Differentiated Monitoring and Support (DMS) 2.0
In 2016, OSEP began implementing differentiated monitoring and support (DMS) with states as part of its Results Driven Accountability (RDA) system for both Part B and Part C. Under RDA, OSEP made a shift from monitoring based solely on compliance to monitoring and support focused on both compliance and improving results for children with disabilities.
OSEP differentiates its approach for each state based on the state's unique strengths, progress, challenges, and needs, and according to their policies and procedures and their implementation for each of the following three components of a states' general supervision system:
- Fiscal
- General Supervision (Integrated Monitoring, Sustaining Compliance and Results, Data and SPP/APR)
- Dispute Resolution (State Complaint, Due Process, Mediation)
DMS 2.0 Schedule and Phases
Beginning in Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2020, OSEP launched DMS 2.0. OSEP has provided this Overview of the OSEP DMS System and DMS 2.0 Framework with Evidence and Intended Outcomes to help inform states and stakeholders about DMS 2.0.
Part B and Part C general supervision systems are monitored by OSEP according to a five-year cycle. Each state is assigned a specific monitoring cohort over the five years. States in each cohort will engage in a three-phase cycle of DMS 2.0 monitoring activities with OSEP.
| Team A | Team B | Team C | Team D | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort 1 2021 | KY-B 11/2023 | KY-C 05/2023 | SC-B 11/2022 | MI-C 05/2022 | AK-B 06/2022 | NY-C 12/2022 | CO-B 12/2023 | CO-C 12/2022 |
| AR-B 11/2022 | AR-C 05/2022 | NV-B 11/2023 | NV-C 05/2023 | ID-B 06/2023 | ID-C 12/2023 | MT-B 06/2023 | MT-C 06/2022 | |
| Cohort 2 2022 | ND-B | ND-C | ME-B | ME-C | KS-B | KS-C | IN-B | IN-C |
| AL-B | DC-C | AS-B | AS-C | NE-B | NE-C | GA-B | GA-C | |
| IA-B | IA-C | TN-B | TN-C | UT-B | UT-C | IL-B | IL-C | |
Phase 1: Document Request and Protocol Interviews
The OSEP monitoring team will begin working with the State to prepare for the Phase 2 visit. Phase 1 will occur 5 months prior to the Phase 2 on-site/virtual visit. The OSEP monitoring team will use the component protocols to review all relevant publicly available information prior to working with the State. State engagement will include responses to OSEP's requests for documentation and targeted interviews on the component-specific protocols.
Phase 2: On-site/Virtual Visit through issuing of the Monitoring Report
Based on information collected during the Phase 1 work, OSEP will develop an agenda for the on-site/virtual visit with participating states focusing on the issues that require further exploration, deeper looks, or additional discussions. Following the on-site/virtual visit OSEP will develop a report of their findings.
Phase 3: Follow-up and Close-out
In the year following the on-site visit, the OSEP will work with the State to ensure correction of any remaining outstanding findings, provide technical assistance, and support, and discuss progress in improving identified results areas.
Additional Information from OSEP
OSEP has provided information to states about DMS 2.0 in numerous National TA calls since FFY 2020.
ECTA System Framework
The ECTA System Framework for building and sustaining high-quality early intervention and preschool special education systems is a resource for state agencies in preparing early for OSEP DMS 2.0 monitoring. It includes the following components:
produced in collaboration with:
