MAINE SPECIAL EDUCATION REGULATIONS – PROPOSED CHANGES

One of the things that I did learn during my time in State government is the power of the public commenting on proposed rules and regulations.  Believe it or not, those comments are read and can change to the way something is written or force the Department to clarify its position by bringing a different perspective other than the echo chamber that sometimes occurs in any Government Agency and forces them re-look at what they are proposing.

I copied the below from an email that I received on the subject.

“The Maine Department of education has proposed changes to the Maine Unified Special Education Regulations to comply with minimum federal requirements, ensure consistency of implementation and reduce costs.

A copy of the Proposed Provisional Rules is available at:

http://www.maine.gov/education/rulechanges/chapter101provisionaladop%20.pdf

I know that everyone is busy but this is very important.  This is your chance to weigh in on the proposed changes to the Maine Special Education Regulations, Chapter 101.

Comments may be submitted by mail to Joanne C. Holmes, Maine Department of Education, State House Station #23, Augusta, Maine 04333 or electronically to Jaci.Holmes @maine.gov

All written comments must be received NO LATER THAN 5:00 pm December 31, 2009.”

If you are involved in Special Education in Maine and want to see what the State is proposing for new rules, here is your opportunity to read them before they go into effect and to participate in the rule-making process.

Take a look, there are somethings that are proposed that will make some pretty significant changes to how we provide services or identify students for Special Education.