This paper addresses issues in determining the most appropriate placement for a student with a disability, emphasizing that Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams must adhere to legal requirements related to placement in the least restrictive environment. The paper addresses: federal requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities…

Under provisions of the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments, school officials may change a disruptive student's placement before the situation escalates and requires disciplinary measures. IDEA's purpose is to address students' disabilities, including those causing them to misbehave. Also, disabled students may be suspended…

Examines some obstacles to full implementation of provisions of the 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Explores ways middle schools might overcome these obstacles, primarily by viewing behavior problems as errors in learning that can be ameliorated through quality instruction. Discusses ways in which schools must…

Identifies amendments to Public Law 105-17 that relate to physical education and inclusion of students with disabilities, discussing their implications. The paper highlights issues related to Child Find, personnel training, and Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team members and program development. Sidebars discuss reauthorization procedures,…

Under the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments, all states must now include students with disabilities in statewide and districtwide educational assessments. So far, Kentucky is the only state with a comprehensive alternative portfolio-assessment program for students unable to participate in "regular" testing…

Explores the concept of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) in the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments and examines how its recently released federal regulations direct the statute's implementation. The goal is to clarify the direction of the new regulations, and to examine their prospects for supporting the provision…

This document presents text and data tables excerpted from the 1999 U.S. Department of Education's "Twenty-First Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)" (1999) related to two programs: the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities, Part C of…

As a political concept, inclusion captures the moral high ground by signifying something more desirable than "exclusion." However, not all parents of children with disabilities view mainstreaming as feasible or desirable. The 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act supports a movement away from full inclusion back to special…

This paper discusses 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that promote the inclusion of children with disabilities in general early childhood education settings. The evolution of inclusion policy is explored and changes in disability terminology are described. Amended provisions are then explained and include:…

This booklet provides parents of children with disabilities with information on procedural safeguards guaranteed in special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 1997 (IDEA). Topics covered include: (1) required notice of procedural safeguards; (2) parent participation; (3) prior written notice; (4) parental consent; (5)…

This collection of issue papers addresses the inclusion of students with disabilities who are labeled disruptive in general education classrooms. The publication begins by summarizing new provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997. The provisions make it clearer that students with disabilities must be…

This guide is intended to offer suggestions for enhancing educational opportunities for young children in Iowa with special needs in the least restrictive environment (LRE) as required by both state and federal law in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as amended in 1997 (IDEA 97). Emphasis is on IDEA 97's definition and…

A teacher and mother of a child with mental retardation examined the history and current status of the inclusion movement. A review of the historical background considers the origins of special education, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, major court cases, and requirements of the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with…

This ERIC digest provides highlights of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 (P.L. 105-17). Changes to general provisions of the law are explained, as well as changes in other areas, such as outcomes and standards, evaluations and curriculum, procedural safeguards, discipline, early intervention, and teacher training…

As part of a statewide pilot program, Florida schools are implementing instructional delivery systems to mainstream more students with disabilities and develop more special/general educator partnerships. Effective coteaching models have common planning time, flexibility, risk-taking, defined roles and responsibilities, compatibility, communication…