Focusing On Special Education:

Focused Monitoring...How are we doing in New Mexico?

In the Winter 2003 edition of El Guardian we answered several questions about Focused Monitoring.

What is it? Focused Monitoring is a monitoring system, which evaluates districts for compliance with IDEA based on specific criteria.

How does it work? The Office of Special Education chooses districts for evaluation based on information from state statistics measuring test scores, participation in the regular education environment and other data. Stakeholders choose criteria and assessments are carried out by teams of parents, teachers, administrators and staff from the Office of Special Education.

Now that we know what Focused Monitoring is and how it works, what were the results of New Mexico's first monitoring efforts?

In the 2001-2002 school year, district assessments were based on three criteria:

1. Identification and evaluation of students with disabilities, emphasizing possible over identification of students as having a learning disability;

2. Least restrictive environment, emphasizing inclusion

of students with disabilities in regular classes to the maximum extent appropriate with access to the general education curriculum; and

3. Performance of students with disabilities on statewide assessments of educational development.

Of the districts monitored last year, the monitoring team found that the districts were non-compliant in the following areas:

Least Restrictive Environment: Four districts were cited, including: Roswell Independent Schools, Gadsden Independent Schools, Albuquerque Public School Rio Grande Cluster and Truth or Consequences Municipal Schools.

Pre-referral Interventions: Three districts were cited, including: Roswell Independent Schools, Clovis Municipal Schools and Hobbs Municipal Public Schools.

IEP Development and or Content: Eight districts were cited, including: Roswell Independent Schools, Clovis Municipal Schools, Gadsden Independent Schools, Albuquerque Public School Rio Grande Cluster, Truth or Consequences Municipal Schools, Rio Rancho Public Schools, Hobbs Municipal Public Schools.

Evaluation and Identification of Learning Disabilities: Four schools were cited, including: Roswell Independent Schools, Clovis Municipal Schools and Hobbs Municipal Public Schools.

Each school district monitored in the 2001-2002 school year has submitted an Improvement Plan and is required to provide measurable evidence of change for each area of non-compliance. The Office of Special Education continues to monitor these districts to ensure that they move towards compliance.

For more information on Focused Monitoring, check out the Office of Special Education's website at: www.sde.state.nm.us/div/learn/serv/spec.ed or contact the Office of Special Education at (505) 827-6541.