Resource Library

A graphic illustrating how different IDEA data collections can span multiple years and how a state may be working simultaneously with data from multiple school years.

Who doesn't love a good calendar? This tool serves as a reference for states as they plan for the timely and accurate submission of their 618 data collections. Simply select a month to view the data collection and corresponding tasks and activities for that month, or select a report to view a monthly breakdown of activities and related resources. 

States can use the Organizer Template for Part B SPP/APR Target Setting to briefly document information for consideration when setting new SPP/APR targets for all indicators in the FFYs 2020–25 SPP/APR collection. States can supplement this overview template with the Indicator Organizer for Part B SPP/APR Stakeholder Involvement and Target Setting, which is designed to capture more detailed information on stakeholder involvement in setting targets for individual SPP/APR indicators.

This interactive resource provides states with an overview on how to gather representative parent involvement data for Part B SPP/APR Indicator 8. The resource defines key concepts such as representativeness, sampling, nonresponse bias, response rates, and weighting. It also offers information on how to improve the quality of parent involvement data, including strategies that can help states collect representative data and evaluate and improve the representativeness of their data before, during, and after data collection. 

Response rate and representativeness are important terms in survey work.  Consideration of both is necessary to ensure that collected data are valid and generalizable.  This resource briefly defines and compares the terms while also explaining how they relate to nonresponse bias. 

The TA guide describes the methods a state might use to appropriately determine which of its districts has a significant discrepancy (including a significant discrepancy by race or ethnicity) in the rates of out-of-school suspensions and expulsions totaling greater than 10 days for children with disabilities.

Does your state have well-documented data processes in place to ensure that IDEA data are timely, accurate, valid, and reliable? If not, contact your IDC State Liaison for help! Using the SEA Data Processes Toolkit, our TA providers can work with state special education staff and others in your state to document your current 616 and 618 data processes. IDC can also assist with improving those processes to ensure consistent practices to collect, analyze and submit high quality data year after year!