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Monday, September 12, 2011

AB 114 Special Education Transition

AB 114 Special Education Transition

Background
On June 30, 2011, Assembly Bill 114, Chapter 43, Statutes of 2011 (AB 114) (PDF; Outside Source) was signed into law. Under AB 114, several sections of Chapter 26.5 of the California Government Code (GC) were amended or rendered inoperative, thereby ending the state mandate on county mental health agencies to provide mental health services to students with disabilities. With the passage of AB 114, it is clear that school districts are now solely responsible for ensuring that students with disabilities receive special education and related services, including some services previously arranged for or provided by county mental health agencies.
Recent Guidance from the California Department of Education
AB 114 Transition Working Group
As a part of the Budget Act of 2011–12 (PDF; Outside Source), the California Department of Education (CDE) was given funds to support the transition of services from county mental health agencies to local educational agencies in conjunction with a working group of parents, advocates, local educational agency staff, mental health experts, and legislative personnel.
The CDE convened the AB 114 Transition Working Group on July 27, 2011, to address changes created by the passage of AB 114. The group’s goals are as follows:
  • To clarify requirements for the provision of services to students eligible for special education as established in federal and state law
  • To identify available funding sources, the means for accessing funds, and the parameters for use of funds
  • To develop appropriate procedures for: (a) identifying and assessing students; (b) creating and amending Individualized Education Programs; and (c) monitoring the progress of students, the provision of services, and the use of funds
  • To describe appropriate service delivery models and best practices for ensuring the provision of related services to students
AB 114 Transition Working Group
July 27, 2011
August 17—18, 2011
Funding Information
2011—12 Funding Results Mental Health Services funding results for fiscal year 2011-12.
Mental Health Services Apportionment Special Education - Mental Health Services apportionment letter(s) and schedule(s) detailing state funding information for fiscal year 2010-11.