Recently, local education agencies (LEAs) received a notification about reviewing 4010 enrollments through the Approved Private School Electronic Management (APSEM) system for school year 2023-2024. Please use the following instructions to review your Approved Private School (APS) enrollments:

1. Log-in as an Approved Private School (APS) or a Local Educational Agency (LEA) User.
2. Click the Reports link on the header.
3. Choose the 4010 Enrollment Report from the report dropdown.
4. Choose 2023-2024 from the School Year dropdown.
5. Click on the Run button.
6. Click the Open button at the bottom of the screen to open the spreadsheet.

Review the 4010 enrollments data, including student name, date of birth, primary exceptionality, age category, etc. Please forward this email to the individual responsible for the APSEM data review in your APS or LEA.

Please contact Eileen Jacobs-Crummel at 717-257-6652 or [email protected] with questions regarding this information.

The Restraint Information System Collection (RISC) is open for data entry for the Third quarter (restraints occurring between January 1, 2025 – April 14, 2025 of the 2024-25 school year). The RISC program continues to enhance its design to give local educational agencies (LEAs) greater opportunity to provide both more detail about restraints and to analyze trends in reducing the use of physical restraints. LEAs are required to report RISC data quarterly during the 2024-25 school year. This includes reporting zero restraints during a quarter when restraints did not occur. Additionally, LEAs still are required to comply with 22 Pa. Code § 14.133(f) or 22 Pa. Code § 711.46(f) Positive Behavior Support related to training of personnel in specific procedures, methods, and techniques. However, 22 Pa. Code § 14.133(f) and 22 Pa. Code § 711.46(f) Positive Behavior Support does not require LEAs to acquire specific certification in the use of restraints and leaves this up to the LEAs and their specific training model. The training of personnel should provide varied intervention and strategies needed to address problem behaviors. The types of intervention chosen for a specific student or eligible young child shall be the least intrusive necessary. The use of restraints is considered a measure of last resort, only to be used after other less restrictive measures, including de-escalation techniques. The Bureau of Special Education (BSE) continues to require LEAs to report the restraints that occurred in each quarter. This reporting process permits LEAs to report restraints in a timely manner which, in turn, allows LEAs to monitor patterns of episodic behaviors and address them accordingly.The quarterly windows of reporting for the 2024-25 school year are as follows:

Quarter	Begin Date	End Date	Last Day to Report	Zero Window Opens	Zero Window Closes
1	07/01/2024	09/30/2024	10/18/2024	10/01/2024	10/18/2024
2	10/01/2024	12/31/2024	01/15/2025	01/01/2025	01/15/2025
3	01/01/2025	03/31/2025	04/14/2025	04/01/2025	04/14/2025
4	04/01/2025	06/30/2025	07/14/2025	07/01/2025	07/14/2025

The RISC reporting design provides an “End Date” for LEAs to comply with their end of quarterly reporting. In addition, there is a two-week window date labeled “Last Day to Report” to allow LEAs to gather and report on those students that attend an out-of-district facility where they were placed in a restraint during that quarter. This two-week period is also a designated time for LEAs that had no restraints during the quarter to report zero in RISC. BSE will continue to send out reminders about this quarterly reporting requirement. BSE will monitor the restraint information reported by LEAs. RISC requires each LEA to report the event that occurred prior to the incident, the incident, the unsafe behavior, and the de-escalation techniques used. The LEA must notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the use of a restraint and schedule an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting within 10 school days of the use of the restraint in the educational program, unless the parent(s)/guardian(s), after written notice, agree(s) in writing to waive the IEP meeting. Restraints occurring during Extended School Year sessions should be reported within three weeks of the start of the school year. In reviewing restraints submitted in RISC of school-age students with IEPs, the Special Education Advisers of BSE will continue to focus on LEA monitoring responsibilities, as well as:
-Training of staff in de-escalation techniques; Excessive time of restraint;
-Excessive use of parent/guardian waivers;
-Mechanical restraints;Injuries;Number of restraints;
-10-day window (school days) to convene an IEP meeting after a restraint occurs;
-Handcuffing of students, students tased, or students charged with a safe school’s offense; and
-Excessive law enforcement involved in restraints with staff not involved.

A RISC reporting webinar is posted on the RISC website.

This RISC reporting webinar link is located below the login box of the Leader Services RISC sign-in page. This webinar explains the reporting and investigation process and how to use the RISC program. The webinar also shares how to update your LEA’s contact information. All parties involved with RISC are highly encouraged to view this webinar to learn how to report restraints, how to use the system, and to understand the regulatory responsibility of LEAs.

Additionally, the Bureau of Special Education has recently updated the Restraint Information System of Collection (RISC) Program Guidelines. The new Pennsylvania Department of Education – Bureau of Special Education “RISC Program Guidelines” are also available for review on the RISC website.

Questions regarding RISC should be directed to Keith Focht: 717-783-6921 or [email protected] or to the RISC Resource Account – [email protected].

The accountability requirement under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 mandates each state determines the extent to which students are achieving transition outcomes (State Performance Plan – Indicator 14). To meet the federal reporting requirement, each local educational agency (LEA) is mandated to administer an Exit Process and Post-School Surveys to students (who have graduated, dropped out or reached the maximum age) with individualized education programs (IEPs) once over a five-year period, based on the LEA’s assignment to a targeted sampling year.

For the 2024-2025 school year, LEAs assigned to target sampling Cohort 5 are required to administer the My Plan for Success (MP4S) Exit Process. During 2025-2026 these same LEAs will be required to complete the Post-School Surveys.

The following information specifically addresses the Exit Process administration for 2024-25. LEAs assigned to target sampling Cohort 5, as listed below, are required to address the following:
-Administer the Exit Process for all student leavers (graduates, dropouts, and students who reach maximum age) who have IEPs. To access information from the September 19, 2024, webinar regarding the administration of the Exit Process, including supporting handouts from the training, visit the PaTTAN Secondary Transition My Plan 4 Success Annual Exit Cohort webpage.
-Participate in the February 20, 2025, Exit Survey training webinar from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Registration for this event is required and can be completed when registering for the September webinar. Information regarding accessing and entering information into the online system will be presented during this webinar Registration is required and may be accessed directly at: https://www.pattan.net/Events/Webinar/Course-3341/Events/Session-39831. Please note if you registered for the September 19, 2024, training, you are already registered.

For questions about the MP4S Exit Process or Indicator 14, please contact PaTTAN Educational Consultant, Hillary Mangis, [email protected].

On December 18, 2024, leadership from the Shapiro Administration came together at the Capitol Christmas tree to remind Pennsylvanians of resources that are available to support them during the holiday season and into the new year. The departments of Human Services (DHS), Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), and Health (DOH) came together to reinforce the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to helping Pennsylvanians throughout the year, especially during the holidays.

“The holiday season can bring about a range of feelings and experiences – some of which can be difficult or feel isolating. Please know that if you are going through hard times or find this time of year to be challenging, you are not alone,” said DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh. “No matter what you are feeling or struggling with, you don’t have to go through this time on your own. Support is available, and we urge Pennsylvanians to use these resources for themselves or share them with loved ones or friends.”

Mental Health Resources
Help is available for people struggling with their mental health or considering self-harm as well as people looking to help a loved one through the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. The Lifeline is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 988 serves as a direct link for suicide prevention and mental health crisis support. Anyone who calls, texts, or chats with 988 will be directly connected to trained, compassionate mental health crisis response counselors. Callers to 988 can also connect with the Veterans Crisis Line or assistance in Spanish. 988 call centers provide support for individuals considering suicide, self-harm, or any behavioral or mental health need for themselves as well as people looking for help for a loved one experiencing a mental health crisis.
Pennsylvania’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Resource guides offer information related to mental health screenings, help with finding a mental health or SUD treatment professional, resources for housing insecurity, help with trauma, and assistance with contacting your county assistance office and county drug and alcohol office, and applying for benefits.
More free resources are also available to assist Pennsylvanians with mental health needs connect with longer term support in their community.

Substance Use Disorder Resources
Individuals seeking substance use treatment or recovery resources for themselves or a loved one can call the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This helpline is confidential, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is staffed by trained professionals who will connect callers to resources in their community. Callers can also be connected with funding if they need help paying for treatment. Treatment Atlas is also available for Pennsylvanians and their loved ones to search for and compare SUD treatment facilities using criteria such as location, services offered, and insurance accepted so they can find the best treatment for their unique needs.“While the holidays are usually filled with celebrations, gatherings and cherished times with family and friends, the very same things can be overwhelming and triggering for those who are battling a substance use disorder. We want everyone to know that no one is alone. Help is always available,” said DDAP Deputy Secretary Kelly Primus. “DDAP’s Get Help Now resource is just one phone call away. It’s open every hour of every day; someone will always be on the end of the other line– including on holidays.”

Naloxone
Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose caused by an opioid drug (e.g., prescription opioid medication for pain or heroin). When administered during an overdose, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and restores breathing. Pennsylvanians can obtain naloxone at their local pharmacy by using the Secretary of Health’s standing order. Residents can also get naloxone mailed to their home when completing a short training through a partnership with NEXT Distro.“During the holiday season, we should all be especially vigilant for signs that someone may need a helping hand or a listening ear,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “Another way to help neighbors and loved ones who may be struggling with substance use disorder is by carrying naloxone. I encourage everyone to get the facts about substance use disorder and carry naloxone wherever you go, because you never know when you will have the opportunity to save a life.”

Resources for People with Intellectual Disabilities & Autism
DHS’ Office of Developmental Programs has resources developed by self-advocates to provide helpful tips and suggestions for people with intellectual disabilities & autism to manage stress during the holidays. These tips include:Being aware of potential sensory issues and trying your best to explain them to other people so they can assist if you’re feeling overstimulated;Talking to a trusted friend or family member about expectations for the gathering;Using coping skills and having an exit plan if you need to excuse yourself;Making sure you have a safe, comfortable place when you come home to decompress; and,Understanding self-care and knowing what works best for you in holiday situations.
Additional information and resources can be found at www.myodp.org or www.paautism.org.

Public Assistance Programs
DHS encourages Pennsylvanians having trouble meeting basic needs to apply for programs that can help them stay healthy and safe through the winter months. Programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), cash assistance, and other programs can be applied for at any time through COMPASS. DHS’ public assistance programs can also help connect recipients to training and education programs that can help them find success in the workforce.
On-site County Assistance Office (CAO) services are also available if recipients cannot access online services or need assistance that cannot be accessed through the COMPASS website, the myCOMPASS PA mobile app, or by calling the Customer Service Centers at 1-877-395-8930 or 215-560-7226 for people in Philadelphia.

For more information on assistance programs available to help Pennsylvanians, visit www.dhs.pa.gov.

The Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality has announced that the following Certification Policy Guidelines (CSPGs) have recently been updated:
            – CSPG 5 – Evaluation of Credentials for Individuals Prepared Outside of the United States
            – CSPG 7 – Level II Certification
            – CSPG 11 – Personal Information Changes for Certificate Holders
            – CSPG 13 – Emergency Permits

Please note that CSPGs are being continually refreshed at Staffing Guidelines on the PDE website. The CSPGs were developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in accordance with 22 Pa. Code § 49.13(b)(10) to provide guidance involving compliance with state laws governing certification and staffing practices in school entities within the Commonwealth. They also provide clarification to educators regarding:
(1) the issuance of professional certificates,
(2) the grade level and content scope of certificate subject areas, and
(3) the appropriate certificate for staffing professional positions in public schools.

In the CSPGs, you will find valuable information related to certificate eligibility as well as the proper staffing practices that will help achieve educational excellence in the schools of the Commonwealth. Currently 85 percent of all CSPGs have been updated to reflect changes in certification and/or Chapter 49 requirements. The refresh will continue for the remainder of the year.

Questions regarding CSPGs should be sent to [email protected].