Paperwork Reduction Pilot Program
Purpose - identify ways to reduce paperwork burdens and other administrative duties to increase time and resources available for instruction and other activities to improve student results
15 states based on proposals
Can not waive requirements relating to civil rights or procedural safeguards
Speaker Notes:
Section 609
States will have the opportunity to identify ways to reduce paperwork burdens and other administrative duties that are directly associated with the requirements of IDEA, in order to increase the time and resources available for instruction and other activities aimed at improving educational and functional results for students with disabilities. The Secretary is authorized to grant waivers of statutory requirements of, or regulatory requirements relating to, part B of IDEA for a period of not more than four (4) years. Up to 15 States will be selected based on proposals submitted by States to reduce excess paperwork and noninstructional time burdens that do not assist in improving educational and functional results for students with disabilities. The Secretary may not waive any statutory requirements of, or regulatory requirements relating to a student with a disability's civil rights. The waivers of statutory or regulatory requirements is not to be construed to affect the student's right to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) or to permit a State or LEA to waive procedural safeguards.
Beginning two years after the date of enactment of IDEA 2004, the Secretary must include in its annual report to Congress, information related to the effectiveness of the waivers, including recommendations for broader implementation of such waivers in reducing the paperwork burden on teachers, principals, administrators and related service providers; and noninstructional time spent by teachers in complying with IDEA; enhancing longer-term educational planning; improving positive outcomes for students with disabilities; promoting collaboration between IEP team members; and ensuring satisfaction of family members.