§ 14.142. Caseload for special education.

 (a)  This chart presents the maximum caseload allowed on a single teacher’s roll for each school district.

 (b)  A school district may request approval for a caseload chart which varies from that in subsection (a) as part of its special education plan consistent with §  14.104 (relating to educational plans). The caseload and supporting documents submitted shall:

   (1)  Ensure the ability of assigned staff to provide the services required in each student’s IEP.

   (2)  Apply to special education classes operated in the school district.

   (3)  Provide a justification for why the chart deviates from the caseload chart in subsection (a).

   (4)  Describe the opportunities for parents, teachers and other interested parties to review and comment on the chart prior to its submission.

 (c)  Classes or programs with students from more than one district regardless of whether operated by a school district, intermediate unit, or agency shall follow the caseload chart of the district where the class or program is located. Intermediate unit itinerant services provided to multiple districts shall follow the caseload chart under subsection (a).

 (d)  Caseloads are not applicable to approved private schools.

 (e)  The Department may withdraw approval of variance in the caseload chart for a school district if its caseload is determined to be inadequate. The Department will consider at least the following indicators when making the determination:

   (1)  Graduation rates of students with a disability.

   (2)  Drop-out rates of students with a disability.

   (3)  Postsecondary transition of students with a disability.

   (4)  Rate of grade level retentions.

   (5)  Statewide and district-wide assessment results as prescribed by § §  4.51 and 4.52 (relating to State assessment system; and local assessment system).

 (f)  The maximum age range shall be 3 years in elementary school (grades K-6) and 4 years in secondary school (grades 7-12). A student with a disability may not be placed in a class in which the chronological age from the youngest to the oldest student exceeds these limits unless an exception is determined to be appropriate by the IEP team and is justified in the IEP.

   The provisions of this §  14.142 adopted June 8, 2001, effective June 9, 2001, 31 Pa.B. 3021.

   This section cited in 22 Pa. Code §  14.141 (relating to terminology related to educational placement).