This handbook provides guidelines for the operation of local special education programs for Alaskan children with disabilities. It addresses: (1) the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997 and basic concepts of special education; (2) identification of students with disabilities, referral, screening programs, and regular education intervention; (3) evaluation and eligibility for special education services; (4) development of the Individualized Education Program (IEP), participants in IEP meetings, guidelines on IEP preparation, content of the IEP, transition, assistive technology devices, charter schools, correspondence schools, private schools, juvenile and adult correctional facilities, review of the IEP, and IEPs for children from infant/toddler programs; (5) placement in the least restrictive environment; (6) program exit and graduation requirements; (7) procedural safeguards and confidentiality; (8) personnel and personnel development; (9) special education state and federal funding; and (10) compliance monitoring and maintaining student records. Appendices include forms for reporting federal data, child identification forms, evaluation and eligibility forms, IEP and placement forms, procedural safeguards and confidentiality forms, personnel forms, sample transition plans, assistive technology information, information on classroom accommodations, and forms for functional behavioral assessments and behavioral intervention plans. A glossary is also included, along with a list of relevant resources. (CR)