From the GAO report, States Could Provide More Information on Education Programs to Enhance the Public’s Understanding of Fund Use, released July, 2010, the following information was collected via a GAO survey between March and April 2010 and through follow-up communications:
American Charter Schools Foundation d.b.a. Sun Valley High School
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Award amount: $27,382
American Charter Schools Foundation D.B.A. Sun Valley High School reported that it used its Recovery Act IDEA award to improve scores on standardized tests, increase special education students’ access and understanding of general education curriculum, and enhance supports and instructional modifications for special education students in the inclusive setting. These funds served over 70 special education students. Specifically, the funds were used to hire a part-time special education coordinator to enhance supports and instructional modifications, purchase instructional materials, and provide related services for special education students such as speech, physical therapy, psychological, hearing and vision services. As a result of these IDEA funds, officials reported that the school was able to improve standardized test scores, improve of dropout and graduation rates, and increase understanding of and accessibility to general education curriculum. Officials indicated that their Recovery Act IDEA award activities were more than 50 percent completed.
Pima Accommodation District
Tucson, AZ 85701
Award amount: $16,917
Pima Accommodation District reported that it used its Recovery Act IDEA award to provide related special education services to the new 18–to 21-year-old special education inmates at the Pima County Adult Detention Facility so that they can acquire a General Equivalency Diploma or work toward high school completion. These funds targeted 32 students in one school. Specifically, the funds were used to purchase direct and support services, buy instructional material, provide special education staff development, and provide inmates with transitional support. As a result of these funds, officials reported that the district was able to provide 4 hours of daily instruction in the adult special education classroom to inmates at the jail facility. They indicated that their Recovery Act IDEA award activities were fully completed.
Mesa Arts Academy
Mesa, AZ 85210
Award amount: $36,983
Mesa Arts Academy reported that it used its Recovery Act IDEA award for staff salaries and to purchase supplies and computer equipment to maintain or improve the quality of special education services. These funds supported one school serving approximately 230 children, including 15 special education students. Specifically, the funds were used to increase the instructional hours of the speech and special education teachers, as well as purchase supplies, assistive technology, and computer equipment. As a result of these IDEA funds, officials reported that school increased special education students’ access to resources and instruction. They indicated that their Recovery Act IDEA award activities were more than 50 percent completed.
South Pointe Public Charter Middle School
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Award amount: $33,948
South Pointe Public Charter Middle School reported that it used its Recovery Act IDEA award to improve scores on standardized tests, increase special education students’ access and understanding of the general education curriculum, and enhance supports and instructional modifications for special education students in the inclusive setting. These funds served over 35 special education students. Specifically, the funds were used to hire a part-time special education coordinator to enhance supports and instructional modifications, purchase instructional materials, and provide related services for special education students such as speech, physical therapy, psychological, hearing, and vision services. As a result of these funds, officials reported that the school was able to improve standardized test scores, improve dropout and graduation rates, and increase understanding of and accessibility to the general education curriculum. They indicated that their Recovery Act IDEA award activities were more than 50 percent completed.
Tucson Unified District
Tucson, AZ 85719
Award amount: $4,938,806
Tucson Unified District reported that it used its Recovery Act IDEA award to hire and retain staff to provide services to students with disabilities, order assistive technology, and purchase updated software for students with academic difficulties. These funds supported over 8,000 students with special needs who receive services in more than 100 schools in the district. Specifically, the funds were used to hire 15 new teachers and over 30 new paraprofessionals to work with students on a one-to-one basis. Other staff were contracted to provide therapy services and translate documents into Spanish. Additionally, devices for better movement, sight, and hearing were used to meet the adaptive needs of students. Updated software was ordered for students with academic difficulties and for better case management of these students. As a result of these IDEA funds, officials reported that they expect the district to improve academic performance and help students gain access to the general curriculum. They indicated that their Recovery Act IDEA award activities were more than half completed.
