Additions to the Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Speech/Language Eligibility Form and Classroom Observations

INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO: 53
POLICY CODE: IHBA/CH

TO:            Superintendents of Schools, Child Development Services Regional Board Chairs, Directors of Special
                  Education, MADSEC, Maine Parent Federation, Southern Maine Parent Awareness
FROM:       Susan A. Gendron, Commissioner
DATE:        January 21, 2009
RE:            Additions to the Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Speech/Language Eligibility Form and
                 Classroom Observations

** Please forward to Assistant Superintendents, School Principals and Child Development Services Regional Site Directors **

A number of questions have been posed to Department of Education staff regarding the Speech/Language Eligibility Form and the classroom observations. The questions and the responses to each of these questions are below:

Question: If speech/language is clearly going to be a related service for a child, does an SAU have to complete the Speech/Language Eligibility form?
Response: Yes, the form is used to determine eligibility for speech/language services, regardless of whether those services are delivered as specially designed instruction or as a related service. The form is used for evaluations and re- evaluations.

Question: When a classroom observation is performed and written up as a separate report, must the report of that observation be written in the format described at MUSER §V.4.C, “Standardized Reports for Evaluation of Children 3 to 20”?
Response: MUSER §V.4.C does not set forth a required format; rather, it lists the components that must be included in the evaluation report. Observation in the learning environment is one of the required components; there is no required format for the report on that component.

These questions and responses have been posted on the DOE website at www.maine.gov/education/speced/contentrules.htm .

Please ensure that the information about this link and the link for the MUSER Questions and Answers, www.maine.gov/education/speced/contentrules.htm are shared with all special services staff since no paper copies of these questions and answers will be distributed by the Department of Education.

If you have questions concerning the State-required special education forms or the frequently asked questions and responses, please contact Jaci Holmes, jaci.holmes@maine.gov , 624-6620, or Susan Parks, susan.parks@maine.gov , 624-6646.