SIGNIFICANT DISPROPORTIONALITY and CEIS

     The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) / Office of Special Programs (OSP) revised the definition of significant disproportionality and is in the process of creating a tracking system in WVEIS for all students receiving Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) in West Virginia. These changes are necessary due to guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).

* More information in OSEP's Guidance Document (pdf)

     "State have a separate obligation...to collect and examine data to determine whether significant disproportionality based on race or ethnicity is occurring in the State and LEAs of the State with respect to the identification of children as children with disabilities, including identification as children with particular impairments; the placement into particular educational settings; and the incidence, duration, and type of disciplinary actions, including suspensions and expulsions."

* More information in OSEP's Memo - Disproportionality... (Word)

     The WVDE / OSP disseminated information to LEAs regarding the definition of significant disproportionality and changes in Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS). CEIS are comprehensive intervention services provided to struggling learners in grades K-12 who are not currently identified as having disabilities but demonstrate need for academic and/or behavioral intervention.

     In districts wherein overrepresentation by race or ethnicity is revealed in identification, placement or disciplinary actions, fifteen percent of IDEA Part B funds must be allocated for CEIS to address the needs of struggling learners without disabilities and target professional development opportunities that engender equitable student outcomes by race and ethnicity.

* WVDE / OSP Memo: Changes in CEIS and Significant Disproportionality

* Reporting and Analyzing Racial and Ethnic Data Based on Seven Categories Beginning with the 2010-2011 School Year

 

Office of Special Programs
Building 6, Rm 304
1900 Kanawha Blvd
Charleston, WV 25305
Phone: 304-558-2696
Fax: 304-558-3741