The Census 2000 Brief (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2004b) indicates that English is not the heritage language of approximately one in five Americans, and the number of limited English proficient (LEP) students, also known as English language learners (ELLs), grew about 50 percent in the last decade. It is estimated that nearly 400,000 ELL…

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…

Recent amendments to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provide school officials with increased flexibility to address infractions committed by handicapped students. If a conduct code pertaining to all students has been violated, a district may suspend or place a disabled student in an alternative setting for up to 10 days. (MLH)

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…

Recognizes the benefits of mediation for easing special education conflicts, but addresses the inconsistencies and ambiguities created by the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Recommends that state and local education agencies use mediators certified in sophisticated mediation techniques, schooled in…

Reviews the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act relating to short-term and long-term suspension. New protections for students with disabilities and the new tools for administrators to be used in addressing behaviors are discussed, including placement of students with disabilities in interim alternative-educational…

Telephone interviews with 74 Ohio special education directors examined implementation of the Interim Alternative Educational Setting (IAES) requirements in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 (IDEA 97). Most directors reported that no students had been removed to an IAES since IDEA 97 implementation. Home…

Discusses issues related to implementing the new discipline provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997. Litigation that led to the new provisions is described, along with issues relating to conducting functional assessments, making a manifestation determination, generating interim placements, and cessation of…

The relationships among the program, placement, and services for a student with disabilities when planning an appropriate education is discussed. A conceptualization of how these components can be approached in an interactive manner, rather than a strictly linear one, is offered within a framework consistent with the law. (Contains references.)…

Discretion and regulatory flexibility must be managed without violating the amended, reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Misbehaving disabled students may be removed from their educational placements for 10 consecutive days or less--the same punishment meted out to regular students. Longer-term placements need IEP team…

This examination of the interim alternative educational setting for the school discipline of students with disabilities focuses on the legal requirements and their application under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as amended in 1997. Following an introductory background chapter, the concept of interim alternative educational…

This guide from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services in the U.S. Department of Education is designed to assist school administrators in understanding the challenges faced in creating safe, effective learning environments, whole school practices that have dramatically increased effective learning environments, and under what…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires the IEP team to identify ameliorative resources and/or disciplinary measures for disruptive students. A BIP (behavior intervention plan) provides appropriate behavioral programming and related social and psychological services. IDEA does not prohibit principals from reporting crimes to…

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 digest compares the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as amended in 1997, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Comparisons are provided which look at: (1) the type/purpose of each Act; (2) eligibility for services under each Act; (3) whether the Act requires the…