This document provides answers to questions frequently asked by parents and practitioners about the mandates and requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 (IDEA). The 29 questions are organized into six sections: (1) background information on the IDEA (history of IDEA, and obtaining copies of IDEA and…

Presented in a question-and-answer format, this paper discusses educational requirements under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It addresses: (1) eligibility for a 504 accommodation plan; (2) what is meant by reasonable accommodation; (3) what is meant by the "substantially limit a major life activity" standard; (4) the…

This document presents guidance for stopping discrimination, harassment, and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students in schools. Section 1, "Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund on the Legal Considerations for Creating and Changing Statewide Laws and Policies," discusses the various types of statewide…

This package (with manual, CD-ROM, videotape, and lists of Web-based resources) was designed to assist administrators, service providers, family members, policymakers, and other stakeholders in locating information about Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 1997 (IDEA) that will help in implementing both the legal requirements…

Designed for educators, related service providers, parents, and others, this compact disc provides information on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997. Contents include the statute in its entirety, complete final regulations, and analysis of comments taken verbatim from the Federal Register of March 12, 1999. Also included are…

These guidelines are intended to assist North Dakota educators in locating, identifying, and evaluating children and youth with special educational needs. They provide detailed information regarding required practices and recommended procedures in the areas of public awareness, child find, screening, referral, and the complete evaluation process.…

This pamphlet outlines requirements for a free, appropriate, public education (FAPE) for students with disabilities under Section 540 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Requirements include: (1) ensuring that all school age children who have disabilities are entitled to FAPE; (2) providing an appropriate education that includes educational…

This guide explains the process of developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a student with disabilities and is based on requirements of the original Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the amended Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997. Following an introduction, the first section outlines the…

Although Section 19 of the British Education Reform Act is often seen as denying special needs pupils' entitlement to the National Curriculum, this article offers suggestions for more positive applications of the legislation. The article presents a case study, a flow chart illustrating the recommended process, an example of curricular…

School board members can influence legislation by conveying accurate information, building coalitions and grassroots support, and understanding legislators and their political climate. Offers suggestions from experts on how to lobby more effectively. Lists seven resources, and contains a brief glossary of legislative terms and a brief primer of…

Practical lessons in lobbying at the state level include the following: practice friendly persuasion and good timing; accentuate the positive; and be consistently accurate and honest. Lists 19 do's and don'ts of lobbying. (MLF)

Examines likely changes in the roles and responsibilities of public school personnel from the implementation of disciplinary provisions of the 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Also addresses implementing functional behavioral assessments and behavioral intervention plans, and provides guidelines for implementing…

This article analyzes the legal requirements and regulations regarding the discipline of students with disabilities found in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Amendments of 1997) as well as policy statements of the Office of Special Education Programs and the results of state-level due-process hearings. Guidelines for school…

This article reviews topics concerning the transition of students with learning disabilities into the work setting, including: definition of learning disabilities, relevant federal legislation, importance of transition planning, "best practices" in transition planning and programming, special problems in working with students who have learning…

This article describes a process to encourage student-led Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and student ownership for their own education. Sections address preparing for the IEP meeting and research results on students' involvement. Insets summarize three levels of student involvement, relevant sections of the Individuals with…