What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) is a federal law designed to provide students with disabilities access to a quality education in California. IDEA guarantees a “free and appropriate public education” (FAPE) and other individualized supports for students aged 3-21. This law also mandates that an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) be developed to ensure that each student with a disability receives the specialized instruction and services they need in order to succeed in the classroom. IDEA is based on the fundamental principles that students with disabilities should be given an equal opportunity to participate in education and be able to access the same educational experiences as their peers. IDEA also stipulates that schools must provide services which are tailored to the individual needs of each student with disabilities, and that students have the right to participate in all school activities and receive accommodations as needed. Under IDEA, California must develop a system for identifying students with disabilities, providing a thorough evaluation of their individual needs, developing and implementing the appropriate IEP, providing special education and related services to meet those needs, and evaluating the outcomes of the services provided. IDEA also provides parents with the right to be involved in all aspects of their child’s education, and mandates that parents be provided with a written explanation of their child’s individual program and progress.

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What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act?

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