Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Definition

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law enacted in 1975 that ensures students with disabilities have the right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs. This law mandates that schools create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each eligible student, outlining specific educational goals and the services required to meet those goals, addressing educational policies and inequality in access to quality education for all students.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IDEA has been reauthorized several times, with significant amendments made in 1997 and 2004 to improve accountability and access to services.
2. Under IDEA, schools are required to evaluate students suspected of having a disability and provide services if eligible.
3. IDEA emphasizes parental involvement in the decision-making process regarding their child's education, ensuring they are active participants in developing the IEP.
4. Disputes between parents and schools over the IEP can be resolved through mediation or due process hearings, providing parents a way to advocate for their child's needs.
5. The act also includes provisions for early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities, helping them develop skills before entering school.

Review Questions

• How does the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ensure access to education for students with disabilities?
  • The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ensures access to education by mandating that eligible students receive a free appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs. This is achieved through the creation of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that outlines specific educational goals and support services. Schools are legally required to evaluate students suspected of having disabilities and provide necessary accommodations, which helps level the playing field and address educational inequalities.
• Discuss the implications of the Least Restrictive Environment principle under IDEA on educational practices.
  • The Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) principle under IDEA has significant implications for educational practices as it promotes inclusion of students with disabilities in general education settings whenever appropriate. This approach encourages schools to adapt teaching methods and classroom environments to accommodate diverse learners. By fostering an inclusive atmosphere, LRE not only benefits students with disabilities but also enriches the educational experience for all students by promoting diversity and empathy.
• Evaluate how the reauthorizations of IDEA have impacted educational outcomes for students with disabilities since its initial enactment.
  • The reauthorizations of IDEA have significantly impacted educational outcomes for students with disabilities by enhancing accountability measures and expanding access to services. The amendments made in 1997 and 2004 placed greater emphasis on data collection and reporting, enabling schools to track progress more effectively. This focus on results has led to improved instructional practices, increased parental involvement, and more tailored interventions that cater to the unique needs of students, ultimately aiming to close the achievement gap between students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers.

Related terms

Individualized Education Program (IEP): A legally binding document that outlines the educational plan for a student with disabilities, including specific learning goals and necessary support services.

Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): The right of students with disabilities to receive an education that meets their needs without cost to the parents.

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): The principle that students with disabilities should be educated in the least restrictive environment possible, alongside their non-disabled peers, whenever appropriate.