This document is intended to assist states in implementing the mediation requirements in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended in 1997. These provisions include parent participation in collaborative decision-making and the right of parents to challenge decisions about their child's education program. Increased use of…

This planning resource is meant to serve as "stimulus information" to enable and guide a participatory planning process involving a team of key stakeholders of Parts B (including Section 619) and C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and others who are working to improve services for children and youth with…

This bulletin answers questions concerning grading, graduation requirements, and awarding of diplomas to students with disabilities in Montana. Presented in a question-and-answer format, the guide is based upon letters from the Office of Special Education Programs and Office for Civil Rights concerning the interpretation of federal statutes.…

This memorandum from the federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to state directors of special education presents questions and answers related to inclusion of students with disabilities in state and district-wide assessments under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997. The 26 questions and answers address…

This manual is designed to familiarize mediators with the mediation process and what will occur during a mediation session. Information is provided on the following topics: (1) mediation in special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; (2) advantages of mediation;…

This briefing paper reviews the special education evaluation process for children with disabilities. It discusses the purpose of an evaluation and who is involved in an evaluation. An explanation of the steps of the process includes: (1) using what is known about a child by looking at a child's school file and recent test scores; (2) collecting…

This packet of information consists of a cover letter, reporting requirements, general instructions, supplemental technical instructions, supplemental general information, and an information post card. The materials are provided to complete the 2000 Elementary and Secondary School Civil Rights Compliance Report, which is a survey administered by…

Described are four days of in-service education for those involved with developing and implementing the California Master Plan for Special Education, followed by 14 tips for successful planning for master plan implementation. (KC)

Presented are the results of a survey conducted to determine the impact of state and federal fair hearing mandates on California school districts and county offices of education. The laws governing the selection of fair hearing panels, and the selection process itself, are also included. (KC)

Discussion of postsecondary education as an important option in transition planning for students with disabilities considers: (1) what the law requires of postsecondary education institutions; (2) the information and documentation required at the postsecondary level; and (3) preparation for the transition to postsecondary education. (Contains…

This article reviews changes in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that were intended to encourage school districts to provide special education and related services to children with disabilities enrolled in private schools and that have resulted in the denial of services in a number of significant cases. (Contains references.) (CR)

It is difficult for families dealing with homelessness to enroll their children in school and ensure their daily attendance. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act gives homeless children and youth the right to enroll in school immediately, even if they do not have documents that are usually required for enrollment. The Individuals with…

Fall 2005 enrollment data show approximately 73,000 students under the age of 18 enrolled in California community colleges. Given that students under the age of 18 are legally considered minors, community college faculty and staff are often uncertain about their roles and responsibilities for these students. Laws governing the opportunities for…

This compilation serves as a reference to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in relation to policies and practices of school districts and other entities providing educational services to elementary and secondary level students. The volume begins with a road map of Section 504 in relation to public schools, with an emphasis on students.…

This manual provides an overview of sexual harassment and what can be done about it. Although it deals with laws in California, its general sections and sections of federal laws could be used by persons in any state. The guide contains 12 chapters. Chapter 1 includes a discussion of what sexual harassment is and how it affects society and the…