The New York State Education Department recently announced public hearings seeking comments on proposed state-mandated forms for individualized education programs (IEPs), meeting notices, and prior written notices.  These hearings are in response to the concerns expressed by NYSUT, UFT and other advocates to the State Education Department (SED) about the limited process to engage public input on these proposed forms. 

We encourage you to participate in this process that begins the week of November 3rd.  If you're not able to attend a public hearing in Syracuse (November 3), New York City (November 6), or Albany (November 7), we strongly suggest you submit written comments by November 24th.  Written comments should be sent by facsimile or mail, preferably using the form found at:
http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/policy/formsnotices/comment1008.htm

Submit your comments to:
Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individual with Disabilities
New York State Education Department
One Commerce Plaza, Room 1624
Albany, New York 12234
ATTN: Special Education Policy Unit - Forms and Notices
Fax: 518-473-5387

We have posted a set of talking points below. You should feel free to personalize the talking points to reflect your local perspective on this issue.

For more information:

• NYSUT Talking Points
• State Ed Resources

Information from SED follows.

Save the Date

Public Hearing – Proposed State Mandated Forms

Public hearings to take comment on the proposed State mandated forms for the Individualized Education Program (IEP), Meeting Notices and Prior Written Notices are scheduled as follows:

The proposed forms and additional details regarding the hearings are at http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/policy/formsnotices/cover1008.htm.

Individuals who need accommodations for a disability in order to attend the meeting (i.e., interpreting services and material in an alternative format) should notify Cathryn Tisenchek by e-mail (ctisench@mail.nysed.gov) or phone (518-473-2878) no later than one week before the scheduled meeting date. Questions regarding the public hearings may be directed to Joanne LaCrosse at 518-473-2878.