Dear Title III State Director:

 Attached is a letter announcing the U.S. Department of Education’s (Department) plan for improving the implementation of equitable services requirements under applicable programs authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  The plan, which aligns with current statutory and regulatory requirements, demonstrates the Department’s commitment to ensure effective implementation of these equitable services provisions.  The plan does not place new requirements on State and Local Educational Agencies (SEAs and LEAs).  Rather, the plan focuses on how the Department will support the collaborative work of State and local public school officials and private school leaders to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of these requirements and the delivery of services.  

In upcoming weeks, the Department will host conference calls to address the plan and respond to questions.  In addition, we have asked Chief State School Officers to share this correspondence with their local school superintendents tomorrow or shortly thereafter.   Thank you for your continued commitment to implementing the equitable services provisions under the ESEA and IDEA.

Monique M. Chism, Ph.D
Director
Student Achievement and School Accountability Programs
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20202-6132
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