Specifications include, but are not limited to: The MAICEI Planning RFP seeks to expand the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI) network by developing new partnerships between high schools in public school districts, families of students who have exited high school, adult service agencies and partnering public colleges or universities to offer inclusive concurrent enrollment opportunities for students with severe disabilities, ages 18-22, as defined in Section 1 of Chapter 71B of the General Law. The purpose of this state-funded planning grant program is to implement and enhance partnerships between high schools in public school districts, families of students who have exited high school, adult service agencies and public institutions of higher education (IHE) to offer inclusive concurrent enrollment opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities, ages 18-22. This grant program must serve students who are considered to have intellectual disabilities in credit and non-credit courses that include non-disabled students. Funded programs will serve students in one of three categories: (1) Students, 18 to 22, who have not passed and/or are not likely to achieve the competency determination necessary for graduation by passing the MCAS exam because of the severe nature of their intellectual disabilities, and are eligible for special education services as documented through an Individualized Education Program (IEP); (2) Students, 20 to 21, who have passed MCAS, but are still eligible for special education with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) because of significant functional disabilities, transition needs, etc. or (3) Students who have exited high school and are no longer receiving special education services through their respective school district. These partnerships will result in improved systems to serve students with severe disabilities and support college and career success and provision of a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. For Priority One, the partnerships will work to develop a comprehensive strategic action plan that details how students with severe disabilities, 18-22 years old, or provided further, that on a discretionary basis public institutions of higher education may choose to additionally include students with severe developmental disabilities over the age of 21 through said grant program; will be supported to participate in inclusive college courses and to develop programs to be implemented during Spring 2024 or Fall 2024 that: promote the development of academic, social, functional, and integrated competitive employment skills related to their post-secondary goals; provide opportunities for the inclusion of students with severe disabilities in credit and non-credit courses with their non-disabled peers; provide linkages to adult agencies and organizations;
