FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
    STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
    F. PHILIP HANDY,
    Chairman
    T. WILLARD FAIR,
    Vice Chairman
    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
    MEMORANDUM #03-12
    TO:
    Administrators, Exceptional Student Education
    FROM:
    Shan Goff
    SUBJECT:
    Matrix of Services Ratings
    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
    March 21, 2003
    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

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