Understanding the Perkins V State Plan

What is Perkins V?

The Perkins V Act, formally known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2021, is the latest reauthorization of the federal law that funds and guides the education of students with disabilities in the United States. Its primary goals are to increase academic outcomes, improve postsecondary transitions, and ensure that all students receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that meets their unique needs.

Perkins V builds on the previous four reauthorizations by emphasizing evidencebased practices, strengthening data collection, and giving greater flexibility to states and local districts while maintaining strong federal oversight.

One of the most visible outcomes of Perkins V is the requirement that each state develop a comprehensive State Plan. This plan outlines how the state will allocate federal funds, support local agencies, and measure progress toward the laws objectives.

By the end of this page you will understand the purpose of the State Plan, its required components, and how it impacts students, families, educators, and policymakers.

Word count so far: 197

State Plan Basics

The State Plan is a publiclyavailable document submitted to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) each year. While each state tailors the plan to its specific context, the law sets minimum elements that must be addressed.

• Funding Allocation: How the state will distribute the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) and the Perkins V grant monies.
• Eligibility Criteria: Definitions of who qualifies for services under Part B of the IDEA.
• Technical Assistance: The support ED will provide and the states own assistance to districts.
• Data Systems: Description of state data collection, reporting, and use for continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Processes for involving parents, students, teachers, and advocates.
• Performance Indicators: Measures used to gauge success, aligned with the national priorities.

Because the plan is required to be transparent, most states publish it on their department of education website. The document is typically 3050 pages, including tables, timelines, and appendices.

Word count so far: 320

Key Components of a Perkins V State Plan

1. Funding Formulas and Allocation Strategies

States must describe the formula used to distribute Perkins V funds to local education agencies (LEAs). Common approaches include:

• Weighted perpupil allocations based on the number of students with disabilities.
• Targeted grants for specific initiatives such as careertechnical education, early intervention, or assistive technology.
• Equity adjustments for highneeds districts.

2. StateWide Goals and Priorities

Each plan outlines measurable goals that align with the four national priorities:

1. Improving academic and functional outcomes.
2. Aligning secondary and postsecondary transitions.
3. Providing highquality early childhood services.
4. Promoting evidencebased practices.

3. EvidenceBased Interventions

Perkins V requires states to identify and fund proven strategies, such as:

• Response to Intervention (RTI) models.
• Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) frameworks.
• Assistive technology deployments.

4. Data Collection and Reporting

Robust data systems are essential. Plans must describe:

• How studentlevel data (enrollment, assessments, outcomes) will be gathered.
• Annual reporting timelines to ED.
• Use of data dashboards for public transparency.

5. Professional Development and Technical Assistance

States must outline programs that build educator capacity, including:

• Workshops on individualized education program (IEP) development.
• Coaching models for special education teachers.
• Online modules focused on transition planning.

6. Stakeholder Involvement

Effective plans incorporate voices from:

• Parents and families.
• Students with disabilities (including youth advisory councils).
• Special and general education teachers.
• Community agencies and vocational partners.

Word count so far: 590

Implementation & Accountability

Once approved, the State Plan becomes the framework for how Perkins V funds are spent and how progress is monitored.

Annual Reviews

States must submit an annual performance report to ED showing:

• Funds expended versus projected.
• Progress on statewide goals using the defined performance indicators.
• Challenges encountered and corrective actions.

Site Visits and Audits

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) conducts periodic site visits. These reviews verify compliance with the plan, examine data integrity, and assess the effectiveness of interventions.

Consequences for NonCompliance

If a state fails to meet its obligations, ED may withhold a portion of the grant or require a corrective action plan. Conversely, states that demonstrate strong outcomes can receive additional discretionary funding.

Continuous Improvement Cycle

Perkins V encourages a feedback loop:

1. Collect data.
2. Analyze outcomes against goals.
3. Identify gaps.
4. Refine strategies and allocate resources accordingly.

Word count so far: 770

Resources for Further Exploration

• U.S. Department of Education Perkins V Overview
• OSEP Perkins V Resources
• National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE)
• Parent Center Hub Guide for Families
• National Center on Teacher Effectiveness Implementation Tools

These links provide access to the full text of the law, sample state plans, data tools, and professional development modules.

Word count so far: 845

Conclusion

The Perkins V State Plan is more than a bureaucratic requirement; it is a strategic roadmap that determines how millions of dollars are used to improve the educational experiences of students with disabilities. By defining funding formulas, setting measurable goals, emphasizing evidencebased practices, and mandating transparent data collection, the plan seeks to create equitable outcomes across every district.

For educators, understanding the State Plan reveals where resources are available and how to align classroom practices with state priorities. For families, the plan offers a window into the supports their children are entitled to and a mechanism for holding agencies accountable. For policymakers, it provides a structure for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and making datadriven decisions.

Staying informed and engaged with the Perkins V State Plan ensures that the promise of a highquality, inclusive education becomes a lived reality for all students.

Total word count: 1012