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The reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004) and the updating of the Kansas State Regulations in 2008, continues the commitment to ensure that all students have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE), will be included in the general education curriculum and will demonstrate improved educational outcomes.
The Kansas Special Education for Exceptional Children Act expands federal law and regulations to include children who are identified as gifted and provides an opportunity for children enrolled in private schools by their parents to receive FAPE. The Kansas State Department of Education is required to provide information regarding any rules, regulations and policies not required by IDEA 2004 or Federal Regulations.
The Kansas Special Education Process Handbook was developed to provide guidance, resources and supports necessary for those professionals who work to improve results for exceptional children. The information provided in the Kansas Special Education Process Handbook attempts to clarify and define legal requirements of the law and regulations. Each chapter includes a brief overview specifying requirements that are particular to Kansas. In addition, each chapter includes links to valuable resources, sample forms and references. Users of the Kansas Special Education Process Handbook are encouraged to update any future documents which provide clarification to the law and regulations by KSDE or the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
Eligibility Indicators (PDF) updated July 2023 Evaluation/Eligibility Report Checklist (PDF)
Dyslexia information (Link)
This guide has been written to help parents and other educational decision-makers understand the special education process. Special education is not a place to which one or a group of students in a school goes; it is supportive services that are given to some students so that they may progress in and be a part of the general education curriculum. All students are general education students and all students benefit from parents being involved in education, not just the special education part of it.
Parent Guide to Special Education (English PDF) / (Spanish PDF) Kansas Special Education Process Handbook Parents Rights Document (Notices/Forms)
Special Education Legal Questions:
Mark Ward mward@ksde.org
Crista Grimwood cgrimwood@ksde.org
Brian Dempsey Assistant Director bdempsey@ksde.org
Main Team Page Special Education Title Services Announcements Fact Sheets Kansas Integrated Accountability System (KIAS) Kansas Multi-Tier System of Supports (MTSS) (external link) Kansas’ Technical Assistance System Network (TASN) (external link)
Problems with this page contact: Evelyn Alden ealden@ksde.org
The Kansas State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. (more information...)
To accommodate people with disabilities, on request, auxiliary aides and services will be provided and reasonable modifications to policies and programs will be made. To request accommodations or for more information please contact the Office of General Counsel at gc@ksde.org or by 785-296-3201.