The Special Education Bureau of the Public Education Department invites members of the community, parents, and school district personnel to attend the April 23 and 24, 2009 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Advisory Panel meeting at the Carlsbad Municipal Schools Central Administrative Office, 408 North Canyon Street, Carlsbad, NM  88220 or call (575) 234-3300.

The meetings will be held from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. on April 23, and 8:15 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. on April 24, 2009.

The following subjects will be discussed:

On April 23, 2009, the New Mexico State IDEA Advisory Panel will receive the final numbers from the State’s Annual Performance Report (APR), revise the Special Education Accountability System Manual, and attend a presentation by the Carlsbad Municipal School District.

On April 24, 2009, the New Mexico State IDEA Advisory Panel will meet in their subcommittees and work on the Annual Report.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires each state to create a state advisory panel. New Mexico has established and maintains an advisory panel for the purpose of providing policy guidance with respect to special education and related services for children with disabilities in the state. The Special Education Bureau encourages community input for the overall improvement of educational success.

The IDEA Advisory Panel agenda can be found on the main page of the Special Education Bureau website www.ped.state.nm.us/seo. For information contact Leah Erickson at (505) 827-1458 or via email leah.erickson@state.nm.us.