Six Fundamental Principles of IDEA - Answer -Free and Appropriate Public Education
(FAPE)
Appropriate Evaluation
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
Parent and Student Participation
Procedural Safeguards
Primary Purpose of IDEA - Answer -To guarantee children, regardless of their
disabilities, have the right to a free and appropriate public education. Schools must
provide special education services tailored to each student's needs at no additional
cost.
EAHCA or Public Law 94-142 - Answer -Was enacted in 1975 it ensures FAPE in the
LRE and required IEPs for students with disabilities. Later named IDEA in 1990.
IDEA 13 Eligibility Requirements - Answer -Autism
Deaf-Blindness
Deafness
Emotional Disturbance
Hearing impairment
Intellectual disability
Visual impairment
Multiple Disabilities
Orthopedic impairment
Other health impairment
Specific learning disability
Speech or language impairment
Traumatic brain injury
IDEA Eligibility Requirements - Answer -The disability fits IDEA's categories
The disability affects educational performance
The student needs special education and related services
IEP - Answer -Individualized Education Program: provides personalized support to
students, ensuring access to high-quality education.
Educators use IEPs to accommodate various learning needs.
Each IEP is developed under IDEA and is updated regularly updated to reflect student's
progress and changing needs
Parts of an IEP - Answer -1. Present levels of performance
2. Annual goals for academic and skill development
,3. Methods for tracking progress and timeline reports
4. Required special education services and accommodations
5. The extent of participation in regular classroom activities
6. Testing accommodations or alternative assessments
7. Start dates, frequency, and location of services
Role and Responsibilities of General Education Teacher - Answer -1. Develop lesson
plans that facilitate learning and engagement for all students
2. Monitor the progress of all students regularly
3. Communicate effectively with students and their families
4. Collaborate with special education teacher to develop and implement necessary
accommodations, modifications, and adaptations for students with disabilities
5. Work with the special education teacher to create a support plan benefitting all
students, organize paraprofessional' schedules and supervise their activities in the
general education classroom
6. Regularly update the special education teacher on the performance of students with
disabilities in class, and collaborate to assign midterm and final grades
Role and Responsibilities of Special Education Teacher - Answer -1. Establish high
expectations for students with exceptionalities to achieve optimal learning outcomes
while respecting their individual backgrounds and dignity.
2. Demonstrate professionalism by maintaining high competence and integrity, using
sound judgment to support students and their families.
3. Encourage the active involvement and meaningful participation of students with
exceptionalities within their educational environments and communities
4. Collaborate with colleagues to ensure comprehensive support for students with
exceptionalities
5. Cultivate partnerships with families based on mutual respect and be involved in
educational decision-making processes
6. Implement evidence-based practices, instructional data, research findings, and
professional knowledge to inform instructional approaches
7. Avoid any actions that may harm individuals with exceptionalities and adhere to
professional ethics and standards
, 9. Advocate for adequate resources and favorable conditions to improve educational
outcomes for students with exceptionalities
10. Contribute actively to professional development and growth within the field of
special education
11. Share and disseminate professional knowledge and skills to enhance educational
practices.
Common LRE Scenarios - Answer -General education classroom with support
Partial inclusion classroom
Special education class
Specialized program outside the school district
General education classroom with support - Answer -The student stays in the general
classroom all day with additional support (e.g., tutoring, aides, specialized technology,
or accommodations).
Partial inclusion classroom - Answer -The student splits time between general
education and special education settings, receiving individual instruction as needed.
Special education class - Answer -students participate in a specialized instructional
program tailored to their specific learning needs
Specialized program outside the school district - Answer -The student attends a
program outside the district (e.g., private schools, residential programs, hospital
programs) when their needs cannot be met in the traditional school setting.
Policies and Legal Requirements in Section 504 - Answer -Provides legal protections
and accommodations to ensure students with disabilities have equal access to
education. By addressing these needs, section 504 helps create a more inclusive
learning environment in the general education classroom. Section 504 operates under
civil rights law.
A 504 plan addresses disabilities that hinder learning in the general education setting.
This encompasses a wide range of physical and mental impairments
Accommodations - Answer -Changes that help students access the same learning
materials and complete the same assignments as their peers without altering the
content
Modifications - Answer -Changes to what students are expected to learn or do,
adjusting the content or curriculum to better suit their needs.