IDEA Money Watch is keeping track of the use of $11.3 billion in federal funds being provided to local school districts as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Special education advocates across the nation are keeping watch on the use of these funds and how the academic achievement of students with disabilities is improving as a result.

IDEA Money Watch State-by-State Blogs report on use of funds and provide information and resources. State IDEA Facts provides quick data look-up on special education students and IDEA funds going to each state. State ARRA Spending provides the amount of IDEA Recovery Act funds obligated by each state. 

Latest News

IDEA Money Watch on Rose Moore Show ... Candace Cortiella and Mark Halpert discussed IDEA Recovery Act issues on a recent broadcast of the Rose Moore Internet Radio Show. Listen here. 

Wall Street Journal Reports on Shifting of IDEA Recovery Act Funds ...

The January 6, 2010 issue of the Wall Street Journal features this story about the redirecting of special education funds provided to local districts by the Recovery Act. IDEA Money Watch contributed to the development of this story. Read it here. 

Recovery Act Spending reports 14% of IDEA Part B funds obligated at end of December 2009

According to the spending reports made available on the U.S. Department of Education Recovery Act web site, about 14% of the IDEA Part B Recovery Act funds have been obligated as of Dec. 25, 2009. Some states report zero funds obligated while a few states (HI, OK) report as much as 50% of funds have been obligated. All IDEA Recovery Act funds must be obligated by Sept. 30, 2011. The State-by-State spending report is available here.

GAO Report finds half of eligible LEAs plan to reduce local sped spending, more...

A December 2009 GAO Recovery Act report (GAO-10-231) investigated the "Status of States’ and Localities’ Use of Funds and Efforts to Ensure Accountability" by conducting a survey of 16 states and certain localities in those jurisdictions, as well as the District of Columbia. Findings showed roughly half of eligible LEAs plan to reduce local spending on special education as allowable under the IDEA. Several States reported changing the process used to make LEA determinations. Read the report here. 

U.S.ED releases letter to State Chiefs and State Sped Directors re MOE Reduction

On October 21, 2009  US Education Secretary Arne Duncan released a Letter to Chief State School Officers and State Directors of Special Education urging states to maintain high standards and not compromise the section 616 determination process under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act  in view of the large increase in IDEA Part B federal funds that LEAs are receiving as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Read the letter here.

National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) Releases State Special Education Scorecards

New Special Education Scorecards produced by NCLD provide essential information about state enrollment, funding, performance and latest findings on IDEA implementation from the U.S.ED. Get your state's Scorecard here. 

Government Accountability Office :: Following the Money

On September 23, 2009, the GAO issued its 3rd round of bimonthly reviews of use of Recovery Act funds in 16 states and the District of Columbia. Check out your state's report here. 

U.S.ED New Guidance on Use of IDEA ARRA Funds

New Guidance released on September 4, 2009, clarifies that all IDEA Part B funds must be used only to pay the excess costs of providing FAPE to children with disabilities. Guidance on RTI also clarifies use of IDEA funds for this purpose. 

Capital Hill Briefing on IDEA ARRA Funds:: Multiple Perspectives

At a July forum, IDEA Money Watch founder, Candace Cortiella, participated in a panel discussion on use of ARRA funds for special education. Full story here. 

AT Experts on the Record :: Much remains status quo

Two leading experts on Assistive Technology (AT) for students with disabilities offer thoughts on current practices in AT consideration and impact of Stimulus funds. Listen here. (20 minutes, opens in Media Player)

American Association of School Administrators :: Top five reported uses for ARRA IDEA funds

A survey of 160 school administrators conducted in July and August 2009 reports on how districts are using education Recovery Act funds. Read the Press Release here. Get the survey results here.

Center for Law and Education Releases Memorandum Challenging USED Guidance to States: 

On August 11, 2009, the Center for Law and Education (CLE) released a comprehensive memorandum regarding the guidance provided by the U.S. Dept. of Education to States on monitoring of local educational agencies (LEAs). CLE concludes that there is no statutory authority for USED's guidance to State. Read the CLE Memorandum here.

View the archive of our June Webinar to understand why your State's Performance Plan and Annual Performance Report provide critical information about how to spend IDEA Recovery Act funds. View the archive and materials here.