As required by law, the Department has issued determination letters regarding states' implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  Each state was evaluated on key indicators under Part B (ages 3 through 21) and Part C (infants through age 2) and placed into one of four categories: meets requirements, needs assistance, needs intervention, and needs substantial intervention.  Staff carefully considered states' Annual Performance Reports, information obtained through monitoring visits, and other records.  Most states fell into the top two categories; 30 states met requirements for Part B, and 26 states met requirements for Part C.  No states were in needs substantial intervention on either part.  For states in the lower categories, the IDEA identifies technical assistance or actions which the agency must take under specific circumstances.  The agency works with states that need assistance or intervention using its network of technical assistance centers.  New determination letters are issued annually. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/monitor/factsheet09.html