IDEA- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a legislative act that was designed to ensure that all students were provided a free and appropriate education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. The law was enacted in 1990 and reauthorized in 1997 and 2004.

IDEA encompasses 6 principles.

via greatschools.org

Principle 1: A Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

            FAPE says that all eligible students will be educated at public expense and the education given will be appropriate and geared to the needs of each student.

Principle 2: Appropriate Evaluation

            Qualifying students must be tested if deemed necessary or if requested by the child’s parents. The evaluation methods must not be discriminatory in any way.

Principle 3: Individualized Education Program (IEP)

            An IEP must be designed for each student. A team of educators, administrators, and parents develops an IEP. It provides an educational plan for each student with measurable goals.  It must be reviewed and revised annually.

Principle 4: Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

            The goal of the least restrictive environment is to ensure that students spend as much time in the general education classroom as possible. Accommodations must be made in order for students to participate in P.E., art, music, field trips, and extracurricular activities.

Principle 5: Parent and Student Participation in Decision Making

            IDEA requires schools to include the student’s parents in all aspects of decision-making.

Principle 6: Procedural Safeguards

            The various safeguards are in place in order to protect the rights of all students and parents.
To learn more about IDEA, click here.