FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
F. PHILIP HANDY,
Chairman
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T. WILLARD FAIR,
Vice Chairman
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Members
SALLY B RADSHAW
LINDA J. EADS, ED.D.
CHARLES PATRICK G ARCÍA
JULIA L. J OHNSON
WILLIAM L. PROCTOR, PH.D.
March 21, 2003
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MEMORANDUM #03-12
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TO:
Administrators, Exceptional Student Education
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FROM:
Shan Goff
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SUBJECT:
Matrix of Services Ratings
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JIM HORNE
Commissioner of Education
While no changes were made to procedures surrounding FTE reporting for students with
disabilities for the 2002-03 school year, it has come to our attention that there may be some
issues with (1) the accuracy of 254-255 matrix data being submitted via the automated
student database, and (2) the congruence between 254-255 matrices and IEPs.
Additionally, Senate staff has noted that growth in programs 254-255 continues to exceed
overall growth and growth in exceptional education as a whole. In our efforts to address
these concerns, please review the following information related to district responsibilities.
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Section 1011.60, Florida Statutes, describes each school district’s responsibilities for
participation in the FEFP. These responsibilities include the maintenance of accurate
records. Rule 6A-1.04513, Florida Administrative Code, further describes the school
districts’ responsibilities for maintaining documentation to support the FTE reported by
the districts.
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Matrices are to be completed by personnel who have received training. Each FDLRS
Coordinating Council is responsible for identifying a single contact person responsible
for maintaining up-to-date knowledge about the matrix and for disseminating information
to trainers in their region. Districts should ensure that all appropriate staff are adequately
trained and evidence of training including training dates and participants should exist.
There should also be regular scheduled opportunities for personnel to review their
knowledge of the matrix.
Districts are responsible for the accuracy of matrix ratings.
SHAN GOFF
Chief
Bureau of Instructional Support and Community Services
325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 614 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 488-1570 • www.fldoe.org
Matrix of Services Ratings
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March 21, 2003
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Page Two
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Services checked on the matrix must be based on decisions made by the IEP team and
documented on the IEP. There should be no services indicated on the matrix that are not
also documented on the IEP.
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The matrix number reported during a given FTE survey must match the matrix and
services being provided for that same FTE survey. Please verify matrix numbers before
submitting data for each FTE survey.
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The matrix rating should be an accurate reflection of the sum of the domain ratings and
any special considerations points.
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Districts should assume responsibility for internal monitoring of matrix ratings. Ratings of
254-255 represent substantial per-student funding and are therefore subject to
considerable scrutiny. For each item on the matrix, The Matrix of Services Handbook
1999 Edition indicates the prerequisites for checking the service or the naturally
occurring evidence that should accompany the service.
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Districts remain accountable for the special education and related services indicated on
the IEP and matrix. For accountability purposes, there must be evidence that special
education and related services listed on the IEP and matrix are, in fact, being provided to
the student.
Thank you for your continued cooperation with ensuring that district responsibilities
regarding matrix ratings are met. If you have questions regarding matrix responsibilities or
need additional information, please contact Marie Lacap at (850) 488-1379, Suncom 278-
1379, or email marie.lacap@fldoe.org.
cc:
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District Finance Officers
State Advisory Committee
FDLRS Associate Centers
David Morris
David Montford
Steve Kimble