DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Individuals with Disabilities Education Act-Part B; Application for Federal Grant [35 Pa.B. 2904] To receive a grant under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Department of Education (Department) is submitting an assurance to the United States Department of Education (USDE), but is not proposing to change its policies and procedures, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act-Part B (IDEA-B). The assurance is that by June 30, 2006, policies and procedures will be adopted to ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (Pub.L. No. 108-446) (IDEA 2004). Moreover, the Department assures that throughout the period of the grant (July 1, 2005 to June 31, 2006), the Commonwealth will operate consistent with all requirements of IDEA-2004 and applicable regulations.
The grant on file with the USDE describes the Commonwealth's policies and procedures in effect to ensure the Department meets the Federal requirements to ensure that a free appropriate public education is made available to all children with a disability from 3 to 21 years of age. The policies and procedures on file with the USDE are available on the Department's website: www.pde.state.pa.us/special_edu/cwp/view.asp?A=177&Q=106501. The Department is not proposing any change to these policies at this time.
The IDEA-B funds, received under 34 CFR 300.110 (relating to condition of assistance), will be used to render services and programs to children with disabilities who are eligible for services under IDEA-B as well as training and technical assistance given to professional staff who render services to children with disabilities.
Copies of the proposed assurance are available by calling (717) 783-2311 or the TDD at (717) 787-7367. Alternative formats of the documents (for example, Braille, large print or cassette tape) are available upon request. Moreover, public comment is welcomed in alternative formats such as Braille, taped comments and telephone comments for the disabled. Individuals who are disabled and wish to submit comments by telephone should call Nancy Zeigler, (717) 783-6134.
Written comments will be received until June 28, 2005. The written comments should be directed to Patty Todd, Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education, 7th Floor, 333 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333.
Following receipt of all comments, the Department will consider all public comments and make any necessary modifications before final submission of the assurance to the Secretary of the USDE.
FRANCES V. BARNES, Ph.D.,
Secretary[Pa.B. Doc. No. 05-945. Filed for public inspection May 13, 2005, 9:00 a.m.]
