Harrisburg Project-I-Star Support

New 2017-18 Students with Disabilities Data Collection and Approval Instructions

The new 2017-18 Students with Disabilities Data Collection and Approval Instructions are now available at https://www..isbe.net/Documents/34-30_sped_facts.pdf. Please read through these new instructions carefully.

Notable changes include:

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· We are transitioning away from references to the Funding and Child Tracking System (FACTS) in favor of using the IEP Student Tracking and Reporting System (i.e. I-Star).

· ISBE will only use approved student data to process state reimbursement to districts that file claims and compile the December 1 child count.

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· Private Facility Codes -- Fund Codes B, F, and J Only

If funding is requested under Fund Codes B, F, or J, enter the appropriate entity ID number assigned for the private facility and special education program of attendance. The current list of approved nonpublic private facilities can be searched at http://webprod1.isbe.net/FacilityInquiry/PrivateFacilitySearch/PFSearch.aspx. Approval is provided only if the student's primary disability and age match the approved primary disability(ies) and age range served by the private facility or out-of-state public school.

Some private facilities have multiple programs and rates with separate entity ID numbers assigned for each program. Additionally, facilities approved in prior years may not be approved for the current year. It is extremely important that the correct entity ID Code be used as this code determines the amount of reimbursement available for the student's placement.

If a student changes private facilities during the school year and will be claimed for a portion of the current school year in both the first and second facilities, add an end date and Exit Code 20. Re-enter the student with the second private facility entity ID code, completing I-Star information as needed. Be sure that the begin date in the second facility is after the end date listed on the IStar entry for the first private facility code.

IMPORTANT CHANGE – Residentially placed students

Beginning with the 2017-18 school year, any student who is residentially placed by the school district at a special education private facility for whom the school district is paying for the residential placement, will need to have 2 records entered in I-Star - one for the Residential services (R) and one for the Tuition services (T.) This is true even when the student is receiving tuition and residential services at the same facility, as “combo” facility codes have been eliminated. In addition, the student records should be marked as “dually enrolled” in I-Star. As a result of this change, the tuition record will need to be reported with an EE Code of 08 and the residential record will need to be reported with an EE Code of either 09 (for in-state facilities) or 10 (for out of state facilities).

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· Removed language related to Limited English Proficient Information.

Tim Imler

Division Administrator

Funding and Disbursement Services

Illinois State Board of Education

Phone: 217-782-5256

Fax: 217-782-3910