Bureau of Indian Education Seeks Nominations for Membership on the Advisory Board for Exceptional Children

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On December 4, 2023, the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) issued a notice seeking nominations of individuals to serve on the Advisory Board for Exceptional Children (Advisory Board). There will be three positions available to specifically serve in the areas of Indian persons with disabilities; or State education officials; or State Interagency Coordinating Councils (for States having Indian reservations). Applications are due Wednesday, January 31, 2024.

Eligibility and Nomination Information

Nominations may come from individuals, organizations, and federally recognized Tribes. Interested individuals may also self-nominate. Nominees should have expertise and knowledge of the issues and/or needs of American Indian children with disabilities. A summary of the candidates’ qualifications (resume or curriculum vitae) must be included with a completed nomination application form. Nominees must have the ability to attend Advisory Board meetings, carry out Advisory Board assignments, participate in teleconference calls, and work in groups.

Please submit nominations to Ms. Jennifer Davis, Designated Federal Officer (DFO), Bureau of Indian Education, Division of Performance and Accountability, 2600 N Central Ave., Suite 800, Phoenix, AZ 85004; email to jennifer.davis@bie.edu; or fax to (602) 265–0293. Please click here for the nomination application on BIE’s website.

Background

The Advisory Board was established under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) in an effort to advise the Secretary of the Interior, through the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs, on the needs of Indian children with disabilities. Members of the Advisory Board will provide guidance, advice, and recommendations with respect to special education and related services for children with disabilities in BIE-funded schools in accordance with the requirements of IDEA.

The Advisory Board will also:

(1) Provide advice and recommendations for the coordination of services within the BIE and with other local, State and Federal agencies;

(2) Provide advice and recommendations on a broad range of policy issues dealing with the provision of educational services to American Indian children with disabilities;

(3) Serve as advocates for American Indian students with special education needs by providing advice and recommendations regarding best practices, effective program coordination strategies, and recommendations for improved educational programming;

(4) Provide advice and recommendations for the preparation of information required to be submitted to the Secretary of Education under 20 U.S.C. 1411 (h)(2);

(5) Provide advice and recommend policies concerning effective inter/intra agency collaboration, including modifications to regulations, and the elimination of barriers to inter- and intra-agency programs and activities; and

(6) Report and direct all correspondence to the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs through the Director, BIE with a courtesy copy to the Designated Federal Officer (DFO).

Membership

Pursuant to 20 U.S.C. 1411(h)(6), the Advisory Board is composed of up to fifteen individuals involved in or concerned with the education and provision of services to American Indian infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities. The Advisory Board composition reflects a broad range of viewpoints and includes at least one member representing each of the following interests:

  • American Indians with disabilities;
  • teachers of children with disabilities;
  • American Indian parents or guardians of children with disabilities;
  • service providers;
  • State education officials;
  • local education officials;
  • State interagency coordinating councils (for States having Indian reservations);
  • Tribal representatives or Tribal organization representatives; and
  • other members representing the various divisions and entities of BIE.