On Nov. 17, the Albert Lea School District received a letter from the Minnesota Department of Education commending the Special Education Department for meeting requirements for specific areas of performance. The department is required to make annual determinations on the performance of local school districts against specific criteria and set targets for performance. The following areas considered:

– Were a disproportionate number of students of racial and ethnic groups served in special education?

– Were special education evaluations completed within state specified timelines?

– Were children less than 3 years old receiving special education services appropriately transitioned to services for children 3 years to 5 years of age?

– Did students aged 16 and above have the appropriate paperwork completed that would enable them to meet postsecondary goals?

– Did the school district demonstrate substantial compliance with te department’s due process rules and regulations?

– Did the school district report valid and reliable information to the department within given timelines?

– Did the school district have concerns with fiscal monitoring findings?

Albert Lea was earned a score of 32 out of 32 resulting in being 100 percent in compliance with the department targets. The special education department is very proud of all of the staff members who work diligently to ensure that students who are eligible for special education services are appropriately served.