D662 Personalized Learning for Inclusive Classroom
(Notes 2025) Western Governors University
, Policies, Practices, and Legal Requirements Graphic Organizer
Instructions: Use this graphic organizer to reflect on your development as you learn more about policies, practices, and
legal requirements. This will help you prepare for your performance assessments.
Complete the notes column for each topic in the course. Reflect on how the topics could be demonstrated in professional
settings such as in your interactions with WGU instructors, program mentors, or in a P – 12 classroom setting.
Lesson 1: Policies and Legal Requirements of IDEA
Topic Notes
The primary purpose of IDEA is to guarantee that all children, regardless of their disabilities, have the right to a
free and appropriate public education. This law means that schools must provide special education services
tailored to each student's individual needs at no cost to their families. IDEA also aims to prepare students with
disabilities for further education, employment, and independent living after school.
6 core principles of IDEA:
• Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): All students, regardless of ability, receive education tailored
to their needs at no cost.
Six Fundamental • Appropriate Evaluation: Accurate evaluations to identify and address students' specific needs.
Principles of IDEA • Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): Customized plans outlining goals and support for each student with
a disability.
• Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Students with disabilities are included in general education
settings whenever possible.
• Parent and Student Participation: Families and students are actively involved in decision-making.
• Procedural Safeguards: Ensures students' and families' rights are protected, guaranteeing fair processes
in educational matters.
Students with disabilities were excluded from public schools before the 1970’s until 1975 when the Education
for All Handicapped Children Act(EACHCA) was enforced. Also known as Public Law 94-142, which guaranteed
FAPE in the least restrictive environment and required IEPs for students with disabilities.
History and
It was renamed IDEA in 1990, expanding protections and promoting inclusivity. It also introduced early
Evolution of intervention, transition planning, and increased parent involvement. In 1997, it included alternative means of
Special Education addressing dangerous and disruptive behaviors while at the same time continuing the instructional and positive
Law behavioral supports necessary to help students with disabilities meet their educational goals. Current IDEA law
promotes a more proactive approach to student discipline by requiring the Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
Team to assess the need for positive behavioral supports(rather than behavior management).
(Notes 2025) Western Governors University
, Policies, Practices, and Legal Requirements Graphic Organizer
Instructions: Use this graphic organizer to reflect on your development as you learn more about policies, practices, and
legal requirements. This will help you prepare for your performance assessments.
Complete the notes column for each topic in the course. Reflect on how the topics could be demonstrated in professional
settings such as in your interactions with WGU instructors, program mentors, or in a P – 12 classroom setting.
Lesson 1: Policies and Legal Requirements of IDEA
Topic Notes
The primary purpose of IDEA is to guarantee that all children, regardless of their disabilities, have the right to a
free and appropriate public education. This law means that schools must provide special education services
tailored to each student's individual needs at no cost to their families. IDEA also aims to prepare students with
disabilities for further education, employment, and independent living after school.
6 core principles of IDEA:
• Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): All students, regardless of ability, receive education tailored
to their needs at no cost.
Six Fundamental • Appropriate Evaluation: Accurate evaluations to identify and address students' specific needs.
Principles of IDEA • Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): Customized plans outlining goals and support for each student with
a disability.
• Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Students with disabilities are included in general education
settings whenever possible.
• Parent and Student Participation: Families and students are actively involved in decision-making.
• Procedural Safeguards: Ensures students' and families' rights are protected, guaranteeing fair processes
in educational matters.
Students with disabilities were excluded from public schools before the 1970’s until 1975 when the Education
for All Handicapped Children Act(EACHCA) was enforced. Also known as Public Law 94-142, which guaranteed
FAPE in the least restrictive environment and required IEPs for students with disabilities.
History and
It was renamed IDEA in 1990, expanding protections and promoting inclusivity. It also introduced early
Evolution of intervention, transition planning, and increased parent involvement. In 1997, it included alternative means of
Special Education addressing dangerous and disruptive behaviors while at the same time continuing the instructional and positive
Law behavioral supports necessary to help students with disabilities meet their educational goals. Current IDEA law
promotes a more proactive approach to student discipline by requiring the Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
Team to assess the need for positive behavioral supports(rather than behavior management).
