Offices
The Special Education Unit in the Division of Learning Services collaborates with local school districts, educational service cooperatives, and other state agencies to ensure that all children with disabilities (ages 3 to 21) in Arkansas receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Special Education Unit is committed to improving educational results for students with disabilities through statewide leadership, support, and service to schools, educators, students, families, and other stakeholders.
- Responsibilities include:
- Ensuring compliance with program and fiscal requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and related state laws and regulations;
- Professional development and technical assistance outreach to improve special education programs;
- Supporting efforts to ensure special educators are adequately prepared to meet the needs of children with disabilities;
- Management of federally required data reporting and analysis;
- Administration and oversight of state and local special education annual applications/budgets and related expenditures; and
- Maintaining an effective system for dispute resolution.
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Sewell, Director of Special Education
Arkansas Department of Education
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
1401 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 450
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-682-4221
Fax: 501-682-5159
Fax: 501-682-5159
Email: matt.sewell@arkansas.gov
Related Files
- Supreme Court of the United States - Endrew F. VS Douglas County School District
- Questions and Answers on U. S. Supreme Court - Endrew F. VS Douglas County School District
- Arkansas Technical Assistance Manual: Identification of Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (AR TAM-SLD)
- Navigating the Intervention and Evaluation Process for ELs with Potential Disabilities
- Family Guide to Special Education