HB 1356 -- Family Training Program for Special Education

Co-Sponsors:  Merideth, Boucher, Carnahan, Graham

This bill creates a program for families who have children
receiving special education services, including early
intervention.  The program provides information on, among other
topics, special education policies, school and family
responsibilities (especially concerning the individualized
education plan process), effective communication and conflict
resolution, and transition planning.  The program will be
implemented through state grants to recipients of the federal
parent training and information centers grant.  The Division of
Special Education must ensure accountability and monitor all
organizations receiving state grants.  The bill provides criteria
for evaluating the organizations.  The organizations must use the
most efficient technology available and work with community
partners in the delivery of an informational product and
services.  It is the responsibility of school districts, as well
as point-of-entry contractors and early intervention service
coordinators, to deliver the information, which must contain an
overview of the process, clarification of parental rights and
responsibilities concerning procedural safeguards, and resources
for more in-depth information and training on special education
issues.  This information must be distributed when a student is
referred for evaluation or re-evaluation for eligibility for
special education or when notice of a meeting on an
individualized education program is given.  Procedures for review
of the informational products for accuracy are included in the
bill.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:01 am