Overview

Federal

The United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is responsible for monitoring all states to ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Continuous Improvement Monitoring Process (CIMP) is the vehicle it uses to measure compliance and assess the impact and effectiveness of state and local efforts to provide a free appropriate public education to children and youth with disabilities under Part B of IDEA.

The CIMP proceeds through phases, the first of which is the completion of a Self-Assessment. Rhode Island conducted its Self-Assessment in 2001. Building on Self-Assessment results, Rhode Island engaged in the Improvement Planning phase of the CIMP in 2002. This resulted in the RI State Improvement Plan, a 5-year plan (2002-2007) designed to achieve desired outcomes articulated for children and families as a result of their participation in the system of services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

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State
The School Support System: A Collaborative System of Focused Monitoring (SSS) is being implemented by the Rhode Island Department of Education, Office of Special Populations to improve outcomes for students with exceptionalities who receive special education services. The SSS evaluates the quality and effectiveness of special education, and the extent to which public school districts/LEA, state operated or nonpublic schools meet special education laws and regulations.
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