Quality Individualized Educational Programs

1268 Words3 Pages

The educational system in the United States has not always provided comparable education to students with disabilities. Not until 1975, when congress passed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975, were public school systems were required to provide “free and appropriate” education to children with disabilities. This law is currently referred to as Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA). These laws provide a legal precedence to ensure students with disabilities receive special education services (Hallahan, Kauffman & Pullen, 2012, p. 16).
IDEA defines special education as “specifically designed instruction, at no cost to parents, to address the unique needs of a student with a disability. The IDEA identifies instruction conducted in the classroom, in the home, in hospitals and institutions, and in other settings; including instruction in physical education” (Gibb &Dyches, 2007 p. 1). IDEA requires all states provide special education to students with disabilities between the ages of three and 21, identifying five specific requirements, which are (1) free and quality education meeting the states educational standards for students from preschool through secondary-school; (2) a variety of valid assessments and instruments utilized to collect information on a students developmental, academic and functional abilities; (3) if evidence indicates a student is in need of special education an individualized education program (IEP) is developed; (4) student placement in the least restrictive environment appropriate for their disability : appropriate accommodations, with necessary modifications and other services to ensure students are in the most optimal LRE; and (5) reliable and appropriate communicat...

... middle of paper ...

...ests for the future. Some students may want to go to college others may be interested in a vocation. Students can receive services related to training or education in specific skills needed for employment, post-secondary education, and daily or independent living skills. IEP teams will evaluate and contact the other necessary services which can assist the student in fulfilling their goals such as welfare services or community-based programs. The final step of this program will be to inform a student of their legal rights (Gibb &Dyches, 2007 pp. 91-93).

Works Cited

Gibb, G., & Dyches, T. (2007). Guide to writing quality individualized education programs. (2nd

ed.). Boston. MA: Pearson Education.

Hallahan, D., Kauffman, J., & Pullen, P. (2012).Exceptional learners: An introduction to special

education. (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.

Open Document