History: L. 1901, ch. 307, § 11; R.S. 1923, 72-901; Repealed, L. 1943, ch. 248, § 42; June 30.
History: L. 1891, ch. 88, § 1; R.S. 1923, 72-902; Repealed, L. 1925, ch. 222, § 2; May 28.
History: L. 1901, ch. 305, § 1; L. 1911, ch. 275, § 1; R.S. 1923, 72-903; Repealed, L. 1951, ch. 396, § 20; April 1.
History: L. 1903, ch. 429, § 1; L. 1911, ch. 275, § 2; R.S. 1923, 72-904; Repealed, L. 1951, ch. 396, § 20; April 1.
History: L. 1901, ch. 305, § 6; L. 1911, ch. 275, § 4; R.S. 1923, 72-905; Repealed, L. 1949, ch. 359, § 1; June 30.
History: L. 1921, ch. 230, § 1; R.S. 1923, 72-906; Repealed, L. 1949, ch. 359, § 1; June 30.
History: L. 1921, ch. 230, § 2; R.S. 1923, 72-907; Repealed, L. 1949, ch. 359, § 1; June 30.
History: L. 1921, ch. 230, §§ 3 to 5; R.S. 1923, 72-908 to 72-910; Repealed, L. 1949, ch. 359, § 1; June 30.
History: L. 1901, ch. 305, §§ 3 to 5; R.S. 1923, 72-911 to 72-913; Repealed, L. 1949, ch. 359, § 1; June 30.
History: L. 1901, ch. 305, § 7; R.S. 1923, 72-914; Repealed, L. 1949, ch. 359, § 1; June 30.
History: L. 1901, ch. 305, § 8; R.S. 1923, 72-915; Repealed, L. 1949, ch. 359, § 1; June 30.
History: L. 1935, ch. 255, §§ 1 to 7; Repealed, L. 1943, ch. 248, § 42; June 30.
History: L. 1949, ch. 400, §§ 1 to 8, 10; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1951, ch. 424, § 1; L. 1953, ch. 337, § 1; L. 1955, ch. 327, § 1; L. 1969, ch. 322, § 1; L. 1971, ch. 230, § 1; L. 1972, ch. 258, § 2; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1951, ch. 424, § 2; L. 1969, ch. 322, § 2; L. 1971, ch. 230, § 2; L. 1972, ch. 259, § 1; L. 1973, ch. 278, § 1; L. 1974, ch. 290, § 7; Repealed, L. 1999, ch. 116, § 51; July 1.
History: L. 1971, ch. 322, § 17; L. 1972, ch. 258, § 1; L. 1973, ch. 292, § 49; L. 1975, ch. 365, § 5; Repealed, L. 1978, ch. 296, § 17; July 1.
History: L. 1951, ch. 424, §§ 3, 4; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1951, ch. 424, § 5; L. 1971, ch. 230, § 3; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1951, ch. 424, § 6; L. 1955, ch. 327, § 2; L. 1967, ch. 380, § 1; L. 1969, ch. 322, § 3; L. 1971, ch. 230, § 4; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1951, ch. 424, § 7; L. 1953, ch. 337, § 2; L. 1955, ch. 327, § 3; L. 1961, ch. 341, § 1; L. 1971, ch. 230, § 5; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1951, ch. 424, § 8; L. 1955, ch. 327, § 4; L. 1969, ch. 322, § 4; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1951, ch. 424, § 9; L. 1953, ch. 337, § 3; L. 1955, ch. 327, § 5; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1951, ch. 424, §§ 10 to 12; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1951, ch. 424, § 13; L. 1953, ch. 337, § 4; L. 1955, ch. 327, § 6; L. 1961, ch. 341, § 2; L. 1967, ch. 381, § 1; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1951, ch. 424, § 14; L. 1953, ch. 337, § 5; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1951, ch. 424, §§ 15, 16; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1969, ch. 322, § 7; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1953, ch. 338, § 1; L. 1955, ch. 328, § 1; L. 1961, ch. 341, § 3; L. 1969, ch. 322, § 5; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1953, ch. 338, § 2; L. 1955, ch. 328, § 2; L. 1961, ch. 341, § 5; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1967, ch. 387, § 1; L. 1969, ch. 323, § 1; L. 1973, ch. 292, § 50; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1953, ch. 338, § 3; L. 1955, ch. 328, § 3; L. 1957, ch. 396, § 1; L. 1961, ch. 341, § 4; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1953, ch. 338, § 4; L. 1955, ch. 328, § 4; 1967, ch. 380, § 2; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1953, ch. 338, § 5; L. 1955, ch. 328, § 5; L. 1969, ch. 322, § 6; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1953, ch. 338, § 6; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1953, ch. 338, § 7; L. 1955, ch. 328, § 6; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1953, ch. 338, §§ 8, 9; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1972, ch. 382, § 1; Repealed, L. 1974, ch. 290, § 22; July 1.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 1; L. 1979, ch. 219, § 1; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 1; July 1.
(a) "School district" means any public school district.
(b) "Board" means the board of education of any school district.
(c) "State board" means the state board of education.
(d) "Department" means the state department of education.
(e) "State institution" means any institution under the jurisdiction of a state agency.
(f) "State agency" means the department of social and rehabilitation services, the department of corrections and the juvenile justice authority.
(g) "Exceptional children" means persons who are children with disabilities or gifted children and are school age, to be determined in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the state board, which age may differ from the ages of children required to attend school under the provisions of K.S.A. 72-1111, and amendments thereto.
(h) "Gifted children" means exceptional children who are determined to be within the gifted category of exceptionality as such category is defined by the state board.
(i) "Special education" means specially designed instruction provided at no cost to parents to meet the unique needs of an exceptional child, including:
(1) Instruction conducted in the classroom, in the home, in hospitals and institutions, and in other settings; and
(2) instruction in physical education.
(j) "Special teacher" means a person, employed by or under contract with a school district or a state institution to provide special education or related services, who is: (1) Qualified to provide special education or related services to exceptional children as determined pursuant to standards established by the state board; or (2) qualified to assist in the provision of special education or related services to exceptional children as determined pursuant to standards established by the state board.
(k) "State plan" means the state plan for special education and related services authorized by this act.
(l) "Agency" means boards and the state agencies.
(m) "Parent" means: (1) A natural parent; (2) an adoptive parent; (3) a person acting as parent; (4) a legal guardian; (5) an education advocate; or (6) a foster parent, if the foster parent has been appointed the education advocate of an exceptional child.
(n) "Person acting as parent" means a person such as a grandparent, stepparent or other relative with whom a child lives or a person other than a parent who is legally responsible for the welfare of a child.
(o) "Education advocate" means a person appointed by the state board in accordance with the provisions of K.S.A. 2007 Supp. 38-2218, and amendments thereto. A person appointed as an education advocate for a child shall not be: (1) An employee of the agency which is required by law to provide special education or related services for the child; (2) an employee of the state board, the department, or any agency which is directly involved in providing educational services for the child; or (3) any person having a professional or personal interest which would conflict with the interests of the child.
(p) "Free appropriate public education" means special education and related services that: (1) Are provided at public expense, under public supervision and direction, and without charge; (2) meet the standards of the state board; (3) include an appropriate preschool, elementary, or secondary school education; and (4) are provided in conformity with an individualized education program.
(q) "Federal law" means the individuals with disabilities education act, as amended.
(r) "Individualized education program" or "IEP" means a written statement for each exceptional child that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with the provisions of K.S.A. 72-987, and amendments thereto.
(s) (1) "Related services" means transportation, and such developmental, corrective, and other supportive services, including speech-language pathology and audiology services, interpreting services, psychological services, physical and occupational therapy, recreation, including therapeutic recreation, social work services, school nurse services designed to enable a child with a disability to receive a free appropriate public education as described in the child's IEP, counseling services, including rehabilitation counseling, orientation and mobility services, and medical services, except that such medical services shall be for diagnostic and evaluation purposes only, as may be required to assist an exceptional child to benefit from special education, and includes the early identification and assessment of disabling conditions in children.
(2) "Related services" shall not mean any medical device that is surgically implanted or the replacement of any such device.
(t) "Supplementary aids and services" means aids, services, and other supports that are provided in regular education classes or other education-related settings to enable children with disabilities to be educated with nondisabled children to the maximum extent appropriate.
(u) "Individualized education program team" or "IEP team" means a group of individuals composed of: (1) The parents of a child; (2) at least one regular education teacher of the child, if the child is, or may be, participating in the regular education environment; (3) at least one special education teacher or, where appropriate, at least one special education provider of the child; (4) a representative of the agency directly involved in providing educational services for the child who: (A) Is qualified to provide, or supervise the provision of, specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of exceptional children; (B) is knowledgeable about the general curriculum; and (C) is knowledgeable about the availability of resources of the agency; (5) an individual who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results; (6) at the discretion of the parent or the agency, other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, including related services personnel as appropriate; and (7) whenever appropriate, the child.
(v) "Evaluation" means a multisourced and multidisciplinary examination, conducted in accordance with the provisions of K.S.A. 72-986, and amendments thereto, to determine whether a child is an exceptional child.
(w) "Independent educational evaluation" means an examination which is obtained by the parent of an exceptional child and performed by an individual or group of individuals who meet state and local standards to conduct such an examination.
(x) "Elementary school" means any nonprofit institutional day or residential school that offers instruction in any or all of the grades kindergarten through nine.
(y) "Secondary school" means any nonprofit institutional day or residential school that offers instruction in any or all of the grades nine through 12.
(z) "Children with disabilities" means: (1) Children with mental retardation, hearing impairments including deafness, speech or language impairments, visual impairments including blindness, emotional disturbance, orthopedic impairments, autism, traumatic brain injury, other health impairments, or specific learning disabilities and who, by reason thereof, need special education and related services; and (2) children experiencing one or more developmental delays and, by reason thereof, need special education and related services if such children are ages three through nine.
(aa) "Substantial change in placement" means the movement of an exceptional child, for more than 25% of the child's school day, from a less restrictive environment to a more restrictive environment or from a more restrictive environment to a less restrictive environment.
(bb) "Material change in services" means an increase or decrease of 25% or more of the duration or frequency of a special education service, a related service or a supplementary aid or a service specified on the IEP of an exceptional child.
(cc) "Developmental delay" means such a deviation from average development in one or more of the following developmental areas, as determined by appropriate diagnostic instruments and procedures, as indicates that special education and related services are required: (1) Physical; (2) cognitive; (3) adaptive behavior; (4) communication; or (5) social or emotional development.
(dd) "Homeless children" means "homeless children and youths" as defined in the federal McKinney-Vento homeless assistance act, 42 U.S.C. 11434a.
(ee) "Limited English proficient" means an individual who meets the qualifications specified in section 9101 of the federal elementary and secondary education act of 1965, as amended.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 2; L. 1975, ch. 365, § 1; L. 1977, ch. 240, § 1; L. 1978, ch. 349, § 6; L. 1979, ch. 219, § 2; L. 1980, ch. 216, § 1; L. 1982, ch. 357, § 21; L. 1982, ch. 182, § 140; L. 1985, ch. 237, § 1; L. 1987, ch. 268, § 2; L. 1991, ch. 218, § 1; L. 1992, ch. 199, § 2; L. 1994, ch. 307, § 9; L. 1996, ch. 229, § 119; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 2; L. 2005, ch. 171, § 1; L. 2006, ch. 200, § 112; Jan. 1, 2007.
(b) The state board may adopt rules and regulations for administration of this act and shall adopt rules and regulations necessary to comply with the federal law and to implement the provisions of this act. Any rules and regulations in effect on July 1, 2005, that conflict with federal law or this act are suspended until amended or revoked by the state board.
(c) The state board may apply to participate in any pilot program authorized by the federal law and, if approved, may participate in any such program.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 3; L. 1975, ch. 428, § 3; L. 1982, ch. 291, § 1; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 3; L. 2005, ch. 171, § 2; July 1.
(a) Establish procedures, which shall be utilized by each agency, to allow parties to disputes involving any matter described in subsection (b)(4) of K.S.A. 72-988, and amendments thereto, or in K.S.A. 2007 Supp. 72-992a, and amendments thereto, to resolve such disputes through a mediation process or through due process hearings which meet the requirements of the federal law and this act.
(b) Establish the qualification of persons as hearing officers and mediators in accordance with federal law.
(c) Compile and maintain a list of qualified hearing officers and mediators.
History: L. 1983, ch. 237, § 2; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 4; L. 2005, ch. 171, § 3; July 1.
History: L. 1983, ch. 237, § 4; Repealed, L. 1999, ch. 116, § 51; July 1.
(1) Prescribe guidelines for the selection of persons for appointment as education advocates and for the exercise of their authorized powers, duties and functions;
(2) establish standards and criteria for qualification of persons for appointment as education advocates; and
(3) provide for special training programs with respect to the powers, duties and functions of parents.
(b) Parents who are education advocates shall, and all other parents may, participate in the special training programs provided for under provision (3) of subsection (a).
History: L. 1985, ch. 237, § 2; L. 1987, ch. 268, § 3; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 5; July 1.
(b) (1) The advisory council established under this section shall be representative of the state population and be comprised of persons involved in, or concerned with, the education of exceptional children, including: (A) Parents of exceptional children, ages birth through 26 years. At least one of such parents shall be the parent of a gifted child; (B) individuals with disabilities; (C) teachers; (D) representatives of institutions of higher education that prepare special education and related services personnel; (E) state and local education officials, including officials who carry out activities under the federal McKinney-Vento homeless education act, 42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq.; (F) administrators of programs for exceptional children; (G) representatives of other state agencies involved in the financing or delivery of related services to exceptional children; (H) representatives of private schools and public charter schools; (I) at least one representative of a vocational, community, or business organization concerned with the provision of transition services to children with disabilities; (J) representatives from the state juvenile and adult corrections agencies; and (K) a representative from the state agency responsible for foster care of children.
(2) A majority of the members of the advisory council shall be individuals with disabilities or parents of children with disabilities ages birth through 26.
(c) The state advisory council for special education shall:
(1) Advise the state board of unmet needs within the state in the education of exceptional children;
(2) comment publicly on any rules and regulations proposed by the state board regarding the education of exceptional children;
(3) advise the state board in developing evaluations and reporting on data to the federal government;
(4) advise the state board in developing corrective action plans to address findings identified in federal monitoring reports; and
(5) advise the state board in developing and implementing policies relating to the coordination of services for exceptional children.
(d) Members of the state advisory council for special education attending meetings of such council, or attending a subcommittee meeting thereof authorized by the state board, shall be paid subsistence allowances, mileage and other expenses as provided in K.S.A. 75-3223, and amendments thereto.
(e) The state board shall call the members of the advisory council to meet at least once each year, at which meeting the council shall organize by electing a chairperson and a vice-chairperson. The person in the department specified to be the principal administrator of special education and related services shall be the secretary of the advisory council. The council shall meet upon the call of the chairperson or upon the call of the state board as often as may be necessary at times and places designated by the chairperson or by the state board in order to fulfill the duties prescribed under the provisions of this act.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 4; L. 1982, ch. 292, § 1; L. 1987, ch. 268, § 4; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 6; L. 2005, ch. 171, § 4; July 1.
(b) The state board is hereby authorized to accept from an individual or individuals, the United States government or any of its agencies or any other public or private body, grants or contributions of money, funds or property which the state board may authorize to be used in accordance with appropriation acts, for or in aid of special education or related services or any of the purposes authorized by the federal law or this act.
(c) (1) Each board may use up to 15% of the amount it receives each year under the federal law to develop and implement coordinated, early intervening services for students in kindergarten through grade 12, with a particular emphasis on students in kindergarten through grade 3, who have not been identified as needing special education or related services but who appear to need additional academic and behavioral support to succeed in a general education environment.
(2) In implementing coordinated, early intervening services under this subsection, a board may carry out activities that include:
(A) Providing professional development for teachers and other school staff to enable such personnel to deliver scientifically based academic instruction and behavioral interventions, including scientifically based literacy instruction and, where appropriate, instruction on the use of adaptive and instructional software; and
(B) providing educational and behavioral evaluations, services and supports, including scientifically based literacy instruction.
(3) Each board that develops and maintains coordinated, early intervening services under this subsection shall annually report to the department:
(A) The number of students served under this subsection; and
(B) the number of students served under this subsection who subsequently receive special education and related services under this title during the 2-year period preceding each report.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 5; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 7; L. 2005, ch. 171, § 5; July 1.
(2) Each board shall provide a free appropriate public education for exceptional children enrolled in the school district and for children with disabilities who are placed in a private school or facility by the school district as the means of carrying out the board's obligation to provide a free appropriate public education under this act and for children with disabilities who have been suspended for an extended term or expelled from school.
(3) Each board shall provide exceptional children who are enrolled by their parents in private schools with special education and related services in accordance with state law and federal law.
(b) If an exceptional child, upon referral by a person licensed to practice medicine and surgery, is admitted to a hospital, treatment center, or other health care institution, or to a group boarding home or other care facility, and the institution or facility is located outside the school district in which the child resides, the district in which the institution or facility is located may contract with the district in which a parent of the child resides to provide special education or related services, if such services are necessary for the child. Special education and related services required by this subsection may be provided pursuant to a contract entered into between the board of the school district of which the child is a resident and the board of the school district in which the child is housed. Any such contract shall be subject to the provisions of subsections (a)(3) and (c) of K.S.A. 72-967, and amendments thereto. If a contract is not entered into between the school districts, the child shall be deemed to be a pupil of the school district which is providing special education and related services to the child. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit or supersede or in any manner affect or diminish the requirements of compliance by each school district with the provisions of subsection (a), but shall operate as a comity of school districts in assuring the provision of special education services for each exceptional child in the state.
(c) (1) Special education and related services required by this section shall meet standards and criteria set by the state board.
(2) The state board shall be responsible for assuring that the requirements of the federal law and this act are met and that all educational programs for exceptional children, including programs administered by any other state agency: (A) Are under the general supervision of individuals who are responsible for educational programs for exceptional children; and (B) meet the educational standards prescribed by the state board.
(3) Provision (2) of this subsection shall not limit the responsibility of any other state agency to provide, or pay for some or all of the costs of, a free appropriate public education for an exceptional child.
(d) Consistent with state and federal law, state agencies shall enter into such interagency agreements as are necessary or advisable in making a free appropriate public education available to all exceptional children residing in the state. The state board shall establish procedures for resolving interagency disputes, including procedures under which local educational agencies may initiate proceedings to secure reimbursement or otherwise implement or seek enforcement of the provisions of the interagency agreement.
(e) Each school board and state agency is prohibited from requiring any child to obtain a prescription for a substance covered by the federal controlled substances act, 21 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as a condition for the child to attend school or be evaluated or receive special education services under this act.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 6; L. 1979, ch. 219, § 3; L. 1991, ch. 218, § 2; L. 1992, ch. 199, § 1; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 8; L. 2005, ch. 171, § 6; July 1.
(1) Provide appropriate special education and related services for exceptional children within its schools.
(2) Provide for appropriate special education and related services in the home, in a hospital or in other facilities.
(3) Contract with another school district for special education and related services. Any such contract may provide for the payment of tuition and other costs by the school district in which the child is enrolled.
(4) Enter into cooperative agreements with one or more other school districts for special education and related services.
(5) Contract with any private nonprofit corporation or any public or private institution, within or outside the state, which has proper special education or related services for exceptional children. Whenever an exceptional child is educated by a private nonprofit corporation or a public or private institution as provided under this paragraph, such child shall be considered a pupil of the school district contracting for such education to the same extent as other pupils of such school district for the purpose of determining entitlements and participation in all state, federal and other financial assistance or payments to such school district.
(6) Furnish transportation for exceptional children, whether such children are residents or nonresidents of such school district, for the provision of special education or related services. In lieu of paying for transportation, the board of the school district in which an exceptional child resides may pay all or part of the cost of room and board for such exceptional child at the place where the special education or related services are provided.
(b) Special education and related services which are provided for exceptional children shall meet standards and criteria set by the state board and shall be subject to approval by the state board.
(c) Any contract entered into by a board under the provisions of this section shall be subject to change or termination by the legislature.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 8; L. 1976, ch. 306, § 1; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 13; July 1.
(1) An agreement shall be effective only after approval by the state board, which approval shall be granted if the special education services provided for in such agreement meet standards and criteria set by the state board.
(2) (A) The duration of an agreement shall be perpetual but the agreement may be partially or completely terminated as hereinafter provided.
(B) Partial termination of an agreement made and entered into by the boards of three or more school districts may be accomplished only upon petition for withdrawal from the agreement made by a contracting school district to the other contracting school districts and approval by the state board of written consent to the petition by such other school districts or upon order of the state board after appeal to it by a school district from denial of consent to a petition for withdrawal and hearing thereon conducted by the state board. The state board shall consider all the testimony and evidence brought forth at the hearing and issue an order approving or disapproving withdrawal by the school district from the agreement.
(C) Complete termination of an agreement made and entered into by the boards of two school districts may be accomplished upon approval by the state board of a joint petition made to the state board for termination of the agreement by both of the contracting school districts after adoption of a resolution to that effect by each of the contracting school districts or upon petition for withdrawal from the agreement made by a contracting school district to the other contracting school district and approval by the state board of written consent to the petition by such other school district or upon order of the state board after appeal to it by a school district from denial of consent to a petition for withdrawal and hearing thereon conducted by the state board. The state board shall consider all the testimony and evidence brought forth at the hearing and issue an order approving or disapproving withdrawal by the school district from the agreement.
(D) Complete termination of an agreement made and entered into by the boards of three or more school districts may be accomplished only upon approval by the state board of a joint petition made to the state board for termination of the agreement by not less than 2/3 of the contracting school districts after adoption of a resolution to that effect by each of the contracting school districts seeking termination of the agreement. The state board shall consider the petition and approve or disapprove termination of the agreement.
(E) The state board shall take such action in approving or disapproving the complete or partial termination of an agreement as the state board deems to be in the best interests of the involved school districts and of the state as a whole in the provision of special education services for exceptional children. Whenever the state board has disapproved the complete or partial termination of an agreement, no further action with respect to such agreement shall be considered or taken by the state board for a period of not less than three years.
(3) An agreement shall designate the sponsoring school district and shall provide for a separate fund thereof, to which each contracting district shall pay the moneys due from it under the agreement. Any school district which is a party to an agreement may be designated the sponsoring district.
(4) An agreement shall specify the method or methods to be employed for disposing of property upon partial or complete termination.
(5) Within the limitations provided by law, an agreement may be changed or modified by mutual consent of the contracting school districts.
(6) An agreement shall be subject to change or termination by the legislature.
(b) The provisions of this section apply to every agreement entered into under authority of this section after the effective date of this act and to every agreement entered into under this section prior to the effective date of this act, and extant on the effective date of this act, regardless of any provisions in such agreement to the contrary.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 9; L. 1987, ch. 269, § 1; L. 1997, ch. 35, § 1; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 14; July 1.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 10; Repealed, L. 1999, ch. 116, § 51; July 1.
(b) In providing special education or related services to incarcerated children with disabilities, a correctional institution shall be exempt from the requirements of this act to the extent authorized by the federal law.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 11; L. 1975, ch. 365, § 2; L. 1977, ch. 240, § 2; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 15; July 1.
(b) School districts and state agencies having data needed by the state board to complete required reports shall furnish such data, as requested, to the state board.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 12; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 16; L. 2005, ch. 171, § 7; July 1.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 13; L. 1977, ch. 241, § 1; L. 1978, ch 286, § 1; L. 1979, ch. 219, § 4; L. 1980, ch. 216, § 2; Repealed, L. 1999, ch. 116, § 51; July 1.
(A) The problem about which complaint is made occurred not more than two years before the filing of the complaint and the party filing the complaint knew or should have known about the alleged action that forms the basis of the complaint;
(B) the party filing the complaint or the attorney for that party provides to the other party and to the department, a written due process complaint notice that shall remain confidential and include the following information:
(i) the name of the child, the address of the residence of the child (or in the case of a homeless child or youth, available contact information for the child), and the name of the school the child is attending;
(ii) a description of the nature of the problem and the facts that form the basis of the complaint; and
(iii) a proposed resolution of the problem.
(2) A parent or an agency shall not be entitled to a due process hearing until the parent or agency, or their attorney, files a notice that meets the requirements of this subsection.
(b) (1) Any due process complaint notice filed by a parent shall be deemed to be timely even if presented more than two years after the occurrence of the facts giving rise to the complaint, if:
(A) The agency made specific misrepresentations that it had resolved the problem forming the basis of the complaint; or
(B) the agency withheld information from the parent that is required to be given to the parent under this act.
(2) The due process complaint notice required by subsection (a) shall be deemed to be sufficient unless the party receiving the notice notifies the hearing officer and the other party, in writing, within 15 days of receiving the complaint, that the receiving party believes the notice does not meet the requirements.
(3) Within five days of receipt of the notification provided under subsection (a), the hearing officer shall make a determination of whether the notification meets the requirements of subsection (b)(2) and shall immediately notify the parties, in writing, of such determination.
(c) (1) If the complaint is filed by a parent and the agency has not sent a prior written notice to the parent regarding the problem described in the parent's due process complaint notice, the agency, within 10 days of receiving the complaint, shall send to the parent a response that includes:
(A) An explanation of why the agency proposed or refused to take the action raised in the complaint, or an appropriate reply if the problem does not address proposed or refused action by the agency;
(B) a description of other options that the IEP team considered and the reasons why those options were rejected;
(C) a description of each evaluation procedure, assessment, record or report the agency used as the basis for any action it has proposed or refused; and
(D) a description of the factors that are relevant to the agency's proposal or refusal, or in reply to the complaint.
(2) The fact an agency gives notice to a parent pursuant to paragraph (1) shall not preclude such agency from asserting that the parent's due process complaint notice is insufficient.
(d) The non-complaining party, within 10 days of receiving the complaint, shall send to the complaining party a response that specifically addresses the issues raised in the complaint.
(e) (1) A party may amend its due process complaint notice only if:
(A) The other party consents in writing to such amendment and is given the opportunity to resolve the complaint through a meeting held pursuant to K.S.A. 72-973, and amendments thereto; or
(B) the hearing officer grants permission, except that such permission shall be granted not less than five days before a due process hearing occurs.
(2) The applicable timeline for a due process hearing shall recommence at the time the party files an amended notice, including the timeline for resolution of the complaint.
(f) (1) Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude a parent or an agency from filing a separate due process complaint on an issue different from issues presented in a due process complaint already filed.
(2) Upon motion of either party and if deemed appropriate by the due process hearing officer presiding in the initial hearing, the issues raised in the separate complaints may be considered and resolved in the same due process hearing.
History: L. 2005, ch. 171, § 8; July 1.
(2) At this meeting, the parent of the child shall discuss and explain the complaint, including the facts that form the basis of the complaint and the agency shall be provided the opportunity to resolve the complaint.
(3) If the meeting of the parties results in a resolution of the complaint, the parties shall execute a written agreement that both the parent and the representative of the agency shall sign and that, at a minimum, includes the following statements:
(A) The agreed upon resolution of each issue presented in the complaint;
(B) that each party understands that the agreement is legally binding upon them, unless the party provides written notice to the other party, within three days of signing the agreement, that the party giving notice is voiding the agreement; and
(C) if not voided, each party understands that the agreement may be enforced in state or federal court.
(4) If a resolution of the complaint is not reached at the meeting held under this subsection and the agency has not resolved the complaint to the satisfaction of the parent within 30 days of the agency's receipt of the complaint, the due process hearing procedures shall be implemented and all of the applicable timelines for a due process hearing shall commence. All discussions that occurred during the meeting shall be confidential and may not be used as evidence in any subsequent hearing or civil proceeding.
(5) A meeting shall not be required under this subsection if the parent and the agency agree, in writing, to waive such a meeting, or they agree to use mediation to attempt to resolve the complaint.
(b) Any due process hearing provided for under this act, shall be held at a time and place reasonably convenient to the parent of the involved child, be a closed hearing unless the parent requests an open hearing and be conducted in accordance with procedural due process rights, including the following:
(1) The right of the parties to be accompanied and advised by counsel and by individuals with special knowledge or training with respect to the problems of children with disabilities;
(2) the right of the parties to be present at the hearing;
(3) the right of the parties to confront and cross-examine witnesses who appear in person at the hearing, either voluntarily or as a result of the issuance of a subpoena;
(4) the right of the parties to present witnesses in person or their testimony by affidavit, including expert medical, psychological or educational testimony;
(5) the right of the parties to prohibit the presentation of any evidence at the hearing which has not been disclosed to the opposite party at least five days prior to the hearing, including any evaluations completed by that date and any recommendations based on such evaluations;
(6) the right to prohibit the other party from raising, at the due process hearing, any issue that was not raised in the due process complaint notice or in a prehearing conference held prior to the hearing;
(7) the right of the parties to have a written or, at the option of the parent, an electronic, verbatim record of the hearing; and
(8) the right to a written or, at the option of the parent, an electronic decision, including findings of facts and conclusions.
(c) Except as provided by subsection (a), each due process hearing, other than an expedited hearing under K.S.A. 72-993, and amendments thereto, shall be held not later than 35 days from the date on which the request therefor is received. The parties shall be notified in writing of the time and place of the hearing at least five days prior thereto. At any reasonable time prior to the hearing, the parent and the counsel or advisor of the involved child shall be given access to all records, tests, reports or clinical evaluations relating to the proposed action.
(d) (1) Except as otherwise provided in K.S.A. 72-993, and amendments thereto, during the pendency of any proceedings conducted under this act, unless the agency and parent otherwise agree, the child shall remain in the then-current educational placement of such child.
(2) If proceedings arise in connection with the initial admission of the child to school, the child shall be placed in the appropriate regular education classroom or program in compliance with K.S.A. 72-1111, and amendments thereto, unless otherwise directed pursuant to K.S.A. 2007 Supp. 72-992a, and amendments thereto.
(e) Subject to the provisions of K.S.A. 72-973a, and amendments thereto, the agency shall appoint a hearing officer for the purpose of conducting the hearing. Members of the state board, the secretary of social and rehabilitation services, the secretary of corrections, the commissioner of the juvenile justice authority, and members of any board or agency involved in the education of the child shall not serve as hearing officers. No hearing officer shall be any person responsible for recommending the proposed action upon which the hearing is based, any person having a personal or professional interest which would conflict with objectivity in the hearing, or any person who is an employee of the state board or any agency involved in the education of the child. A person shall not be considered an employee of the agency solely because the person is paid by the agency to serve as a hearing officer. Each agency shall maintain a list of hearing officers. Such list shall include a statement of the qualifications of each hearing officer. Each hearing officer and each state review officer shall be qualified in accordance with standards and requirements established by the state board and shall have satisfactorily completed a training program conducted or approved by the state board.
(f) (1) Any party to a due process hearing who has grounds to believe that the hearing officer cannot afford the party a fair and impartial hearing due to bias, prejudice or a conflict of interest may file a written request for the hearing officer to disqualify such officer and have another hearing officer appointed by the state board. Any such written request shall state the grounds for the request and the facts upon which the request is based.
(2) If a request for disqualification is filed, the hearing officer shall review the request and determine the sufficiency of the grounds stated in the request. The hearing officer then shall prepare a written order concerning the request and serve the order on the parties to the hearing. If the grounds are found to be insufficient, the hearing officer shall continue to serve as the hearing officer. If the grounds are found to be sufficient, the hearing officer immediately shall notify the state board and request the state board to appoint another hearing officer.
(g) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the decision of the hearing officer in each due process hearing shall be based on substantive grounds and a determination of whether the child received a free appropriate public education.
(2) In due process hearings in which procedural violations are alleged, the hearing officer may find that the child did not receive a free appropriate public education only if the hearing officer concludes the procedural violations did occur and those violations:
(A) Impeded the child's right to a free appropriate public education;
(B) significantly impeded the parents' opportunity to participate in the decision making process regarding the provision of a free appropriate public education to the parents' child; or
(C) caused a deprivation of educational benefits.
(3) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to preclude a hearing officer from ordering a local educational agency to comply with procedural requirements under this act.
(h) Whenever a hearing officer conducts any hearing, such hearing officer shall render a decision on the matter, including findings of fact and conclusions, not later than 10 days after the close of the hearing. The decision shall be written or, at the option of the parent, shall be an electronic decision. Any action of the hearing officer in accordance with this subsection shall be final, subject to appeal and review in accordance with this act.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 14; L. 1977, ch. 241, § 2; L. 1978, ch. 286, § 2; L. 1980, ch. 216, § 3; L. 1983, ch. 237, § 1; L. 1986, ch. 318, § 127; L. 1991, ch. 218, § 3; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 20; L. 2005, ch. 171, § 9; July 1.
History: L. 1983, ch. 237, § 3; L. 1991, ch. 218, § 4; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 21; July 1.
(b) (1) Any party to a due process hearing provided for under this act may appeal the decision to the state board by filing a written notice of appeal with the commissioner of education not later than 30 calendar days after the date of the postmark on the written notice specified in subsection (a). A review officer appointed by the state board shall conduct an impartial review of the decision. The review officer shall render a decision not later than 20 calendar days after the notice of appeal is filed. The review officer shall: (A) Examine the record of the hearing; (B) determine whether the procedures at the hearing were in accordance with the requirements of due process; (C) afford the parties an opportunity for oral or written argument, or both, at the discretion of the review officer; (D) seek additional evidence if necessary; (E) render an independent decision on any such appeal not later than five days after completion of the review; and (F) send the decision on any such appeal to the parties and to the state board.
(2) For the purpose of reviewing any hearing and decision under provision (1), the state board may appoint one or more review officers. Any such appointment may apply to a review of a particular hearing or to reviewing a set or class of hearings as specified by the state board in making the appointment.
(c) Subject to the provisions of subsection (e), any action of a review officer pursuant to this section is subject to review in accordance with the act for judicial review and civil enforcement of agency actions or to an action in federal court as allowed by the federal law.
(d) Consistent with state court actions, any action in federal court shall be filed within 30 days after service of the review officer's decision.
(e) In any action brought under subsection (c), the court:
(1) Shall receive the records of the administrative proceedings;
(2) if it deems necessary, shall hear additional evidence at the request of a party;
(3) basing its decision on the preponderance of the evidence, shall grant such relief as the court determines is appropriate; and
(4) in accordance with the federal law, may award attorneys' fees to the prevailing party in any due process hearing or judicial action brought in accordance with this act.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 15; L. 1974, ch. 291, § 1; L. 1977, ch. 241, § 3; L. 1978, ch. 286, § 3; L. 1978, ch. 287, § 1; L. 1980, ch. 216, § 4; L. 1982, ch. 292, § 2; L. 1986, ch. 318, § 128; L. 1991, ch. 218, § 5; L. 1993, ch. 63, § 1; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 22; L. 2005, ch. 171, § 10; July 1.
(b) Any person conducting a hearing or review under this act or any party to any such hearing or review may request the clerk of the district court to issue subpoenas for the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of all relevant records, tests, reports and evaluations in the same manner provided for the issuance of subpoenas in civil actions pursuant to K.S.A. 60-245, and amendments thereto.
(c) Any person conducting a hearing or review under this act, at the request of either party, may grant specific extensions of time beyond the limitations specified in this act.
(d) Any person conducting a hearing under this act shall consider any request for discovery in accordance with the provisions of K.S.A. 77-522, and amendments thereto, except that depositions of witnesses who will be available for the hearing shall not be allowed.
(e) Every hearing and review under this act shall be provided for at no cost to the child or the parent of the child. The costs of any hearing provided for by a board shall be paid by the school district.
(f) Any review officer conducting a review under this act may hold a hearing to receive additional evidence. Every such hearing shall be conducted in accordance with requirements which are consonant with the requirements of this act.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 16; L. 1974, ch. 291, § 2; L. 1977, ch. 241, § 4; L. 1978, ch. 286, § 4; L. 1980, ch. 216, § 5; L. 1982, ch. 292, § 3; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 23; July 1.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the state board or any board to function as an admitting agency to the state institutions or to limit or supersede or in any manner affect the requirements of each board to comply with the provisions of K.S.A. 72-966, and amendments thereto, to provide special education services for each exceptional child in the school district unless and until such child meets the criteria for admission to a state institution and is so admitted by the state institution. Each state institution shall publish the criteria for admission to such state institution and shall furnish such criteria to each board upon request therefor.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 17; L. 1975, ch. 365, § 3; L. 1977, ch. 240, § 3; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 24; July 1.
(b) The provisions of subsection (a) do not apply to gifted children or to parents of gifted children.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 18; L. 1980, ch. 216, § 6; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 25; July 1.
(1) Determine the total amount of general fund and local option budgets of all school districts;
(2) subtract from the amount determined in paragraph (1) the total amount attributable to assignment of transportation weighting, program weighting, special education weighting and at-risk pupil weighting to enrollment of all school districts;
(3) divide the remainder obtained in paragraph (2) by the total number of full-time equivalent pupils enrolled in all school districts on September 20;
(4) determine the total full-time equivalent enrollment of exceptional children receiving special education and related services provided by all school districts;
(5) multiply the amount of the quotient obtained in paragraph (3) by the full-time equivalent enrollment determined in paragraph (4);
(6) determine the amount of federal funds received by all school districts for the provision of special education and related services;
(7) determine the amount of revenue received by all school districts rendered under contracts with the state institutions for the provisions of special education and related services by the state institution;
(8) add the amounts determined under paragraphs (6) and (7) to the amount of the product obtained under paragraph (5);
(9) determine the total amount of expenditures of all school districts for the provision of special education and related services;
(10) subtract the amount of the sum obtained under paragraph (8) from the amount determined under paragraph (9); and
(11) multiply the remainder obtained under paragraph (10) by 92%.
The computed amount is the amount of state aid for the provision of special education and related services aid a school district is entitled to receive for the ensuing school year.
(b) Each school district shall be entitled to receive:
(1) Reimbursement for actual travel allowances paid to special teachers at not to exceed the rate specified under K.S.A. 75-3203, and amendments thereto, for each mile actually traveled during the school year in connection with duties in providing special education or related services for exceptional children; such reimbursement shall be computed by the state board by ascertaining the actual travel allowances paid to special teachers by the school district for the school year and shall be in an amount equal to 80% of such actual travel allowances;
(2) reimbursement in an amount equal to 80% of the actual travel expenses incurred for providing transportation for exceptional children to special education or related services; such reimbursement shall not be paid if such child has been counted in determining the transportation weighting of the district under the provisions of the school district finance and quality performance act;
(3) reimbursement in an amount equal to 80% of the actual expenses incurred for the maintenance of an exceptional child at some place other than the residence of such child for the purpose of providing special education or related services; such reimbursement shall not exceed $600 per exceptional child per school year; and
(4) except for those school districts entitled to receive reimbursement under subsection (c) or (d), after subtracting the amounts of reimbursement under paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) of this subsection (a) from the total amount appropriated for special education and related services under this act, an amount which bears the same proportion to the remaining amount appropriated as the number of full-time equivalent special teachers who are qualified to provide special education or related services to exceptional children and are employed by the school district for approved special education or related services bears to the total number of such qualified full-time equivalent special teachers employed by all school districts for approved special education or related services.
Each special teacher who is qualified to assist in the provision of special education or related services to exceptional children shall be counted as 2/5 full-time equivalent special teacher who is qualified to provide special education or related services to exceptional children.
(c) Each school district which has paid amounts for the provision of special education and related services under an interlocal agreement shall be entitled to receive reimbursement under subsection (b)(4). The amount of such reimbursement for the district shall be the amount which bears the same relation to the aggregate amount available for reimbursement for the provision of special education and related services under the interlocal agreement, as the amount paid by such district in the current school year for provision of such special education and related services bears to the aggregate of all amounts paid by all school districts in the current school year who have entered into such interlocal agreement for provision of such special education and related services.
(d) Each contracting school district which has paid amounts for the provision of special education and related services as a member of a cooperative shall be entitled to receive reimbursement under subsection (b)(4). The amount of such reimbursement for the district shall be the amount which bears the same relation to the aggregate amount available for reimbursement for the provision of special education and related services by the cooperative, as the amount paid by such district in the current school year for provision of such special education and related services bears to the aggregate of all amounts paid by all contracting school districts in the current school year by such cooperative for provision of such special education and related services.
(e) No time spent by a special teacher in connection with duties performed under a contract entered into by the Kansas juvenile correctional complex, the Atchison juvenile correctional facility, the Beloit juvenile correctional facility, the Larned juvenile correctional facility, or the Topeka juvenile correctional facility and a school district for the provision of special education services by such state institution shall be counted in making computations under this section.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 19; L. 1976, ch. 307, § 1; L. 1986, ch. 265, § 1; L. 1987, ch. 270, § 1; L. 1992, ch. 280, § 39; L. 1996, ch. 229, § 120; L. 1997, ch. 156, § 84; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 26; L. 2002, ch. 196, § 1; L. 2003, ch. 72, § 3; L. 2005, ch. 152, § 10; L. 2005, ch. 2, § 17 (Special Session); L. 2006, ch. 197, § 7; July 1.
(b) The state board shall prescribe all forms necessary for reporting under this act.
(c) Every board shall make such periodic and special reports of information to the state board as it may request in order to carry out its responsibilities under this act.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 20; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 27; L. 2001, ch. 215, § 12; L. 2002, ch. 164, § 2; L. 2005, ch. 152, § 11; July 1.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 20; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 27; L. 2001, ch. 5, § 282; Repealed, L. 2002, ch. 164, § 9; July 1.
History: L. 1974, ch. 290, § 21; Repealed, L. 1999, ch. 116, § 51; July 1.
History: L. 1975, ch. 365, § 4; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 28; July 1.
History: L. 1976, ch. 305, § 1; Repealed, L. 1980, ch. 216, § 7; July 1.
(b) In order to be eligible for a grant of state moneys provided for by subsection (a), a school district shall submit to the state board of education an application for a grant, a description of the special education or related services provided, and the name or names of the child or children for whom provided. The application and description shall be prepared in such form and manner as the state board shall require and shall be submitted at a time to be determined and specified by the state board. Approval by the state board of applications for grants of state moneys is prerequisite to the award of grants.
(c) Each school district which is awarded a grant under this section shall make such periodic and special reports of statistical and financial information to the state board as it may request.
(d) All moneys received by a school district under authority of this section shall be deposited in the general fund of the school district and transferred to its special education fund.
(e) The state board of education shall:
(1) Prescribe and adopt criteria for identification and determination of excessive costs attributable to the provision of special education and related services for which an application for a grant of state moneys may be made under this section;
(2) approve applications of school districts for grants;
(3) determine the amount of grants and be responsible for payment of such grants to school districts; and
(4) prescribe all forms necessary for reporting under this section.
(f) If the amount of appropriations for the payment of grants under this section is insufficient to pay in full the amount each school district is determined to be eligible to receive for the school year, the state board shall prorate the amount appropriated among all school districts which are eligible to receive grants of state moneys in proportion to the amount each school district is determined to be eligible to receive.
History: L. 1994, ch. 307, § 10; L. 1999, ch. 116, § 29; L. 2001, ch. 215, § 13; July 1.
(1) Establish goals for the performance of children with disabilities in the state that: (A) Will promote the purposes of this act; (B) are consistent, to the maximum extent appropriate, with other goals and standards for children established by the state board; (C) are the same as the goals included in the state's definition of adequate yearly progress under the federal no child left behind act of 2004, including the state's objectives for progress by children with disabilities; and (D) address graduation rates, dropout rates, and other factors as determined by the state board;
(2) establish performance indicators the state will use to assess progress toward achieving the goals designated in paragraph (1), including the measurable annual objectives for progress by children with disabilities; and
(3) annually report to the secretary of the U.S. department of education, and to the public, the progress of the state, and of children with disabilities in the state, toward meeting the goals established under this section.
History: L. 1999, ch. 116, § 9; L. 2005, ch. 171, § 11; July 1.
(2) In accordance with the federal law, the state board and each board shall develop guidelines for: (A) The provision of appropriate accommodations; and (B) for the participation of children with disabilities in alternate assessments for those children who cannot participate in regular state and district-wide assessments as indicated in their respective IEPs.
(3) The guidelines for alternative assessments shall meet the requirements of the federal law.
(b) The state board, and each local board with respect to district assessments, shall make available to the public, and report to the public with the same frequency and in the same detail as it reports on the assessment of nondisabled children, the following:
(1) The number of children with disabilities participating in regular assessments and the number of those children who were provided accommodations in order to participate in those assessments;
(2) the number of children with disabilities participating in alternate assessments that are: (A) Aligned with the state's challenging academic and achievement standards; or (B) based upon the achievement of children with disabilities; and
(3) the performance of children with disabilities on regular assessments and on alternate assessments if doing so would be statistically sound and would not result in the disclosure of personally identifiable information about an individual student compared with the achievement of all children, including children with disabilities, on those assessments.
History: L. 1999, ch. 116, § 10; L. 2005, ch. 171, § 12; July 1.
(2) An initial evaluation may be initiated either by the parent of a child or by an agency.
(3) An initial evaluation shall consist of procedures to determine whether a child is an exceptional child and the educational needs of such child.
(4) The screening of a student by a teacher or specialist to determine appropriate instructional strategies for curriculum implementation shall not be considered to be an evaluation under this act.
(5) An agency proposing to conduct an initial evaluation of a child shall obtain informed consent from the parent of such child before the evaluation is conducted. Parental consent for evaluation shall not be construed as consent for placement for receipt of special education and related services.
(6) If the parent of a child refuses consent for an initial evaluation of the child, or fails to respond to a written request to provide consent, the agency may, but shall not be required to, continue to pursue an initial evaluation by utilizing the mediation or due process procedures prescribed in this act.
(b) An agency shall provide notice to the parents of a child that describes any evaluation procedures such agency proposes to conduct. In conducting the evaluation, the agency shall:
(1) Use a variety of assessment tools and strategies to gather relevant functional, developmental and academic information, including information provided by the parent, that may assist in determining whether the child is an exceptional child and the content of the child's individualized education program, including information related to enabling the child to be involved, and progress, in the general education curriculum or, for preschool children, to participate in appropriate activities;
(2) not use any single measure or assessment as the sole criterion for determining whether a child is an exceptional child or determining an appropriate educational program for the child;
(3) use technically sound instruments that may assess the relative contribution of cognitive and behavioral factors, in addition to physical or developmental factors; and
(4) in determining whether a child has a specific learning disability, not be required to take into consideration whether the child has a severe discrepancy between achievement and intellectual ability, and may use a process that determines if the child responds to scientific, research-based intervention as part of the child's evaluation.
(c) An agency shall ensure that:
(1) Assessments and other evaluation materials used to assess a child under this section: (A) Are selected and administered so as not to be discriminatory on a racial or cultural basis; (B) are provided and administered in the language and form most likely to yield accurate information on what the child knows and is able to do academically, developmentally and functionally, unless it is not feasible to so provide or administer; (C) are valid and reliable for the specific purpose for which they are used; (D) are administered by trained and knowledgeable personnel; and (E) are administered in accordance with instructions provided by the producer of such tests;
(2) the child is assessed in all areas of suspected exceptionality;
(3) assessment tools and strategies that provide relevant information that directly assists persons in determining the educational needs of the child are provided; and
(4) the assessments of any child who transfers from another agency during the school year are coordinated with the child's prior school, as necessary and as expeditiously as possible, to ensure prompt completion of an evaluation begun by the prior school.
(e) Upon completion of the administration of assessments and other evaluation materials:
(1) The determination of whether the child is an exceptional child shall be made by a team of qualified professionals and the parent of the child in accordance with this section; and
(2) a copy of the evaluation report and the documentation of determination of eligibility shall be given to the parent.
(f) In making a determination of eligibility under this section, a child shall not be determined to be an exceptional child if the determinant factor for such determination is lack of instruction in reading, including instruction using the essential components of reading instruction, math or limited English proficiency.
(g) (1) If it is determined that a child is an exceptional child, the agency shall seek consent from the parent of the child to provide special education and related services to the child. No such services shall be provided until consent is given by the parent.
(2) If the parent of a child refuses to consent to the provision of services, or fails to respond to a request for consent to services, the agency: (A) Shall not initiate any procedure or proceeding under this act to gain authority to provide services to the child;
(B) shall not be considered to be in violation of the requirement to provide a free appropriate public education to the child; and
(C) shall not be required to convene an IEP meeting or develop an IEP for the child.
(h) (1) Each agency shall ensure that a reevaluation of each exceptional child is conducted:
(A) If the agency determines that the educational or related services needs of the child, including academic achievement or functional performance, warrant a reevaluation; or
(B) if the child's parent or teacher requests a reevaluation.
(2) An agency shall conduct a reevaluation of a child:
(A) Not more frequently than once a year, unless the parent and the agency agree otherwise; and
(B) at least once every three years, unless the parent and the agency agree that a reevaluation is unnecessary.
(i) As part of an initial evaluation, if appropriate, and as part of any reevaluation under this section, the IEP team and other qualified professionals, as appropriate, shall:
(1) Review existing evaluation data on the child, including evaluations and information provided by the parents of the child, current classroom-based assessments and observations, and teacher and related services providers' observations; and
(2) on the basis of that review, and input from the child's parents, identify what additional data, if any, are needed to determine: (A) Whether the child is an exceptional child and the educational needs of the child, or in the case of a reevaluation of a child, whether the child continues to be an exceptional child and the current educational needs of the child; (B) the present levels of academic and related needs of the child; (C) whether the child needs special education and related services; or in the case of a reevaluation of a child, whether the child continues to need special education and related services; and (D) whether any additions or modifications to the special education and related services are needed to enable the child to meet the measurable annual goals set out in the IEP of the child and to participate, as appropriate, in the general education curriculum.
(j) Each agency shall obtain informed parental consent prior to conducting any reevaluation of an exceptional child, except that such informed consent need not be obtained if the agency can demonstrate that it took reasonable measures to obtain such consent and the child's parent failed to respond.
(k) If the IEP team and other qualified professionals, as appropriate, determine that no additional data are needed to determine whether the child continues to be an exceptional child and the child's educational needs, the agency:
(1) Shall notify the child's parents of: (A) That determination and the reasons for it; and (B) the rights of such parents to request an assessment to determine whether the child continues to be an exceptional child and the child's educational needs; and
(2) shall not be required to conduct such an assessment unless requested by the child's parents.
(l) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), an agency shall reevaluate a child in accordance with this section before determining that the child is no longer an exceptional child.
(2) A reevaluation of a child shall not be required before termination of a child's eligibility for services under this act due to graduation from secondary school with a regular diploma, or due to exceeding the age for eligibility for services under this act.
(m) For a child whose eligibility for services under this act terminates under either of the circumstances described in subsection (l), the agency shall provide the child with a summary of the child's academic achievement and functional performance, which shall include recommendations on how to assist the child in meeting the child's postsecondary goals.
History: L. 1999, ch. 116, § 11; L. 2005, ch. 171, § 13; July 1.
(2) (A) In the case of a child with a disability aged three through five and for two year-old children with a disability who will turn age three during the school year, an individualized family service plan that contains the material described in 20 U.S.C. 1436, and that is developed in accordance with this section, may serve as the IEP of the child if using that plan as the IEP is agreed to by the agency and the child's parents.
(B) In conducting the initial IEP meeting for a child who was previously served under part C of the federal law, an agency, at the request of the parent, shall send an invitation to attend the IEP meeting to the part C services coordinator or other representatives of the part C system to assist with the smooth transition of services.
(b) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, each IEP of an exceptional child and any amendment or modification of an IEP shall be made by the child's IEP team. Upon agreement of the parent and the agency, an IEP team can meet in person or by alternative means, including telephone conference calls and video conferences.
(2) A member of a child's IEP team shall not be required to attend an IEP meeting, if the parent of the child and the agency agree that the attendance of such IEP member is not necessary because the IEP member's area of curriculum or related service is not to be discussed or modified at the meeting. The parent's agreement shall be in writing.
(3) A member of a child's IEP team may be excused from attending an IEP meeting when the meeting is to involve a discussion of, and possibly a modification to, the IEP member's area of the curriculum or related service, if:
(A) The parent and the agency consent to the excusal;
(B) the IEP member submits, in writing to the parent and the IEP team, input into the development of the IEP prior to the meeting; and
(C) the parent's consent to the excusal is in writing.
(4) (A) After the annual IEP meeting for a school year, the parent of an exceptional child and an appropriate representative of the agency providing services to the child may agree to develop a written document amending or modifying the child's current IEP, without convening an IEP meeting.
(B) If the parent and agency representative develop a written document amending or modifying a child's current IEP, the document shall be dated and signed by the parent and the agency representative. The parent and the agency shall be provided a copy of the document.
(c) The IEP for each exceptional child shall include:
(1) A statement of the child's present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, including: (A) How the child's disability or giftedness affects the child's involvement and progress in the general education curriculum; (B) for preschool children, as appropriate, how the disability affects the child's participation in appropriate activities; and (C) for those children with disabilities who take alternate assessments aligned to alternate achievement standards, a description of benchmarks or short-term objections;
(2) a statement of measurable annual goals, including academic and functional goals designed to: (A) Meet the child's needs that result from the child's disability or giftedness, to enable the child to be involved in and make progress in the general education or advanced curriculum; and (B) meet each of the child's other educational needs that result from the child's disability or giftedness;
(3) a description of how the child's progress toward meeting the annual goals will be measured and when periodic reports on the progress the child is making toward meeting the annual goals will be provided, such as through the use of quarterly or other periodic reports issued concurrently with general education report cards;
(4) a statement of the special education and related services and supplementary aids, based on peer-reviewed research to the extent practicable, and services to be provided to the child, or on behalf of the child, and a statement of the program modifications or supports for school personnel that will be provided for the child: (A) To advance appropriately toward attaining the annual goals; (B) to be involved in and make progress in the general education curriculum in accordance with provision (1) and to participate in extracurricular and other nonacademic activities; and (C) to be educated and participate with other exceptional and nonexceptional children in the activities described in this paragraph;
(5) an explanation of the extent, if any, to which the child will not participate with nonexceptional children in the regular class and in the activities described in provision (4);
(6) (A) a statement of any individual appropriate accommodations that are necessary to measure the academic achievement and functional performance of the child on state and district-wide assessments; and (B) if the IEP team determines that the child shall take an alternate assessment on a particular state or district-wide assessment of student achievement or part of such an assessment, a statement of why the child cannot participate in the regular assessment and why the particular alternate assessment selected is appropriate for the child;
(7) the projected date for the beginning of the services and modifications described in provision (4), and the anticipated frequency, location, and duration of those services and modifications;
(8) (A) beginning at age 14, and updated annually, thereafter: (A) Appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment and where appropriate, independent living skills; and (B) the transition services, including appropriate courses of study, needed to assist the child in reaching the stated postsecondary goals; and (C) beginning at age 16, or younger, if determined appropriate by the IEP team, a statement of needed transition services for the child, including, when appropriate, a statement of the interagency responsibilities or any needed linkages; and
(9) beginning at least one year before the child reaches the age of majority under state law, a statement that the child has been informed of the child's rights, if any, that will transfer to the child on reaching the age of majority as provided in K.S.A. 72-989, and amendments thereto.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to require: (1) That additional information be included in a child's IEP beyond that which is specifically required by this section; and (2) that an IEP team include information under one component of a child's IEP that is already contained under another component of the IEP.
(d) In developing each child's IEP, the IEP team shall consider:
(1) The strengths of the child and the concerns of the parents for enhancing the education of their child;
(2) the results of the initial evaluation or most recent evaluation of the child;
(3) the academic, developmental and functional needs of the child;
(4) in the case of a child whose behavior impedes the child's learning or that of others, the use of positive behavioral interventions and supports and other strategies to address that behavior;
(5) in the case of a child with limited English proficiency, the language needs of the child as such needs relate to the child's IEP;
(6) in the case of a child who is blind or visually impaired, provide for instruction in Braille and the use of Braille unless the IEP team determines, after an evaluation of the child's reading and writing skills, needs, and appropriate reading and writing media, including an evaluation of the child's future needs for instruction in Braille or the use of Braille, that instruction in Braille or the use of Braille is not appropriate for the child;
(7) the communication needs of the child, and in the case of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing, consider the child's language and communication needs, opportunities for direct communications with peers and professional personnel in the child's language and communication mode, academic level, and full range of needs, including opportunities for direct instruction in the child's language and communication mode; and
(8) whether the child requires assistive technology devices and services.
(e) The regular education teacher of the child, as a member of the IEP team, to the extent appropriate, shall participate in:
(1) The development of the IEP of the child, including the determination of appropriate positive behavioral interventions supports, and other strategies and the determination of supplementary aids and services, program modifications, and support for school personnel consistent with this section; and
(2) except as provided in this section, the review and revision of the child's IEP.
(f) Each agency shall ensure that the IEP team:
(1) Reviews the child's IEP periodically, but not less than annually to determine whether the annual goals for the child are being achieved; and
(2) revises the IEP, as appropriate, to address: (A) Any lack of expected progress toward the annual goals and in the general education curriculum, where appropriate; (B) the results of any reevaluation conducted under this section; (C) information about the child provided by the parents; (D) the child's anticipated needs; or (E) other matters.
(g) (1) If an exceptional child with a current IEP transfers from one Kansas school district to another during the academic year, the new school district, in consultation with the child's parent, shall provide the child a FAPE, including services comparable to those described in the transferred IEP, until the new school district either adopts the transferred IEP, or develops and implements a new IEP for the child.
(2) If during the academic year, an exceptional child who has a current IEP transfers from a school district in another state to a Kansas school district, the Kansas school district, in consultation with the child's parent, shall provide the child a FAPE, including services comparable to those described in the transferred IEP, until the Kansas school district either adopts the transferred IEP, or conducts an evaluation of the child, if deemed necessary, and develops and implements a new IEP for the child.
History: L. 1999, ch. 116, § 12; L. 2005, ch. 171, § 14; July 1.
(b) The parents of exceptional children shall have the right to:
(1) Examine all records relating to such child and to participate in meetings with respect to the identification, evaluation, and educational placement of the child, and the provision of a free appropriate public education to such child, and to obtain an independent educational evaluation of the child;
(2) written prior notice in accordance with K.S.A. 72-990, and amendments thereto, whenever an agency: (A) Proposes to initiate or change; or (B) refuses to initiate or change, the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of the child or the provision of a free appropriate public education to the child;
(3) receive the notice required by provision (2) in their native language, unless it clearly is not feasible to do so;
(4) present complaints with respect to any matter relating to the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of the child, or the provision of a free appropriate public education to the child, subject to the requirements in K.S.A. 2007 Supp. 72-972a, and amendments thereto;
(5) request mediation in accordance with this act;
(6) consent, or refuse to consent, to the evaluation, reevaluation or the initial placement of their child and to any substantial change in placement of, or a material change in services for, their child, unless a change in placement of their child is ordered pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 2007 Supp. 72-991a, and amendments thereto, or the agency can demonstrate that it has taken reasonable measures to obtain parental consent to a change in placement or services, and the child's parent has failed to respond. If the parent fails to respond to the request for parental consent to a substantial change in placement or a material change in services, the agency must maintain detailed records of written and verbal contacts with the parent and the response, if any, received from the parent;
(7) be members of any group that makes decisions on the educational placement of their child;
(8) demand that their child remain in the child's current educational placement pending the outcome of a due process hearing, except as otherwise provided by federal law and this act;
(9) subject to the requirements of this act, request a due process hearing in regard to any complaint filed in accordance with provision (4) of this subsection, or as authorized in K.S.A. 2007 Supp. 72-992a, and amendments thereto;
(10) appeal to the state board any adverse decision rendered by a hearing officer in a local due process hearing;
(11) appeal to state or federal court any adverse decision rendered by a review officer in a state-level due process appeal; and
(12) recover attorney fees, as provided in the federal law, if they are the prevailing parties in a due process hearing or court action; however, only a court shall have the authority to award attorney fees, and such fees may be reduced or denied in accordance with federal law.
(c) The state board shall develop a model form to assist parents in filing a complaint and due process complaint notice.
(d) The state board shall develop, and thereafter amend as necessary, and distribute for use by agencies, a notice of the rights available to the parents of exceptional children under the federal law and this act. The notice shall include a full explanation of the rights and be made available in various languages and be written so as to be easily understandable by parents.
(e) A list of the rights available to the parents of exceptional children shall be given to the parents only one time each school year, except a copy also shall be given to the parents: (A) Upon initial referral or parental request for evaluation; (B) upon request of a parent; and (C) upon the initial filing of a complaint under subsection (b)(4).
History: L. 1999, ch. 116, § 17; L. 2005, ch. 171, § 15; July 1.
(a) An agency shall provide to both the person and to the person's parents any notice required by this act;
(b) all other rights accorded to parents under this act transfer to the person;
(c) the agency shall notify the person and the parents of the transfer of rights; and
(d) all rights accorded to parents under this act transfer to the person if incarcerated in an adult or juvenile federal, state or local correctional institution.
History: L. 1999, ch. 116, § 18; July 1.
(a) A description of the action proposed or refused by the agency;
(b) an explanation of why the agency proposes or refuses to take the action;
(c) a description of other options that the agency or IEP team considered and the reasons those options were rejected;
(d) a description of each evaluation procedure, assessment, record, or report the agency used as a basis for the proposed or refused action;
(e) a description of any other factors that are relevant to the agency's proposal or refusal;
(f) a statement that the parents have protection under the procedural safeguards of this act and, if the notice is not an initial referral for evaluation, the means by which a copy of the procedural safeguards can be obtained; and
(g) sources for parents to contact to obtain assistance in understanding the provisions of the federal law and this act.
History: L. 1999, ch. 116, § 19; L. 2005, ch. 171, § 16; July 1.
History: L. 1999, ch. 116, § 30; Repealed, L. 2005, ch. 171, § 24; July 1.
(1) To an appropriate interim alternative educational setting or other setting, or the short-term suspension of the child;
(2) to an appropriate interim alternative educational setting for not more than 45 school days if: (A) The child carries or possesses a weapon to, or at, school, on school premises, or to, or at, a school function under the jurisdiction of an agency; (B) the child knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance while at school, on school premises, or at a school function under the jurisdiction of an agency; or (C) the child has inflicted serious bodily injury upon another person while at school, on school premises, or at a school function under the jurisdiction of an agency; or
(3) To an appropriate interim alternative educational placement for not more than 186 school days, if it is determined that the conduct of the child violated the code of student conduct and was not a manifestation of the child's disability, if the relevant disciplinary procedures applicable to children without disabilities are applied in the same manner and the discipline is for the same duration as would be applied to a child without disabilities, except that services must continue to be provided to the child during the period of disciplinary action.
(b) Any child with a disability whose placement is changed under subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3) shall:
(1) Continue to receive educational services so as to enable the child to continue to participate in the general education curriculum, although in another setting and to progress toward meeting the goals set out in the child's IEP; and
(2) receive, as appropriate, a functional behavioral assessment, behavioral intervention services, and modifications that are designed to address the inappropriate behavior so that it does not recur.
(c) The alternative ed