Family members are a child's first and most important teachers. A growing body of research demonstrates that when families are actively engaged in their child's learning, children are better prepared for school and achieve at higher levels. Increased participation by families in pre-kindergarten programs has also been linked to greater academic…

Examines the 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Ac,t noting the law's alignment with standards-based reforms and new provisions in four areas: individualized education programs, state performance goals, student assessments, and funding. Discusses content standards and the general education curriculum, case studies of…

This article provides an overview of several funding sources for assistive technology devices, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Medicaid, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 1987, vocational rehabilitation services, and private insurance. Suggestions for making successful claims…

This report reviews the status of federal programs for children with exceptionalities in the context of the major changes resulting from the 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). An analysis by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) notes the effectiveness of the Act, failure of the federal government to meet…

This report presents an overview of the revised preschool funding formula under the 1997 amendments of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and perceptions of some state education agencies (SEA) staff on the initial impact of the funding changes. New features include a hold harmless base amount that is equal to the preschool grant…

This report explains federal programs for children with exceptionalities and reviews federal financial support for special education and gifted programs. It analyzes Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) programs with information on appropriations, authorizing provision, purpose, who receives funding, kinds of activities supported,…

This report explains federal programs for children with exceptionalities and reviews federal financial support for special education and gifted programs. It analyzes Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) programs with information on 2003 appropriations, authorizing provision, purpose, who receives funding, kinds of activities…

This article reviews changes in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that were intended to encourage school districts to provide special education and related services to children with disabilities enrolled in private schools and that have resulted in the denial of services in a number of significant cases. (Contains references.) (CR)

Input from a variety of viewpoints is essential in complex policy discussions. Families serving on local interagency coordinating councils (LICCs) and state interagency coordinating councils (SICCs) should reflect the diversity of families served within the early intervention or preschool service system with respect to income level, ethnicity,…

This report presents an analysis of research on the state of transition, post-secondary education, and employment outcomes for youth and young adults with disabilities over the past 25 years. It identifies what has worked in the areas of transition planning, services, and supports. It also considers what should work in light of unmet needs and…

This is a transcript from a Joint Hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources and the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and the Workforce that addresses the U.S. Department of Education's development of regulations necessary to implement the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of…

This policy analysis examines how states are implementing the substantially changed requirements relating to the distribution of federal IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Part B funds (Sections 611 and 619) as set forth in regulations issued in 1999. Interviews were conducted with nine state education agencies (SEAs) on the effect…

This paper discusses three Federal programs related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): (1) Part H, the Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities; (2) Section 619 of Part B, the Preschool Grants Program; and (3) under Part C, the Early Education Program for Children with Disabilities (EEPCD). An overview of each of…

This paper discusses the Person's with Disabilities Act (PDA) passed in 1995 in India and compares it with the United State's Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1997. The comparison indicates the PDA is more limited in its coverage, does not include due process procedures, and does not fund the education of individuals with…

This memorandum from the federal Office of Special Education Programs to chief state school officers presents questions and answers related to the obligations of public agencies in serving children with disabilities who are placed by their parents in private schools under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997. The 45…