IDEA Update

What is the IDEA?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) is our nation’s special education law. Congress originally enacted the IDEA in 1975 to make sure that children with disabilities had the opportunity to receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). As of July 1, 2005, we are under the most recent re-authorization enacted in December 2004.

The IDEA guides how states and school districts provide special education and related services to eligible children with disabilities. The State education agency is charged with full implementation and enforcement of the federal mandate.

Eligibility for Special Education and Related Services

The IDEA identifies the categories of disabilities that states must serve. The statute requires that ALL eligible children and youth be identified and provided appropriate services; an individualized education program (IEP) team develops an individualized education program (IEP). To be determined eligible, a child must: (1) be determined to be a child with a disability; and (2) be determined to need special education and/or related services in order to make progress in the general education curriculum. The delivery of an individualized education program to an eligible student is determined to constitute FAPE.

To review the proposed regulations for the new IDEA, visit www.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/idea2004.html.

Source: Facts About Special Education in Michigan—April 2005, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services.

Look for Updated Special Education Documents from the MDE

The Michigan Department of Education has recently updated many documents to align with IDEA 2004. To view or download these documents, visit www.michigan.gov/ose-eis and select Administrative Forms, Guidelines, and Procedures.