IDEA (Special Education) – $12 Billion
The Department of Education has $12 billion in IDEA or Special Education funding. IDEA is the acronym for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The funding is being distributed in proportion to the number of students with special needs. This funding represents an increase in the amount available for each applicable student. The additional funding will go where the regular special education funding has already gone.
The Federal Department of Education has published guidance for use in investing the stimulus funds:
- Spend funds quickly to save and create jobs.
- Improve student achievement through school improvement and reform.
- Ensure transparency, reporting, and accountability.
- Invest one-time ARRA funds thoughtfully to minimize the “funding cliff”. (A funding cliff is defined as a program or investment that is not sustainable when the stimulus funds are exhausted).
When will the money be available?
50% of the funds will be disbursed to states prior to the end of March 2009. States should distribute IDEA funds to local school districts by the end of April 2009. The remaining 50% will be made available from July 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009 after states provide updated Consolidated Applications, record keeping, and reporting information to the US Department of Education.
Who will decide what to purchase?
The decision makers at schools and school districts include 11,700 special education directors at school district offices, and school principals at 2,000 special education schools, 3,700 alternative schools, and special needs educators at other public schools.
At the district level, you should get your offer in front of the directors of federal programs, staff development, curriculum, transportation, technology, alternative education, psychological testing, and parent involvement, as well as social workers.
At the school building level, appropriate targets would be special needs educators, technology coordinators, physical/occupational therapists, guidance counselors, and before/after school supervisors.
MCH can help you target these decision makers with high-quality marketing data. Request more information by using this form or call us now at 1-800-776-6373.
What will they be buying?
Schools must spend the money to address the special needs of diverse students with learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, physical and emotional challenges, etc. Products and services that will be purchased include supplementary materials, staff development, testing materials, manipulatives, books, audio visual equipment, media, and computer hardware, software, networking and support.
In summary, the IDEA funds represent a 40%-50% increase for many school systems. If you’ve been marketing special education materials, redouble your efforts. If you haven’t marketed special education materials yet, call MCH today for an evaluation or use this form to request more information.
MCH is America’s leading compiler of business-to-institution marketing data. We have more than 80 years of experience helping companies sell to schools, school districts, and other educational institutions. Contact us today to find out how you can effectively target the $12 billion in new IDEA funding.
