
- Special education dispute resolution, including impartial hearing data and the process for mediation in NYS.
- Discipline requirements and positive behavior interventions and supports.
- Teacher certification and performance standards; and
- Teacher/leader evaluation requirements.