(a) The Superintendent shall ensure that pupil and program performance results are monitored at the state and local levels in order to comply with Section 1412(a)(15) of Title 20 of the United States Code by evaluating pupil performance against key performance indicators. As necessary, other data may be collected to support the state’s participation in national studies and evaluations described in Section 1474(a) of Title 20 of the United States Code.

(b) The Superintendent shall monitor, provide technical assistance, and enforce this part, and Part B of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.) in accordance with Section 1416 of Title 20 of the United States Code, and Subpart F (commencing with Section 300.600) of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and annually report to the United States Department of Education on performance.

(c) Pursuant to Section 300.600(b) of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the primary focus of the state’s monitoring activities shall be on the following:

(1) Improving educational results and functional outcomes for all individuals with exceptional needs.

(2) Ensuring that public agencies meet the program requirements under this part and under Part B of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), with a particular emphasis on those requirements that are most closely related to improving educational results for individuals with exceptional needs.

(d) As part of state monitoring and enforcement, the Superintendent shall use quantifiable indicators and qualitative indicators as are needed to adequately measure performance in the indicators established by the United States Secretary of Education, and in the following priority areas specified in Section 300.600(d) of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations:

(1) Provision of a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.

(2) State exercise of general supervision, including child find, effective monitoring, the use of resolution meetings, mediation, and a system of transition services as defined in Section 1437(a)(9) of Title 20 of the United States Code and in Section 300.43 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(3) Disproportionate representation of racial and ethnic groups in special education and related services, to the extent the representation is the result of inappropriate identification.

(e) As part of the performance plan of the state, as required in Section 300.601 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the Superintendent shall collect valid and reliable information as needed to report annually to the United States Secretary of Education.

(Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 454, Sec. 34. Effective October 10, 2007.)