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Bilingual Education Case Summary

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The Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (bureau) received a state complaint from Ms. Kim Satterfield on September 15, 2016, alleging that the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind (FSDB) violated federal and state laws relating to the education of students with disabilities. Specifically, the allegation is whether the FSDB implemented a policy that would not adhere to the student’s individual educational plan (IEP) and not support the student’s preferred language and means of communication.

Prior to the 2016-17 school year, FSDB announced that beginning in the 2016-17 school year, a new bilingual-bicultural teaching method known as American Sign Language (ASL) would be implemented. FSDB has previously utilized simultaneous …show more content…

The district and the complainant were asked to submit relevant documents and information to the bureau. Mr. Charlie Weatherly, FSDB attorney, submitted a proposed resolution to the complaint on behalf of the district.

The educational records indicated that the student (date of birth: September 28, 2001) was in ninth grade and was determined eligible for exceptional student education services as a student who is deaf or hard of hearing.

Findings of Fact
The FSDB exercised its right under section 300.152, Title 34, Code of Federal Regulations to propose a resolution to the complaint filed on September 17, 2016. A proposal to resolve a complaint does not include either admission or denial of the complaint …show more content…

Conclusions
The bureau has accepted the resolution proposal submitted by the FSDB. Accordingly, the investigators have been notified that there is to be no further investigation.

Actions to be Completed
The actions outlined in the district’s proposal must be completed no later than December 15, 2016. No later than November 29, 2016, FSDB must provide the bureau a draft of the proposed OPP for the bureau’s review. If upon review, bureau staff determine that the OPP does not contain all of the aforementioned components or identify language that violates provisions under federal regulations or statue rules, the bureau will notify FSDB no later than December 1, 2016. As verification of completion FSDB must submit a final copy of the OPP no later than January 6, 2017.

When the bureau receives documentation that all of the actions have been completed, the parties will be notified and the complaint will be closed. If you need additional information, please contact the bureau at 850-245-0475 or via email at

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