A package of administrative rules (S.O.A.H.R. #2007-015, JCAR #08-34) that had drawn concerns from parents and teachers are now effective. The Department of Education officially filed the rules Thursday.

The package drew criticism because parents and teachers said it would allow districts to avoid providing extended school year services for special education students. The department maintained the rules would actually open the services to more students.

The changes were needed to comply with federal requirements that special education services be provided based on the student's needs, not on diagnoses or classifications. The old rules had required extended school years for certain classifications.

The department is currently working on a new set of rules that officials say will further clarify provision of extended school year services.

Source: Gongwer 9.12.08