Memo Reaffirms Personnel Qualifications Under IDEA

On October 4th, Valerie Williams, Director of the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) issued a memo to reaffirm the personnel qualifications under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Citing media reports and discussions with the field, the memo states, “OSEP is aware that some States currently have policies and procedures in place that may not be consistent with IDEA requirements…. Thus, OSEP believes it is critical to ensure that State educational agencies (SEAs) fully understand the IDEA requirements related to personnel qualifications and alternate certifications and are aware of available resources to support their efforts to meet them.” The memo emphasizes that State Education Authorities (SEAs) may not waive licensing requirements on an emergency, temporary, or provisional basis.

Read the memo here.