The Local Allocation Policy—Considerations for SELPAs and LEAs

Special education funding policies utilized by Special Education Local Plan Areas (SELPAs) have historically reflected the Education Code in place at the time of their development, the needs of the students being served, and the unique regional resources and partnerships to provide a continuum of special education service. Local allocation policy determines the funds and resources local educational agencies (LEAs) receive to operate special education programs, within the greater context of LEA budgets, revenues, and expenditures for the benefit of all students served.  Over the past four years, shifts in special education funding, updates to the Education Code, and adjustments to the AB 602 special education funding formula mean local allocation policies need evaluation for appropriate changes and/or amendments. LEAs face increased pressures to provide inclusive access in the least restrictive environment, in general education programs at local school sites, at the same time as ensuring the maximum effectiveness and efficiency of the support and services offered by special education programs. The tension between regional partnership and an internal focus on providing services closer to home has resulted in the need for review and analysis of whether previous decisions and choices continue to meet the needs of the LEA members and the students they serve.

This webinar will:

• Consider the utility of an aligned local allocation policy that is separate from the Local Plan to allow the SELPA governance council the flexibility to be responsive to changes in requirements, fiscal policy, and local practice without requiring a full Local Plan update
• Offer tools and resources for local allocation policy discussions and strategies for organizing, reviewing, and updating the SELPA allocation model to capture new laws, local needs, and state requirements
• Provide tips to support the facilitation of transparent, student-focused, and fiscally responsible discussions with SELPA governance and interest holders
• Provide effective tools to support building consensus, reaching agreements, and making decisions regarding special education programs and services
• Share facilitation strategies to ensure effective processes to support teams with conversations around shared interests, the equitable use of local resources in an inclusive, fiscally responsible, and collaborative manner, and manage the challenges of scarce resources and diverging local needs

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is for LEA members of a SELPA interested in special education fiscal resource allocation. SELPA leaders, fiscal staff supporting special education, governance council members, special education directors, and educational partners impacted by SELPA allocation policy are encouraged to attend.

Cancellation Policy