Special Education Law History

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History of Special Education Law Felicia Rumsey Grand Canyon University: SPE 350 08/11/2013 Kendra Williamson-Henriques [pic] Introduction There are different levels of disability which require different evaluations and services. In this paper I will discuss what disabilities entitle a child to special education and services under the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142). I will also discuss the rights afforded to this child under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997 (Public Law 105-17). Finally, I will discuss the similarities and differences between both acts. Education for All Handicapped Children Act The Education for All Handicapped Children…show more content…
The first area changes were in is evaluation and curriculum. In this area, the IDEA amendment stated a child’s IEP should provide an explanation the modifications used so the child can participate in state and district-wide assessments. The evaluation and curriculum area also stated that disabled students should have admittance to the general education core curriculum; parents should be informed about their child’s educational growth, provide consent and help determine the need for evaluations or reevaluations, and help make placement decisions; the IEP should discuss positive strategies to deal with behavioral issues; and a general education teacher should participate in IEP meetings of students who take part in general education classrooms. The next area with changes is procedural safeguards. These changes include: providing information to parents in a comprehensible manner, parents have access to all records relating to their child, and preserve the due process safeguard and mediation resource when needed. Another area that saw change is discipline. These changes allowed the school to take disciplinary action against disabled students. If a student’s behavior requires disciplinary action such as suspension to be taken then the school reserves the right to suspend the student. However, the school is still…show more content…
I have discussed what disabilities qualify for special education and related services. I have also discussed what rights a disabled child has in the school system as well as the rights of educators and parents. Finally, I have discussed what similarities and differences make these two acts work together as one. References Knoblauch, B. (1998). An overview of the individuals with disabilities education act amendments of 1997.ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education, Retrieved from http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=ED430325&site=ehost-live&scope= (1987). Disabilities: An overview. ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education, Retrieved from http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=ED291203&site=ehost-live&scope= ----------------------- When special education services are required, the state and district is responsible for providing a free and appropriate public education for the child in the least restrictive
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