Administrative Laws - Administrative Laws in Special Education Programs

Definition: Administrative laws in special education are legal requirements schools and districts must follow. These administrative laws are enforced by the U.S. Department of Education. State education agencies and local education agencies are governed by these laws as well.

Special education programs are governed by several layers of administrative laws such as federal statutes and regulations, state statutes and regulations, local board of education policies and procedures, and possibly school based decision making policies and procedures.

These regulations, case law establishing binding and persuasive precedent, and current educational research in developing programs for children under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act also influence policy development and practices in public schools.

Administrative laws specify program requirements and due process procedures schools must follow in the daily operation of special education programs. Administrative laws also establish requirements for mediation, formal complaints, and due process hearings as means of special education dispute resolution for parents and schools.