ADMINISTRATIVE

  Under the provisions of Public Law 94-142 and the
  Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), local
  education agencies are required to make an unduplicated
  count of students with disabilities receiving a free,
  appropriate public education in accordance with
  individualized education programs on December 1, or the
  closest day to December 1.  

  Because these data form the basis for state and federal
  funding, information submitted is subject to audit by the
  United States Department of Education, Virginia Department
  of Education, and Auditor of Public Accounts.  Therefore,
  documentation of age and disability for students reported
  must be maintained at the local level.

  Data submitted to the Department of Education must reflect

  the status of students with disabilities as of December 1,
  1997.  A properly developed individualized education program
  (IEP) or individualized family service plan (IFSP) must be
  on file for each disabled student reported to the Virginia
  Department of Education through use of this software.

  Individual student records received by the department are
  processed via use of student identification numbers.  While
  particular student identification numbering conventions are
  left to local discretion, the Department of Education does
  require that when two or more school divisions report the
  same student, they must agree upon and use a common
  identification number.  All other required data elements
  must also be identical.  Inaccurate reporting of student
  data may result in loss of federal and state funding, or
  overpayments to localities.  

  All school divisions are required to use the Special
  Education Student Information System (K6) software to
  generate the student data file onto a diskette for the
  December 1, 1997 report.  Submission of the diskette with
  the attached certification statement to the Department of
  Education constitutes certification that all data are true
  and correct.

  Diskette and certification statements should be mailed to
  Mr. Paul J. Raskopf, Office of Student and Special Education
  Services, Department of Education, P.O. Box 2120, Richmond,
  VA 23218-2120 and should be received by the Department no
  later than Friday, December 5, 1997.  Should you have any
  questions or need assistance, please contact Mr. Raskopf at
  804/225-2080.  


  RTL/crv

  Attachment:  A hard copy of this memo and its attachment
               will be sent to the superintendent's office.