The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 mandated that states implement standards and test-based accountability systems. In theory, local educators are free to select the means for teaching the standards so long as students achieve a predetermined proficiency level on the exams. What is unclear, however, is how this theory plays out in schools…

In most school systems in the United States, interscholastic sporting events and other extracurricular activities help bring people together while enhancing opportunities for students to become integral parts of their communities. Because of the important role that extracurricular activities, especially sports, play in the lives of students,…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) includes transportation within its definition of "related services." This means that students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) have the right to receive special transportation services if it is needed. Transportation and assistance may be provided to a child whose…

It is the position of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) that students whose healthcare needs affect or have the potential to affect safe and optimal school attendance and academic performance require the professional school nurse to write an Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP), in collaboration with the student, family, educators,…

In December of 2004, the reauthorization of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) was signed into law and went into effect on July 1, 2005, making dramatic changes in the area of transition from school to post-secondary life. The President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education created recommendations that influenced the new…

Public Law 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, will require home economics teachers to participate in preparing individual educational programs for their handicapped students. The article gives requirements of the law and an example of a teacher-made check list for bathroom skills. (MF)

The paper explores aspects of an individualized educational program (IEP) for use with handicapped school age children. An IEP is defined, the target group established, and components of the IEP are outlined. Some of the philosophical and legislative background for the IEP are discussed and its place within the school district framework is…

The development and implementation of individualized education programs as required by the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142) is the subject of this program guide, and the following questions are addressed: (1) What are the programs? (2) For whom must they be developed? (3) When do they become effective? (4) Who is…

Public Law 94-142 requires, in part, that an individualized educational program for each handicapped child be prepared in a joint conference involving, at the very least, a parent, a teacher, and an administrator. (PHR)

Common problems and questions raised in implementation of P.L. 94-142 are dealt with in this pamphlet. The purpose of this publication is to help teachers and other school employees use the law to protect the interests of all children and their own rights as professionals. The following areas of concern are discussed in question-answer format: (1)…

The individualized physical education program must be individualized in many ways to assure every handicapped child a free appropriate education. This document outlines major aspects to be considered in this process. Included are methods for: (1) obtaining information affecting annual goals; (2) approaching motivational techniques and procedures;…

The following laws and their effect on vocational education are reviewed: PL (Public Law) 94-142 (Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975); PL 94-482 (Education Amendments of 1976, Title II); and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, sections 503 and 504. What is meant by "free appropriate public education" and "individualized…

In its annual report, the National Advisory Committee on the Handicapped discusses the idea of an "individualized education program" for each handicapped child and the adjustments it will require of educators. (Editor)

Inclusion of students with disabilities, especially those with mental retardation, has come to mean the placement of all students in general education classrooms, sometimes with limited planning for the individual needs of each student. Several court cases, laws, and movements have brought about the level of inclusion that exists today. However,…

The second of three articles on the "individualized education program" concept set forth in P.L. 94-142 points out the importance of teacher training in making the idea work. (Editor)