OSEP uses this protocol to provide differentiated monitoring and support to states with unitary systems, or which utilize internal controls and systems centralized within a state educational agency or state lead agency to ensure compliance with federal fiscal requirements. The protocol has an overarching question for each of the following fiscal topics: fiscal management, fiscal support and guidance, procurement, personnel, budgeting and activities, records and information management, period of performance and carryover, equipment and supplies management, and Part B parentally-placed private school children with disabilities. Each overarching question includes general information, possible follow-up questions, and areas (or issues) for follow-up.
Part B
Maintenance of State Financial Support Data Collection and Reporting Tool (DCRT) 2.0
Version 2.0 of the Maintenance of State Financial Support (MFS) DCRT displays detailed MFS results for up to 12 years as well as total and per capita amounts over time. Visit CIFR’s MFS Toolkit for related resources such as a completed sample DCRT, a data collection form to provide to other state agencies, and a training video.
Version 2.0 replaces Version 1.0. We recommend updating the original resource in your records with the new version.
MFS Timeline Development Tool
With CIFR’s Timeline Development Tool (TDT), users can document the process for collecting and reporting MFS data, identifying key activities and dates as a Gantt or linear chart. The tool includes a sample timeline with suggested activities to assist with development.
Please see CIFR’s MFS Toolkit for a training video and for additional MFS resources.
MFS Funding Flow Ideograph Tool
Developed by CIFR, the Funding Flow Ideograph Tool (FFIT) helps users create a graphic description of their state’s fiscal support system for Part B. This customizable tool is useful for identifying sources of state funding for MFS reporting and for explaining the flow of funding for special education to stakeholders.
Please see CIFR’s MFS Toolkit for a training video and for additional MFS resources.
MOE Reduction Eligibility Worksheets
The Maintenance of Effort (MOE) Reduction Eligibility Worksheets, developed by the IDEA Data Center, includes two documents to assist SEAs and LEAs/ESAs with MOE reduction. The first is an Excel-based worksheet that facilitates the calculation of the maximum allowable amount of MOE reduction and CEIS for the LEA/ESAs. The second document is an Excel-based worksheet that facilitates the calculation of the maximum allowable amount of MOE reduction and CEIS for all the LEAs/ESAs within the SEA.
Resources for Grantees Website – Grants
This U.S. Department of Education web page contains resources pertaining to the three OSEP-administered IDEA formula grants that are awarded annually to provide services to 1) infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families, 2) preschool children ages 3-5, and 3) special education for children and youth with disabilities.
The site includes Part B and Part C grant award letters, annual grant application templates, application instructions and procedures, public participation topic briefs, and checklists.
Letter to Manasevit
This OSEP letter addresses how population and poverty allocations are calculated for a State Department of Juvenile Services that provides educational services to children statewide and for a School for the Blind. OSEP explains that the SEA must first determine these institutions to be eligible for funding under 34 CFR 300.705. OSEP concludes awards to eligible institutions would be calculated as they are for all subgrantees under this section – using a base payment, a payment based on population, and a payment based on poverty. OSEP further explains how population and poverty would be calculated for each institution.
Letter to Batson
This OSEP letter addresses the use of state set-aside funds under Part B of the IDEA for professional development related to Louisiana’s Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) Initiative. OSEP explains that under 34 CFR §300.704(b)(4)(i), (iii) and (viii), state set-aside funds can be used for support and direct services, which may include assisting LEAs in providing positive behavioral interventions.
Letter to DeTemple
This OSEP letter addresses whether state set-aside funds under 34 CFR §300.704 can be used, in conjunction with other state and federal funds, to provide technical assistance to schools and LEAs identified for corrective action or improvement under No Child Left Behind (NCLB), due to their failure to meet adequate yearly progress (AYP). OSEP notes that the authority under 34 CFR §300.704(b)(4)(xi) is limited to schools and LEAs identified for improvement on the sole basis of the assessment results for the disaggregated subgroup of children with disabilities. The letter discusses other relevant provisions and confirms that funds reserved by a state under 34 CFR §300.704(b)(1) can be used without regard to the prohibitions on commingling or state-level supplanting, as described in 34 CFR §300.704(d).
Letter to Flinter
This OSEP letter responds to a question about the use of state set-aside funds under Section 619 of the IDEA for a statewide training system for early childhood teachers and care givers. OSEP concludes that funding the project with state set-aside funds would not be inconsistent under Section 619(f)(5) because the project would be supplemented with other funds and is a part of a statewide, coordinated services system designed to improve results for children and families. It notes that the total amount used under Section 619(f)(5) may not exceed one percent of the amount received under Section 619 for the fiscal year.
[Note: Since this letter’s publication in 2001, the regulations have changed. Section 619(f)(5) is now Section 619(f)(4).]
