Office of special education; created; duties.

A. The "office of special education" is created in the department. The "deputy secretary for special education" shall be appointed by the secretary on the basis of education and experience in special education. The deputy secretary shall direct the activities of the office and shall directly report to the secretary. B. The office shall: (1) ensure that students with disabilities are provided with the same opportunity for education as students without disabilities; (2) verify that all students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education, regardless of the nature or severity of the disabilities; (3) ensure stability and consistency of services for students with disabilities; (4) develop and maintain a statewide uniform online system for the formulation of individualized education programs and require all school districts to use the system to document services, monitor progress and ensure consistency, fidelity and compliance with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act time lines and safeguards; (5) enforce laws regarding the education of students with disabilities, including the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Special Education Act, and monitor compliance with laws that prohibit discrimination against students with disabilities; and (6) consult with a committee of school district superintendents and charter school head administrators selected by their peers on a quarterly basis to plan and implement continuous improvement measures related to the systems and services provided to students with disabilities throughout the state.