Study plan- Lesson 1: Policies and Legal Requirements of IDEA

1st principle of IDEA

Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

: All students, regardless of ability, receive education tailored to their needs at no cost. 

2nd principle of IDEA

Appropriate Evaluation:

Accurate evaluations to identify and address students' specific needs.

3rd principle of IDEA

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

plans that outline goals and support students with disabilities 

4th principle of IDEA

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE):

Students with disabilities are included in general education settings 

5th principle of IDEA

Parent and Student Participation:

Families and students are actively involved in decisions

6th principle of IDEA

Procedural Safeguards:

Ensures students' and families' rights are protected, guaranteeing fair processes 

what is EAHCA

• EAHCA (1975):

  • Required IEPs

  • Guaranteed FAPE in the least restrictive environment

what is IDEA

• IDEA (1990):

  • Expanded protections and diversity

  • Added early intervention, transition planning, and parental involvement

  • Included behavior strategies and positive supports

Eligibility Categories of IDEA (Thirteen)

• To qualify for special education under IDEA, a student must meet certain criteria.

• Eligible disabilities include: autism, deafness, emotional or intellectual disabilities, learning or speech impairments, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairment

• The condition must negatively impact academic performance.

Individual Education Programs- 1st part

Present levels of performance

students' present performance in school, as well as how their impairment impacts their participation and advancement in the general education curriculum,

Individual Education Programs- 2nd part

Annual goals

Students are expected to meet certain, measurable, relevant, and time-bound goals.

Individual Education Programs- 3rd part

Special education and related services

outlines special education services and aids that the student will receive

Individual Education Programs- 4th part

Participation with non- disabled children

explains the extent to which a student will NOT participate with non disabled peers in regular classes and activities 

Individual Education Programs- 5th part

Participation in state and district wide assessments

Participation in state and district wide assessments- individual accommodations are required to measure a child's academic achievement and functional performance on state and district wide exams. 

Individual Education Programs- 6th part

Transition plan

(age 16+): Post-secondary goals and needed services.

Individual Education Programs- 7th part

Progress monitoring

How progress is measured and reported to parents.

Individual Education Programs- 8th part

Duration of services

Start date, frequency, location, and length of services.

Individual Education Programs- 9th part

Accommodations and modifications

describes any accommodations (changes in how the student learns) and modifications (changes in what the student is expected to learn) that will be offered to assist the students' learning and engagement in the general education curriculum.

Least Restrictive Environment- 1

General Ed with Support:

Student stays in regular class with added help (aides, tutoring, tech, accommodations).

Least Restrictive Environment- 2

Partial Inclusion:

Time split between general and special ed with individual instruction.

Least Restrictive Environment-3

Special Education Class:

Full-time specialized class with individualized support.

Least Restrictive Environment-4

Specialized program outside the school district

The student attends a program outside the district (e.g., private schools, residential programs, hospital programs) when their needs cannot be met in the traditional school setting.

General Education Teacher's

Responsibilities: 1

Develop lesson plans that facilitate learning and engagement for all students

General Education Teacher's

Responsibilities: 2

Monitor the progress for all students regularly

General Education Teacher's

Responsibilities: 3

Communicate effectively with students and their families 

General Education Teacher's

Responsibilities: 4

Work with the special ed teacher to create and apply needed supports for students with disabilities.

General Education Teacher's

Responsibilities: 5

Collaborate with special ed teacher on inclusive lesson plans; schedule and supervise paraprofessionals in the general ed classroom.

General Education Teacher's

Responsibilities: 6

Regularly update the special ed teacher on student performance and collaborate on final grades