PROPOSED Grant Application by PA Department of Education under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for FFY 2016 Public comment is invited regarding the Pennsylvania Department of Education's proposed grant application under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B). The annual grant application provides assurances that the State's policies and procedures in effect are consistent with the federal requirements to ensure that a free appropriate public education is made available to all children with a disability from age 3 to 21, including children who have been suspended or expelled from school. The current IDEA-B policies and procedures are available for viewing at http://www.education.pa.gov (go to "Programs", go to "Special Education", go to "Funding Sources", go to IDEA-B Policies and Procedures). The General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) 34 CFR §300.165 requires that the State provide notice and , opportunity for public comment to ensure reasonable opportunities for participation by local agencies, representatives of the class of individuals affected by this program and other interested institutions, organizations, and individuals in the planning for the provision of special education and related services. Each State must publish the proposed IDEA-B grant application. Copies of the proposed IDEA-B grant application for 2016 is available by viewing the documents on http://www.education.pa.gov (go to "Programs", go to "Special Education", go to "Funding Sources", go to Proposed 2016 IDEA-B Grant Application. Alternative formats of the documents (e.g., Braille, large print, CD) can be made available to members of the public upon request. Public comment is welcomed in alternative formats such as Braille, recorded comments, and telephone comments for individuals with disabilities. If you are disabled and wish to submit comments by telephone, please contact Beth Runkle, 717.783.2311. Written public comment will be accepted beginning February 8, 2016 until April 22, 2016. The written comments should be directed to Patrick Scanlon, Special Education Adviser, Bureau of Special Education, PA Department of Education, 333 Market Street, 7th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333. Additionally, opportunity for verbal testimony will be held by the Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education, for individuals wishing to present verbal testimony on the proposed IDEA-B application and the current state plan. One written copy of verbal testimony at the time of presentation would be appreciated. Presentations should be limited to 15 minutes. Dates, locations and times for verbal testimony regarding the proposed grant application and current policies and procedures are as follows: March 29, 2016 PaTTAN-King of Prussia 200 Anderson Road King of Prussia, PA 19406 (3 p.m. - 6 p.m.) March 30, 2016 PaTTAN-Harrisburg 6340 Flank Drive Harrisburg, PA 17112 (3 p.m. - 6 p.m.) March 31, 2016 PaTTAN-Pittsburgh 3190 William Pitt Way Pittsburgh, PA 15238 (3 p.m. - 6 p.m.) To schedule an opportunity to present verbal testimony, or if you are a person with a disability and require an accommodation to participate in the proceedings, please call Beth Runkle at 717.783.2311 no later than March 18, 2016. Following receipt of all written and verbal comments, the Department of Education will consider all comments and make any necessary modifications to the proposed grant application before submission of the 2016 IDEA-B grant application to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.
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