IDEA implementation in the Chicago Public Schools LEA
| Tracking # |
N008271-041220 |
| Submitted | April 10, 2020 |
| Est. Completion | May 19, 2020 |
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Communications
From: Thomas Olson
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act., I hereby request the following records:
According to 34 C.F.R, §300.211 and §300.645 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), each local public school district (LEA) in the State of Illinois must provide to the Illinois State Board of Education(SEA) “information relating to the performance of children with disabilities participating in programs carried out under Part B” of IDEA so that, among other actions, the SEA can (1) “obtain certification from each [LEA] that an unduplicated and accurate count [of students who have been identified as having a disability(s)] has been made,” (2) “[a]ggregate the data from the count obtained from each [LEA],” and (3) “[e]nsure that documentation is maintained that enables [the Illinois State Board of Education] and the [US Department of Education] to audit the accuracy of the count.”
34 C.F.R, § 300.131 and 34 C.F.R, § 300.132(c) further mandate, respectively, that (1) “[e]ach LEA must locate, identify, and evaluate all children with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents in private, including religious, elementary schools and secondary schools located in the school district served by the LEA” and (2) “[e]ach LEA must maintain in its records, and provide to the SEA, the following information related to parentally-placed private school children covered under §§ 300.130 through 300.144: (1) The number of children evaluated; (2) The number of children determined to be children with disabilities; and (3) The number of children served.”
In light of 34 C.F.R, § 300.132(c) and the other above-quoted regulations, I respectfully request the following information for the past 5 years:
• The total number of public school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been referred to child-find.
• The total number of charter school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been referred to child-find.
• The total number of home-schooled students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been referred to child-find.
• The total number of private school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been referred to child-find.
__
• The total number of public school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been evaluated for disability(s).
• The total number of charter school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been evaluated for disability(s).
• The total number of home-schooled students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been evaluated for disability(s).
• The total number of private school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been evaluated for disability(s)
__
• The total number of public school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been determined to have a disability(s).
• The total number of charter school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been determined to have a disability(s).
• The total number of home-schooled students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been determined to have a disability(s).
• The total number of private school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been determined to have a disability(s).
__
• The total number of public school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been served.
• The total number of charter school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been served.
• The total number of home-schooled students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been served.
• The total number of private school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been served.
Under Sections 611 and 619 of IDEA, the Illinois State Board of Education (SEA) receives each year grants from the federal government to provide special education and/or related services to eligible students. In accord with 34 C.F.R, § 300.705, the SEA then allocates subgrants to each LEA.
In light of Sections 611 and 619 and 34 C.F.R, § 300.705 and all other pertinent regulations, I respectfully request the following information for the past 5 years:
• The total IDEA allocation/grant received by the Chicago Public Schools.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 5 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Thomas Olson
From: Chicago Public Schools
Dear Thomas :
Thank you for your interest in Chicago Public Schools. Your FOIA request has been received and is being processed. Your FOIA Center reference number for tracking purposes is: N008271-041220
You have requested the following records: To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act., I hereby request the following records:
According to 34 C.F.R, §300.211 and §300.645 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), each local public school district (LEA) in the State of Illinois must provide to the Illinois State Board of Education(SEA) “information relating to the performance of children with disabilities participating in programs carried out under Part B” of IDEA so that, among other actions, the SEA can (1) “obtain certification from each [LEA] that an unduplicated and accurate count [of students who have been identified as having a disability(s)] has been made,” (2) “[a]ggregate the data from the count obtained from each [LEA],” and (3) “[e]nsure that documentation is maintained that enables [the Illinois State Board of Education] and the [US Department of Education] to audit the accuracy of the count.”
34 C.F.R, § 300.131 and 34 C.F.R, § 300.132(c) further mandate, respectively, that (1) “[e]ach LEA must locate, identify, and evaluate all children with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents in private, including religious, elementary schools and secondary schools located in the school district served by the LEA” and (2) “[e]ach LEA must maintain in its records, and provide to the SEA, the following information related to parentally-placed private school children covered under §§ 300.130 through 300.144: (1) The number of children evaluated; (2) The number of children determined to be children with disabilities; and (3) The number of children served.”
In light of 34 C.F.R, § 300.132(c) and the other above-quoted regulations, I respectfully request the following information for the past 5 years:
• The total number of public school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been referred to child-find.
• The total number of charter school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been referred to child-find.
• The total number of home-schooled students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been referred to child-find.
• The total number of private school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been referred to child-find.
__
• The total number of public school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been evaluated for disability(s).
• The total number of charter school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been evaluated for disability(s).
• The total number of home-schooled students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been evaluated for disability(s).
• The total number of private school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been evaluated for disability(s)
__
• The total number of public school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been determined to have a disability(s).
• The total number of charter school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been determined to have a disability(s).
• The total number of home-schooled students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been determined to have a disability(s).
• The total number of private school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been determined to have a disability(s).
__
• The total number of public school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been served.
• The total number of charter school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been served.
• The total number of home-schooled students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been served.
• The total number of private school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been served.
Under Sections 611 and 619 of IDEA, the Illinois State Board of Education (SEA) receives each year grants from the federal government to provide special education and/or related services to eligible students. In accord with 34 C.F.R, § 300.705, the SEA then allocates subgrants to each LEA.
In light of Sections 611 and 619 and 34 C.F.R, § 300.705 and all other pertinent regulations, I respectfully request the following information for the past 5 years:
• The total IDEA allocation/grant received by the Chicago Public Schools.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 5 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Thomas Olson
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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) responds to all public records requests in accordance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.
If further time is needed to assemble and copy all documents responsive to your FOIA request, we will contact you with a time estimate and a request to extend.
Upon the completion of a response, CPS will provide the first 50 pages to you at no charge. If a response is more than 50 pages, a fee of 15¢ per page will be charged for each additional page. Copies of video recordings have a fee of $48. All applicable fees must be paid prior to the copying. CPS will inform you of any fees due if your paper response exceeds 50 pages. You can monitor the progress of your request at the link below and you’ll receive an email when your request has been completed. Thank you for using the CPS FOIA Center.
From: Chicago Public Schools
--- Please respond above this line ---
04/13/2020
Thomas Olson
MuckRock News DEPT MR 91576 411A Highland Ave
Somerville MA 02144
Dear Thomas :
RE: Chicago Public Schools FOIA Request N008271-041220
Thank you again for using the Chicago Public Schools FOIA Center.
Under the Freedom of Information Act, a public body may extend the time to respond to a FOIA request by up to 5 business days for a limited number of reasons. 5 ILCS 140/3(e).
We are extending the time to respond to your request by 5 business days for one or more of the following reason(s):
( ) the requested records are stored in whole or in part at other locations than the office having charge of the requested records;
( ) the request requires the collection of a substantial number of specified records;
( ) the request is couched in categorical terms and requires an extensive search for the records responsive to it;
( ) the requested records have not been located in the course of routine search and additional efforts are being made to locate them;
( ) the requested records require examination and evaluation by personnel having the necessary competence and discretion to determine if they are exempt from disclosure under Section 7 of this Act or should be revealed only with appropriate deletions;
(x) the request for records cannot be complied with by the public body within the time limits prescribed by 5 ILCS 140/3 (c) without unduly burdening or interfering with the operations of the public body;
( ) there is need for consultation, which shall be conducted with all practicable speed, with another public body or among two or more components of a public body having a substantial interest in the determination or in the subject matter of the request
Sincerely,
Annie Righi
FOIA Officer
Chicago Public Schools
From: Thomas Olson
To whom it may concern,
I am following up on my request that I sent back on 4/12. Please advise as to status and timeline. Thank you.
--Tom
From: Chicago Public Schools
--- Please respond above this line ---
April 28, 2020 Thomas Olson requests@muckrock.com
RE: Chicago Public Schools FOIA Request N008271-041220
Dear Mr. Olson: The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is seeking ten additional business days to respond to your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request N008271-041220. If agreed, we will respond by end of business day Tuesday, May 12, 2020. Please note that the CPS FOIA Office is still gathering responsive documents and we are working diligently on fulfilling your request. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you, Annie Righi Freedom of Information Act Officer Chicago Public Schools
From: Thomas Olson
Dear Annie,
I am following up on my request, which you acknowledged back on 4/13/20. In that acknowledgment, you wrote, "Under the Freedom of Information Act, a public body may extend the time to respond to a FOIA request by up to 5 business days for a limited number of reasons."
By many days, that 5-day time period has elapsed.
By this message submitted via Muckrock which I will also send vie email to cps.edu/FOIARequests, I am requesting an update on my request. I respectfully request that my request be handled and responded to in accord with the law and in as timely a manner as possible.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Tom
From: Chicago Public Schools
--- Please respond above this line ---
May 12, 2020 Thomas Olson requests@muckrock.com
RE: Chicago Public Schools FOIA Request N008271-041220
Dear Mr. Olson: The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is seeking five additional business days to respond to your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request N008271-041220. If agreed, we will respond by end of business day Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Please note that the CPS FOIA Office is still gathering responsive documents and we are working diligently on fulfilling your request. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you, Annie Righi Freedom of Information Act Officer Chicago Public Schools
From: Thomas Olson
Dear Ms. Righi,
Thank you for your note informing me that CPS will need 5 additional business days to address my request (N008271-041220). I look forward to receiving a response on or around Tuesday, May 19.
Thank you.
--Tom
From: Thomas Olson
[ALSO SENT VIA EMAIL TO ANNIE RIGHI (arighi@cps.edu) & DR. JANICE JACKSON (jkjackson@cps.k12.il.us) ON JUNE 21, 2020]
Dear Ms. Righi,
My name is Tom Olson, and I am emailing you directly in order to follow-up on my FOIA request, which I submitted on April 12, 2020 via Muckrock. As indicated in the subject line, the number assigned to my request by ISBE is N008271-041220. For your convenience, I have attached to this email my original request, but please note that I have edited the 4th bullet under each sub-request to improve said requests' technical clarity.
On 5/13, you informed me that your office would need an additional 5 business days to respond to my request. Previously on 4/28, you informed me that your office would need an additional 10 business days to respond to my request. Both responses from you were prompted by messages that I had previously sent to you checking on the status of my request.
Once again, I am following up with you because, once again, the time-frame you indicated has been exceeded. While I have been and remain sympathetic to the effects that COVID-19 has had on the internal operations of CPS, it is my hope and expectation that if another delay were to be necessary, then you will follow-up with me within the timeframe to which you commit.
On this email, I have copied Dr. Janice Jackson, CEO of CPS. In addition, I have submitted this message through Muckrock, along with the slightly "revised" original request. It is on the "revised" request that I request further action.
I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Tom
From: Thomas Olson
P.s. Correction: the number assigned to my request (N008271-041220) was assigned by CPS, not ISBE.
From: Chicago Public Schools
--- Please respond above this line ---
June 24, 2020 Thomas Olson requests@muckrock.com
RE: Chicago Public Schools FOIA Request N008271-041220
Dear Mr. Olson: This letter is in reply to your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking the following information: I respectfully request the following information for the past 5 years:
• The total number of public school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been referred to child-find.
• The total number of charter school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been referred to child-find.
• The total number of home-schooled students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been referred to child-find.
• The total number of private school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been referred to child-find.
__
• The total number of public school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been evaluated for disability(s).
• The total number of charter school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been evaluated for disability(s).
• The total number of home-schooled students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been evaluated for disability(s).
• The total number of private school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been evaluated for disability(s)
__
• The total number of public school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been determined to have a disability(s).
• The total number of charter school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been determined to have a disability(s).
• The total number of home-schooled students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been determined to have a disability(s).
• The total number of private school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been determined to have a disability(s).
__
• The total number of public school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been served.
• The total number of charter school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been served.
• The total number of home-schooled students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been served.
• The total number of private school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been served.
RESPONSE : Documents responsive to your request are available to download via the CPS FOIA Center at www.cps.edu/FOIARequests. Please log in with your username and password to access the records. (https://u8387795.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=tVZK-2BDMrxhcb-2BNvwVODlUL6qZ5PxMTKbCtNQvMe7omiDikMXFpJba1JVdqTgqFOf5qIR_-2F32OMZAFnK3pkUqv2S1EoQwDw5fxIyF4OkwBzxPVtjgHf6pSAfr4die87ImUdAr0AvAu48nGqaBQAbXE-2FGD3hqiq5bbLs859JkHmN93kbN-2BgTYxFmlIXWPV3hoYuY4TZi4eRxtLJPEcVT-2BSfYP42fvi6RaJR0jmQd5zIuWqLYpCHCWw2VAox4E376spER8toqTFx365U0qzTUy-2BNTgVqKcj9Iwq5shXYIvaqEvKXkKrPCmp6QIWJQuqQa0m0Fx6WOe-2BdDziU538b0yHIz0VYVUkLI0wgDlztdStRhyxZhu8Mux2O-2BjdFEjOWJas7JUUollHmgIslJJvEbOhgnPjZ8SmcrMzaftekU4lxQe70lPNBYrfYwkIxam0bxkO7iejm) Please note that Child-Find is one of many referral sources, most often used for pre-school aged students. Accordingly, the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) FOIA Office interpreted this request to be for all referral sources, not just Child-Find. As these are school-level records, certain redactions have been made to remove instances in which there were groups of fewer than ten students and which would therefore unavoidably reveal identifiable student information. Personally identifiable student record information is exempt from release pursuant to the Illinois School Student Records Act 105 ILCS 10/1 et seq. and the corresponding Section 7.5(r) FOIA exemption (5 ILCS 140/7.5(r)). To the extent you consider this a denial, pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/9.5(a) you may file a Request for Review with the Public Access Counselor (PAC) at: Public Access Counselor; Office of the Attorney General; 500 South 2nd Street; Springfield, IL 62706. You also have the right to seek judicial review of your denial by filing a lawsuit in the State circuit court; 5 ILCS 140/11.
In light of Sections 611 and 619 and 34 C.F.R, § 300.705 and all other pertinent regulations, I respectfully request the following information for the past 5 years:
• The total IDEA allocation/grant received by the Chicago Public Schools. RESPONSE : The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) FOIA Department has reviewed this portion of your request and determined that that the information you seek is available online at the following links: https://cps.edu/fy15budget/Pages/revenue.aspx https://cps.edu/fy16budget/Pages/revenue.aspx https://cps.edu/fy17budget/Pages/revenue.aspx https://cps.edu/fy18budget/Pages/revenue.aspx https://cps.edu/fy19budget/Pages/revenue.aspx https://cps.edu/FY20Budget/Pages/revenue.aspx IDEA allocations are listed under the heading “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)” on each page. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/8.5 (a), “a public body is not required to copy a public record that is published on the public body's website.” If you have any questions, please contact our office at (773) 553-3500. Thank you for your request. Sincerely, Annie Righi Freedom of Information Act Officer Chicago Public Schools
From: Chicago Public Schools
--- Please respond above this line ---
June 24, 2020 Thomas Olson requests@muckrock.com
RE: Chicago Public Schools FOIA Request N008271-041220
Dear Mr. Olson: This letter is in reply to your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking the following information: I respectfully request the following information for the past 5 years:
• The total number of public school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been referred to child-find.
• The total number of charter school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been referred to child-find.
• The total number of home-schooled students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been referred to child-find.
• The total number of private school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been referred to child-find.
__
• The total number of public school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been evaluated for disability(s).
• The total number of charter school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been evaluated for disability(s).
• The total number of home-schooled students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been evaluated for disability(s).
• The total number of private school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been evaluated for disability(s)
__
• The total number of public school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been determined to have a disability(s).
• The total number of charter school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been determined to have a disability(s).
• The total number of home-schooled students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been determined to have a disability(s).
• The total number of private school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been determined to have a disability(s).
__
• The total number of public school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been served.
• The total number of charter school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been served.
• The total number of home-schooled students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been served.
• The total number of private school students in the Chicago Public Schools who have been served.
RESPONSE : Documents responsive to your request are available to download via the CPS FOIA Center at www.cps.edu/FOIARequests. Please log in with your username and password to access the records. (https://u8387795.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=tVZK-2BDMrxhcb-2BNvwVODlUL6qZ5PxMTKbCtNQvMe7omiDikMXFpJba1JVdqTgqFOf-thx_-2F32OMZAFnK3pkUqv2S1EoQwDw5fxIyF4OkwBzxPVtjgHf6pSAfr4die87ImUdAr0AvAu48nGqaBQAbXE-2FGD3hpEk-2BMc9QTUthQL7Hl7WfnoT37b9Htv0e5kcjXUEYm6IZSYs7ZITFk-2Bmf4nkuCUC3uuk-2F1-2BKkepQPP5dmqvHSxglWu-2Bcuq89f-2Fc4Ylf2LmY3w7h0YAsXdF3yWUXUVqmtempXlYEK53J3E6Z5ZVzrf8geBlTx9LkdfBtv6qtLnYN45kKG8kp1TJyRwBb6zyZYjQGC1Q-2Fo0kPPS5150h2KV2G2P-2BAH-2FiHbh5O89Crf74gDCFwBmI2GDlLDEyO7fd42rNN4wsAB8lo9dZqNdX3PN5yQXRg73kLYbuo2YZ2EHxm-2Br7TT7OzlVXJTci94U6sQrg-3D-3D) Please note that Child-Find is one of many referral sources, most often used for pre-school aged students. Accordingly, the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) FOIA Office interpreted this request to be for all referral sources, not just Child-Find. As these are school-level records, certain redactions have been made to remove instances in which there were groups of fewer than ten students and which would therefore unavoidably reveal identifiable student information. Personally identifiable student record information is exempt from release pursuant to the Illinois School Student Records Act 105 ILCS 10/1 et seq. and the corresponding Section 7.5(r) FOIA exemption (5 ILCS 140/7.5(r)). To the extent you consider this a denial, pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/9.5(a) you may file a Request for Review with the Public Access Counselor (PAC) at: Public Access Counselor; Office of the Attorney General; 500 South 2nd Street; Springfield, IL 62706. You also have the right to seek judicial review of your denial by filing a lawsuit in the State circuit court; 5 ILCS 140/11.
In light of Sections 611 and 619 and 34 C.F.R, § 300.705 and all other pertinent regulations, I respectfully request the following information for the past 5 years:
• The total IDEA allocation/grant received by the Chicago Public Schools. RESPONSE : The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) FOIA Department has reviewed this portion of your request and determined that that the information you seek is available online at the following links: https://cps.edu/fy15budget/Pages/revenue.aspx https://cps.edu/fy16budget/Pages/revenue.aspx https://cps.edu/fy17budget/Pages/revenue.aspx https://cps.edu/fy18budget/Pages/revenue.aspx https://cps.edu/fy19budget/Pages/revenue.aspx https://cps.edu/FY20Budget/Pages/revenue.aspx IDEA allocations are listed under the heading “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)” on each page. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/8.5 (a), “a public body is not required to copy a public record that is published on the public body's website.” If you have any questions, please contact our office at (773) 553-3500. Thank you for your request. Sincerely, Annie Righi Freedom of Information Act Officer Chicago Public Schools
From: Thomas Olson
To whom it may concern,
The 1st link you provided above brings me to a page on which it is indicated, "No Records to display." I've attached a screenshot; see "screenshot 1."
The 2nd link does not work. The browser reads, "bad request." I've attached a screenshot; see "screenshot 2."
If the CPS portal is not functioning correctly, then please email the records to me at tomolson@theadac.com.
Thank you.
--Tom
From: Thomas Olson
To whom it may concerned,
In my previous message, I indicated, "The 2nd link does not work. The browser reads, 'bad request.'" Upon closer examination, I realize that in that section there are multiple links (6 to be precise) which are not separated by commas or semicolons. Hence, I mistakenly copied and pasted into my browser all 6 links as a single link, which produced the "bad request" error message. The 6 links work, so thank you for sending them.
However, I am still unable to access the information provided in the first link. Please note that I have created an account and am successfully able to login to the CPS FOIA portal. As I wrote in my previous message, I would be happy to receive that information via email if the portal is not working.
Thank you.
--Tom
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