IDEA - Differentiated Accountability

IDEA-Differentiated Accountability (IDEA-DA) is a continuous monitoring cycle that includes compliance and results elements aligned with federal and state requirements for special education programs. IDEA-DA maintains a primary focus on improving educational results and functional outcomes for all students with disabilities and ensuring compliance with Part B, with particular emphasis on those requirements most closely related to improving educational results for students with disabilities. Different data sources and methods are used to monitor LEAs annually. The information collected is reviewed, verified and publicly reported annually in the Annual Performance Report (APR). Specific State Performance Plan (SPP) indicators require a review of data for all LEAs each year with follow-up reviews for LEAs below the state targets.  

Iowa’s monitoring activities focus on improving performance outcomes as well as correcting noncompliance.  LEAs can expect monitoring activities and technical assistance with an emphasis on strengthening, adjusting and/or correcting in fiscal, program practices and management.  Monitoring activities include: data collection, verification, reporting and improvement activities. Technical Assistance and support are designed to help the LEA to strengthen program management, processes, implementation and other areas identified through monitoring data.  Detailed information related to IDEA-DA can be found on the Department of Education’s Special Education Public Reporting page.