Given that long period, I believe that OSEP should acknowledge in the final report activities that have taken place in the interim, rather than simply acknowledging these activities later through the development of an Improvement Plan. I believe the public impact of the OSEP report completely overshadows the positive results that have occurred and will occur in the future. This was an historic effort that represents comprehensive reform in special education for the first time in 25 years. Also, we have developed an IEP form and process that strongly engages Team members in discussion on access to the general curriculum. Massachusetts takes pride in being among the first in the nation to pass a comprehensive special education law and we value our leadership in this area.
Corrections There are two specific corrections to make to the contents of the report.
The data provided showed that of the 140 special education complaints received during that period, all but 8 received a letter of closure within 60 days indicating resolution of the complaint, a letter of finding, or a letter extending the investigation beyond 60 days due to exceptional circumstances. We annually receive and resolve hundreds of concerns through our Problem Resolution System. We developed a new grant program to assist districts to implement their corrective action plans, and in the few instances where it became necessary, we have withheld special education funds to force corrective actions. We have an effective system that is constantly improving. Our accountability activities have taken place in an inclusive public process involving our state Board of Education, state Legislature, and public constituents at every step.