In 2016, OSEP began providing differentiated monitoring and support (DMS) to States as part of its Results Driven Accountability (RDA) system under Parts B and C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Under RDA, OSEP made a shift from monitoring based solely on compliance with IDEA requirements to monitoring and support focused on both compliance and improving results for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities referred to and/or served under the IDEA (collectively referred to as children with disabilities). OSEP differentiates its approach for each State based on the State’s unique strengths, challenges, and needs. Beginning in Federal fiscal year (FFY) 2021, Part B and Part C programs in States will be monitored by OSEP in a five-year cycle. OSEP will monitor all States on their general supervision systems. OSEP will continue to provide support and technical assistance that is differentiated based on each State’s unique strengths, challenges, and needs.
Phases of Monitoring
OSEP’s monitoring will be conducted in three phases.
- Phase 1: Document Request and Protocol Interviews
- Phase 2: On-site/Virtual Visit through issuing of the Monitoring Report
- Phase 3: Follow-up and Close-out
More information on the phases can be found in the OSEP DMS 2.0 protocols.
Adapted Protocols
Part B and C Technical Assistance (TA) Centers have adapted the OSEP DMS 2.0 protocols for use by states in planning for and tracking policies and procedures in each general supervision area. These reformatted protocols include a customizable chart for each overarching question where States can track documents and resources, responsible staff, and planned actions to prepare for DMS Phase 1 monitoring activities. States can customize the table rows and columns as needed to meet their specific needs. These adapted protocols were created by the National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI):
Additional TA Adapted protocols can be found here.
Cohort Assignments
States have been assigned to cohorts. OSEP will post updates to the monitoring schedule here.
Integration of Dispute Resolution with General Supervision System
Dispute Resolution is a key component of any General Supervision system. Dispute resolution activities in your state can inform other monitoring efforts. Attending to how non-compliance is identified and addressed through your entire State’s system offers opportunities for coordination and greater impact overall, resulting in better outcomes for children with disabilities.
In preparation for OSEP DMS 2.0, consider:
- Ensuring that policies, procedures, and practices, following the issuance of OSEP’s new Guidance on State General Supervision Responsibilities issued July 24, 2023, align with that guidance and are reflected in documentation.
- Having conversation with colleagues about the relationship between Dispute Resolution and General Supervision and identify opportunities for increased data sharing, coordination, and collaboration.
- How does your State meet your General Supervision responsibilities? (See: A State Guide on Identifying, Correcting, and Reporting Noncompliance in Accordance with IDEA Requirements, and this companion chart)
- How does DR data inform other components of your General Supervision System? (See: Five Ways to Effectively Use Dispute Resolution Data in State General Supervision Systems to Improve Implementation of IDEA (NCSI)
- What procedures are in place to ensure appropriate follow up when there are informal allegations of noncompliance from credible sources that are not yet the subject of a formal State complaint or due process complaint?
- Working in collaboration with other General Supervision colleagues, create a written description and visual of your General Supervision System and how all of the components integrate with each other.
Technical Assistance and Resources
ECTA, CADRE, DASY, and CIFR collaboratively produced a suite of Part C resources to support Lead Agencies Preparing for DMS 2.0. An eight step process is outlined to help states organize information, prepare personnel, and assess and improve state monitoring, dispute resolution, data, and fiscal management systems.