Mandates of IDEA  

Ø   LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) determined through IEP, not mandated

Ø   FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) determined through the IEP

Ø   Continuum of services

Ø   IEP (Individual Education Program):

§      PLP [(PLEP) Present Level of Educational Performance]

§      Goals

§      Objectives

§      Services

Ø   Nondiscriminatory Assessment

Ø   Multidisciplinary Assessment

Ø      Due Process/Procedural Safeguards

Summary of Reauthorization of IDEA (1997)

§       IEP’s:

Ø   Content of the IEP will have better focus on enabling the child to participate in general education

Ø   Requires at least one general education teacher on the team, if the student is to participate in general education

Ø   Gives teachers option of establishing benchmarks for progress instead of short term objectives

Ø   School reports on progress periodically, at least as often as students without disabilities

§       Evaluation:

Ø   Clarifies importance of including information provided by parents and using evaluation methods that produce information that is instructionally relevant

Ø   3-year reevaluation may not be required, but must have ongoing data on progress

§       Assessments:

Ø   States are required to include special education students in general state and district assessments with appropriate accommodations.

Ø   Alternative assessments must be conducted for those not taking state or LEA assessments.

Ø   States are required to establish performance goals and indicators for children with disabilities and report regularly on their performance to the public