The U.S. Department of Education today announced plans to expand from four to six the number of special education regional parent technical assistance centers to enhance the information flow to parents of students with disabilities and forge stronger relationships between parents and professionals. A seventh national center will coordinate the work of the regional centers.

In an announcement published in today's Federal Register, the department said it would hold a $2.4 million grant competition to operate the centers. They will, in turn, provide information to the department's special education Parent Training and Information Centers, at least one of which is located in every state.

"One of the most frequent concerns expressed by parents during our reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) public forums centered on improving collaboration with professionals and building positive relationships based on trust," said Robert Pasternack, assistant secretary for special education and rehabilitative services. "The expansion of this network is evidence of our commitment to parents; working with them to improve results for children with disabilities."

This expanded system comes as increasing demands are being made for information on accountability, the relationship between IDEA and the No Child Left Behind Act, innovative approaches to professional development, recruitment and retention, and the educational improvements emerging from research in such areas as progress monitoring and positive behavior support techniques.

To view online the Federal Register announcement on the grant competition, visit http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/
edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-17360.htm or the department's website on Federal Register notices at http://www.ed.gov/news/fedregister/index.html. General information on Education Department grants is located at http://www.ed.gov/index.jsp. Click "Finding & Applying" under the Grants and Contracts heading.

Information on the Office of Special Education Programs' Parent Training and Information Centers can be found at http://www.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/resources.html.

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