Notice of Development of Rulemaking

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
State Board of Education
RULE NO: RULE TITLE
6A-6.03011: Special Programs for Students Who Are Mentally Handicapped
6A-6.03014: Special Programs for Students who are Visually Impaired
6A-6.03019: Special Instructional Programs for Students who are Gifted
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed rule development is to incorporate the revisions required for programs for students with disabilities by the amendments to the federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 20 U.S.C. Chapter 33, and its implementing regulations and to update rule language to reflect current knowledge in the field. The effect of these revisions will be consistency with the federal requirements and current knowledge in the respective fields.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Federal and state requirements for programs for students with disabilities who are identified as mentally handicapped, visually impaired, and state requirements for exceptional students who are identified as gifted. Definitions, procedures for referral, procedures for student evaluation, and criteria for eligibility.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 1001.02(1), 1003.57(1)(e) FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1001.03, 1003.57(1)(e), 1003.01(3), 1011.62(1)(c) FS., Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 20 U.S.C. Chapter 33
A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: November 28, 2006, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Central Time); Public Comment
PLACE: Panhandle Area Educational Consortium (PAEC), 753 W. Boulevard, Chipley, FL 32428, phone: (850)638-6131; and
DATE AND TIME: November 29, 2006, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; Public Comment
PLACE: Nova Southeastern Student Educational Center, 9503 Princess Palm Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33619, phone (813)393-4999 and
DATE AND TIME: November 29, 2006, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; Public Comment
PLACE: Best Western Gateway, 4200 N.W. 97th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606, phone: (352)331-3336
DATE AND TIME: November 30, 2006, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; Public Comment
PLACE: Embassy Suites Ft. Lauderdale, 1100 S. E. 17th Street Causeway, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316, phone (954)527-2700
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Bambi J. Lockman, Chief, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, Florida Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Room 601, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400, (850)245-0475
INDIVIDUALS NEEDING COMMUNICATIONS ACCOMODATIONS SHOULD CONTACT: Cathy Bishop, Program Director, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, Florida Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Room 601, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400, (850)245-0478 at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS NOT AVAILABLE.
COPIES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP. Written comment following the workshops will be accepted through close of business on December 15, 2006