USBE seeks quick feedback as special-education federal targets reset after high-school reporting change

Utah assessment officials asked local assessment directors for immediate feedback on proposed federal targets for Indicator 3 — the set of special‑education accountability measures that track participation and proficiency for students with individualized education programs — after deciding to combine grades 9 and 10 into the high‑school reporting group.

USBE staff said the change requires a reset of baselines (federal fiscal year 2022 was chosen as the new baseline) and an adjustment of five‑year targets. To set the proposed targets, analysts applied the prior year‑to‑year improvement trajectory used under the old grade‑10‑only reporting to the revised 9–10 combined baseline, producing new interim targets for the next five federal fiscal years. “The target is always 95%” for Indicator 3a (participation), staff added, noting that the participation target is set by federal regulation and cannot be lowered.

Why it matters: Indicator 3 outcomes flow to USBE’s federal determination (OSEP) and cascade down to local education agencies through the Results Driven Accountability (RDA) process. Staff warned that the change to combine grade 9 with grade 10 in the high‑school reporting group required resetting baselines and targets and could alter LEA targets and determinations.

What USBE asked of LEAs: staff said they must provide stakeholder feedback on the proposed targets before USBE’s April 25 submission to the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Officials said most stakeholder groups already reviewed and did not object to the proposed targets; ADs were asked to enter simple yes/no feedback or specific comments through Nearpod or chat so staff could finalize the submission.

Details and method: staff explained the new baseline is the most recent federal fiscal year 2022 (school year 2022–23) and that proposed targets apply the previous trajectory of improvement to the new baseline. For 3a (participation) the federal requirement fixes the target at 95%; for 3b/3c/3d (proficiency on regular and alternate assessments and the gap calculation) the proposed targets are modest adjustments, in some cases similar to the prior targets, and staff said the outcomes look attainable based on recent trends.

Next steps: USBE will collect feedback this week, finalize targets, and submit the materials to OSEP by the stated deadline. Staff also noted these targets may require reevaluation if assessment standards or instruments change in coming months.

Provenance: USBE presentation and Q&A on Indicator 3 with data tables and proposed targets (topic introduction at SEG 314; discussion of target methodology and proposed targets through SEG 799).