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Identifying and Serving Students With Disabilities - IDEA Facts and Questions

Identifying Learning Disabilities in ChildrenSpecial Education FAQsIDEA

"IDEA Programs in Public Schools - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act"

From Ann Logsdon,
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Definition: What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - IDEA?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is the federal law that requires schools to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education.

What Does IDEA Require?

IDEA regulations require schools to conduct activities to locate, identify, and diagnose students with specific learning disabilities(SLDs) and other types of disabilities, ages 3-21 and to provide a complete educational evaluation to determine their eligibility for special education services.

What does an IDEA Special Education Program Include?

For eligible students, schools must develop an Individual Education Program (IEP)that establishes the student's current performance and includes specific goals and objectives for improvement. The IEP establishes what Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) will be provided and what related services are needed. IEPs must contain specific parts AND must be reviewed and revised at least annually, and students must be re-evaluated every three years.

What are IDEA Requirements for Special Education Placements?

To the greatest extent appropriate, students are to be placed, or educated, with their non-disabled peers in the Least Restrictive Environment.

Also Known As: IDEA, special education
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