This document provides an overview of key laws and concepts related to special education, including IDEA, NCLB, ADA, and Section 504. It discusses requirements such as providing a free and appropriate public education, developing IEPs, inclusion, and accountability. Key concepts covered include response to intervention, universal design for learning, differentiated instruction, and evidence-based practices. The roles of teachers, parents, and students in special education are also summarized.

1. Chapter OneMeghan PreissingSped 413/513MSUMJanuary 14, 2011

2. Foundations of Special EducationThe LawPublic Law 94-142, IDEA, NCLB, Section 504, and ADAResearchEvidence-based instruction practicesTeachersThe individuals responsible for the learning environment of the studentsParentsThe parents of students serviced in special education play a vital role in education decisions for their child.StudentsIndividuals with disabilities rights

3. Public Law 94-142Education for All Handicapped Children’s Act (EAHCA)Required states to provide student’s with disabilities a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)This act also provided funding to the states to expand and improve their special education programsThis was passed in 1975

4. IDEAIndividuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) is the new name for PL 94- 142IDEA includes many regulations for states that PL 94-142 did notImportant elements of IDEAStudents must be educated in the Least Restrictive Environment(LRE)LRE – giving special Ed. students as much exposure to the general classroom and general curriculum appropriate for their individual needs Requires schools to develop individual education plans (IEP) for special education studentsEstablished procedural safeguards to protect the rights of parents and students

5. IDEA 2004IDEA 2004 is the most recent authorization of IDEAIDEA 2004 emphasizesStudent and teacher accountability the use of Response to Intervention Greater inclusion of students with disabilities into the general education classroom

6. NCLBNo Child Left Behind Act passed in 2001Changed general and special educationIncreased accountability by testing students to ensure they were meeting statewide standards in reading and mathAllows parents and students to choose different schools if their current school is not meeting annual yearly progress Required higher qualifications of teachersGave schools greater flexibility in the use of education fundsPut greater emphasis on reading by increasing the use of research based instruction

7. NCLB and IDEANCLB and IDEA (2004) were both created to increase the success of schools in AmericaThese changes resulted in a standards based education system Teachers and school districts teaching to ensure all children reach content standards and performance standards

8. IDEA and NCLBThese two laws also changed education by emphasizing the followingInclusionResponse to InterventionMulti tiered instructionUniversal Design for LearningDifferentiated InstructionEvidence –Based PracticeDiversity Empowerment

9. Inclusion“Inclusion does not refer to a physical space; it refers to a condition or state of being.” (Polloway, Patton, & Serna, 2008). Inclusion is a right of students with disabilitiesStudents with disabilities are given the opportunity to feel like they belong to a groupIndividuals with disabilities are given access to general classroom, school activities, and respect by their peers

10. Response to Intervention (RTI)and Multi tiered instructionStudents are taught using research based instructionThis instruction is set up into three tiers Tier one - High quality core instructionTier two – High quality targeted supplemental instructionTier three – High quality intensive instructionLearners are identified as learning disabled after they have responded unsuccessfully to multiple instruction interventions (RTI)

11. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) UDL is used so students with different needs can all learn, be challenged, and feel success while being taught togetherActivities and assessments are flexible to meet the needs of the students and their individual goalsAccommodations and modifications are established prior to lesson implementation so many students can learn simultaneously

12. Differentiated Instruction UDL and differentiated instruction when used together have the potential to make learning a positive experience for a variety of studentsDifferentiated instruction involves making the challenge appropriate for students of different abilitiesDifferentiated instruction also involves teaching using different types of instruction designed for different types of intelligences

13. Evidence – based practiceResearchers and teachers coming together to create repeatable educational methodsResearch and education have not always aligned because of different perspectives but, now there is more emphasis on the importance of them intertwiningTeachers who use proven instructional methods increase the success of their studentsResearchers who design tests to meet the needs of teachers and students increase the success of students

14. Diversity and EmpowermentEducators must be aware of the diverse needs of their studentsStudents are diverse in many waysBehaviorCultureRaceSettingEconomic statusSexual orientationIntellectDevelopmentPhysical abilityTeachers must empower their students by raising their confidence and determinationTeachers can empower students by teaching them these skillsDecision makingProblem solvingIndependent livingGoal settingSelf-understandingLeadershipSelf-advocacyLocus of control

15. ADA and Section 504Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 are two civil rights acts that protect students with disabilities as well These acts ensure that those with disabilities have access to public buildings and programs that receive federal fundingStudents who do not qualify for special education services under IDEA may receive assistance through Section 504

16. Special EducationParents, teachers, and students come together to provide proper instruction and tools to give students with disabilities a meaningful life as independent as possible