IDEA 2004 Summary and Key Statutes

Introduction to IDEA 2004

  • On November 17, 2004, the House-Senate Conference Committee made changes to reauthorize the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
  • The full House and Senate voted on November 19, 2004, to reauthorize IDEA, prior to submission to the President for signing into law.

Key Statutes of IDEA to Understand

  • Section 1400: Findings and Purposes
  • Section 1401: Definitions
  • Section 1412: State Responsibilities (the "Catch All" statute)
  • Section 1414: Evaluations and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
  • Section 1415: Procedural Safeguards (Rules of Procedure)
Notable Changes in the Statutes
  • Important subsections exist under these statutes; changes will be highlighted with struck-through text for deletions and italics for additions.
  • Subsections with lesser significance are noted but may not be discussed in depth.

Findings Under Section 1400 (20 U.S.C. § 1400(c))

  • Findings are based on Congressional insights that prompted the law to educate children with disabilities.
  • Key aspects include:
    • (1) unchanged
    • (5) Updates on research over 20 to 30 years.
    • (6) Emphasis on states' responsibilities within educational systems.
    • (7), (8), and (9) focus on resource allocation, conflict resolution, and reducing unnecessary paperwork.
Detailed Findings (1400(c)(11) - (14))
  • (11) Addressing limited English proficient populations and their challenges in special education.
  • (12) Focus on mislabeling and dropout rates for minority children.
  • (13) Reflects on decreased minority participation among special education staff.
  • (14) Graduation rates and essential transition services for children with disabilities to secure post-school success.

Purposes Under Section 1400 (20 U.S.C. § 1400(d))

  • The Purposes section articulates the mission of IDEA and includes the following specifics:
    • (1)(A) Ensuring free appropriate public education (FAPE) for children with disabilities, designed for their unique needs and aimed at further education, employment, and independent living.
    • (1)(C) Ensuring educators and parents have the necessary tools for improving educational results, promoting systemic change and improvement activities.
  • Other subsections (2)-(4) highlight the requirement of effective education systems and support for the development and dissemination of technology services.