Before releasing model forms and guides for public use,  the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) Special Education Services department is required to provide the general public with an opportunity to comment on the proposed forms or guides. Federal regulations, at 34 C.F.R. 300.165, specify that prior to the adoption of any policies and procedures needed to comply with the IDEA, the State must ensure that there are opportunities for comment available to the general public, including individuals with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities. In its Analysis of Comments and Changes to the federal regulations, the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) stated that the public participation requirements, specified in 34 C.F.R. 300.165, apply when a state education agency develops model forms (Federal Register, August 14, 2006, p. 46699-46700).

KSDE uses public comment as a valuable resource in an effort to develop the very best model forms and guides for Kansas schools. These proposed documents will be posted on the KSDE web site for public comment for at least 30 days. The public may comment on the proposed documents during the comment period by: (a) submitting a letter addressed to: Kansas State Department of Education, Special Education Services Team - Public Comment, 120 SE 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66612; (b) sending an e-mail message addressed to SESPublicComments@ksde.org; (c) attending a public hearing held during the comment period.