The Monitoring and State Improvement Planning (MSIP) division of OSERS Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) carries out major activities related to the Part B, Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and 619 formula grant programs. The division is responsible for State Plan review and approval, and for monitoring OSEP's formula grant programs to ensure consistency with federal requirements and to ensure that states and other public agencies continue to implement programs designed to improve results for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities. Additionally, the division provides leadership to OSEP's technical assistance provided to the states through the Regional Resource Centers. The State Improvement Planning activities are also managed by the MSIP division through a cross-cutting team made up of staff from throughout OSEP.
The MSIP division is divided into four Monitoring and State Improvement Planning teams, each team having expertise in the Part B and Part C programs and the capability to carry out functions related to those programs in assigned states and entities. The Monitoring and State Improvement Planning teams have primary responsibility for reviewing and recommending approval of state eligibility documents. Additionally, the teams monitor and provide/coordinate technical assistance to State Education Agencies and Part C Lead Agencies to ensure effective implementation of early intervention and special education services to infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities. These teams work with customers to assist them in accessing a free appropriate public education and appropriate early intervention services.
In performing their responsibilities, Monitoring and State Improvement Planning teams:
Develop and implement an annual program of monitoring, including self-assessment and data collection activities, to identify areas of commendation and areas of noncompliance that require corrective action by the states.
Provide or coordinate with other OSEP programs to provide technical assistance to the states as needed in the development and implementation of the corrective action activities.
Review state eligibility document submissions, prepare grant award letters, and provide appropriate technical assistance to states to ensure consistency with federal requirements and a timely release of federal funds.
Disseminate information by phone and in writing and coordinate with the Regional Resource Centers, clearinghouses, and others to provide technical assistance to customers and partners in response to general and policy interpretation requests in general and controlled correspondence, including Freedom of Information requests for OSEP.
Manage the award process for State Improvement Grants and Regional and Federal Resource Centers, including development of priorities, review, evaluation, and documentation of all applications for funding.
Participate in the development and dissemination of policy guidance, regulations, and program guidance in all areas or responsibility.
Manage the resolution of audit findings (single audits, Inspector General audits, Government Accounting Office reports) including grantbacks, primary and collateral determinations.
Provide information to customers concerning the complaint process, analyze states' resolution of complaints, and provide technical assistance to states to improve their procedures.