Special Education Directors' Corner

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Answers to frequently asked questions such as Compensatory Services, Prior Written Notice and Special Education Evaluations can be found in Special Education FAQ's.

• Special Education FAQ's

• OSEP Q & A's

CDE's Office of Special Education has gathered resources to help answer questions around the COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to special education.

• COVID-19 and Special Education

• COVID-19 resources

There are many ways that children and families can be displaced. There are floods, fires, and other types of natural disasters that can destroy homes or make them uninhabitable for periods of time. Families can also experience hardships that result in major home life changes.

• Supporting Displaced Students: Special Education

Ascend Colorado (AnLar)

We are excited to announce the successful launch of Colorado’s new State-Sponsored IEP system, Ascend. All deliverables in the contract were met on time, and the system went live on July 1. Ascend Colorado is the new, customized Individualized Education Program (IEP) system developed with the Colorado Department of Education by AnLar LLC.  Please visit the Colorado Ascend website for more information.

CDE Resources

The contract for the Ascend Colorado IEP System is linked below.  The contract was signed on Sept. 22, 2020, which is approximately three months later that the anticipated date of July 1. As a result of the later date, the projected schedule included in the RFP was condensed.  The revised schedule, including completed milestones, is also linked below as well as on the Ascend Colorado IEP System's webpage.

• The fully executed contract between AnLar LLC and the Colorado Department of Education. (PDF).
• The Project's Schedule. (PDF)
• Enrich to Ascend Presentation

Quick Links

Important Dates Coming Up

Year-at-a-Glance for SY 2021-2022 (PDF)

New Special Education Director

• Special Education Directors' Handbook (PDF)
• Special Education Directors' Companion Guide (PDF)

ESSU Newsletter

The ESSU e-newsletter is our offices primary form of communication with the field. It is published once a month and contains information from the Office of Gifted and Talented, Office of Facility Schools, and Office of Special Education.

• ESSU Newlsetter Sign-up

• Archived ESSU Newsletters

 Meetings and Conferences

2021 New Directors’ Orientation

The 2021 New Directors’ Orientation (NDO) is scheduled for August 25-26, and September 2, 2021.  This meeting is for new and near-new directors of special education and will cover information regarding fiscal responsibilities, legal issues, dispute resolution, general supervision and monitoring, and much more. Registration will open on July 19th and will close on August 10th. For more information email Faye Gibson, Gibson_F@cde.state.co.us or Brittany Deyoe, Deyoe_B@cde.state.co.us. 

2020 New Directors' Orientation

Access the recordings and handouts from the 2020 New Directors Orientation (NDO) at the 2020 NDO webpage. 

Connections: Today's Reality & Beyond - 2021 Directors of Special Education Fall Meeting

The past 18 months have been a challenge for everyone and we have had to find new and often unique ways to connect. Networking and conferencing have taken on a different form; communication with others has often been limited to a small circle; passing social interactions – those incidental meetings with people we haven’t met before – have almost disappeared. Forming new connections has been difficult, making it all the more important that we maintain the ones we have.  The Directors of Special Education in Colorado have always been a connected community of caring educators, and we hope to help carry that on.

Please join us for our virtual Directors of Special Education Fall Meeting.  Registration is open until 5:00 p.m. September 28th (please note that late registrations cannot be accepted).  In keeping with a theme of Connections, directors are encouraged to invite assistant directors, special education coordinators, general education leadership personnel, fellow administrators, and others who may wish to participate in this event. We look forward to connecting with you as we navigate today’s reality and anticipate the times beyond.

For more information email Faye Gibson, Gibson_F@cde.state.co.us or Brittany Deyoe, Deyoe_B@cde.state.co.us. 

2020 Fall Directors of Special Education Meeting Information

View session information from the November 2020 Directors of Special Education Meeting.

Memos to AU and Special Education Directors

• Potential Impact of the Family First Prevention Services Act on Special Education Students (PDF)
• Questions and Answers On Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Evaluations, and Reevaluations (PDF)
• Letter to State Directors of Special Education (PDF)
• Non-Regulatory Guidance: Ensuring Educational Stability for Children in Foster Care U.S. (PDF)
• Memo Notice of Change in Reporting Requirements and CDE Guidance for Measuring Indicator 13 Compliance (PDF)
  • Notice of Changes Webinar (PDF)
• CMAS ELA Accommodation Policy Updated to Align with Colorado Academic Standards Expectations

Resources

Dr. Paul Foster
Executive Director
Email Paul Foster
Phone: 303-866-4093