Statewide Personnel Systems under the IDEA: State Improvement Grants, State Improvement Plans, Comprehensive Systems of Personnel Development

State Improvement Grants (SIG): The purpose of this grant program, authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997, was to assist State educational agencies and their partners with reforming and improving their systems for providing educational, early intervention, and transitional services. IDEA 2004 eliminates the authorization for state improvement grants (SIG) under IDEA 1997. States who currently have SIG may continue with SIG or apply for a new grant.

State Personnel Development Grants (SPDG) The purpose of this new program authorized under the IDEA 2004 Amendments is to assist SEAs in reforming and improving their systems for personnel preparation and professional development in early intervention, educational, and transition services in order to improve results for children with disabilities.

A Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) is a requirement of Part C of the IDEA and includes the training of paraprofessionals and primary referral sources. CSPD includes implementing strategies and activities for recruitment and retention of early education service providers and promoting the preparation of early intervention providers who are fully and appropriately qualified including training personnel to coordinate transition services for infants and toddlers.

• recruitment and retention of personnel
• maintenance of data on personnel and professional development
• professional standards and certification
• alternative training models
• adequate supply of personnel
• personnel preparation and continuing education

The Western Regional Resource Center (WRRC) provides complete information on State Improvement Grants (SIG) and State Personnel Development Grants (SPDG) on their Signetwork Web site.

Part C CSPD Contacts for the states and territories.

Part B State Improvement Grantees for the states and territories.