Basic Special Education Questions

When and Why Special Education Started

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act) enacted by Congress in 1975. It requires schools to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with specific eligible disabilities and provide specialized help, education, and other services; this law continues to be revised since the original passage

What is FAPE?

FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education) is the IDEA stating that each child who is disabled requires special education services and will receive FAPE.

Differences between mental retardation and intellectual disability

In October 2010, Rosa's Law was signed by President Obama. Rosa's Law changed the term used for "mental retardation" to "intellectual disability"; the definition of the term itself did not change.

Goals and Purposes

IEP goals are written to show meaningful educational benefits for students based on their ability level; a Supreme Court decision made this change in March 2017.

Goals are written by grade level

• IEP goals are written at the child's instructional level
• Goals do not have to be at grade level unless applicable

Special Education Definition

IDEA [section 300.39] - specially designed instruction that meets the unique needs of a child with disabilities. It provides no cost to parents, and the instructional locations can be in a classroom, home, hospital, institution, or another applicable setting.

The age range for Special Education students

Special education services are generally provided to individuals from newborn through twenty-two years of age if applicable. You can read more online at www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/sr/cefspeced.asp.

Specially Designed Instruction

Instruction adapting to the individual needs of an eligible child--teaching that will ensure access of the child to the general curriculum and meet applicable educational standards.

Adaptation

An adaptation is usually changed to a child's classroom environment, such as moving a child who is easily distracted away from windows, etc.

Accommodations

An accommodation is a change that helps a student overcome or work around their disability.

     i.e., permitting a visually impaired student to use a keyboard with large keys

accommodations for statewide testing should be provided to general education teachers who will be state testing.

Modification

A modification is a change in what is being taught to or expected from the student. 

     i.e., taking a grade level assignment and adjusting it to a child's instructional level

IEP-what is it?

Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is written to provide a child with a disability, specially designed learning. Written by a group of professionals, parents and disabled students (if applicable) addresses goals, testing, services, placement, accommodation, modifications, and eligibility status.

Additional IEP Info

Parents are given reports three times annually to review progress. You may be asked for info during this time. The IEP is reviewed yearly at a team meeting. You may be consulted for info or asked to attend the meeting during this time. The case manager is the Special Education teacher of the student and is primarily responsible for the IEP.

More Info Regarding IEP

It is the role of the RSP teacher and other relevant Special Education team members to contact the general education teacher to get relevant info for writing amendments, IEPS and progress reports.

Who Attends IEP Meetings

• Parent/guardian
• Regular education teacher
• Special Education teacher
• The school administrator and/or representative of the local educational agency (LEA)
• Other relevant professional staff who may have the knowledge or special expertise regarding the child or student if applicable. 

Classroom Support

In the public school setting, some students have an aide who will support students while they are in general education settings. In an online format like Method, RSP and ASC teachers may provide additional support.