IDEA Through Time
Before the 1970s, how was education viewed for students with disabilities?
Education was not considered a right, and many students with disabilities were denied access to schooling.
How many disability categories are recognized under IDEA?
13
What does FAPE stand for?
Free Appropriate Public Education.
What does RTI stand for?
Response to Intervention.
Name two required members of an IEP team.
Parent/guardian, special education teacher, general education teacher, LEA representative, student (when appropriate), or related service providers.
What federal law was enacted in 1975 to protect the rights of students with disabilities?
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA), also known as EHA.
Which IDEA category includes conditions such as ADHD?
Other Health Impairment (OHI).
What does LRE stand for?
Least Restrictive Environment.
What two scores are compared in the discrepancy model?
IQ scores and standardized achievement test scores.
Why is the general education teacher an important member of the IEP team?
They provide insight into curriculum expectations and help implement accommodations in the classroom.
Why is the 1975 EAHCA considered the foundation of IDEA?
It was the first law to guarantee a free public education and due process rights for students with disabilities.
Which disability category focuses on speech and communication difficulties?
Speech or Language Impairment
How do FAPE and LRE work together in an IEP?
FAPE ensures free and appropriate services, while LRE ensures students are educated with nondisabled peers as much as possible.
What is the purpose of Tier 1 in the RTI model?
To provide strong everyday instruction for all students.
What is the role of the LEA representative?
To ensure the school can provide and fund the services in the IEP.
How did the focus of IDEA change in 1990?
It shifted from simply providing access to focusing on outcomes and effectiveness of educational programs.
How does a specific learning disability differ from an intellectual disability?
A specific learning disability affects particular academic skills, while an intellectual disability affects overall cognitive functioning.
Why does least restrictive environment not always mean full-time general education placement?
Some students require specialized instruction or supports that cannot be fully provided in a general education classroom.
Why is RTI considered more proactive than the discrepancy model?
RTI allows teachers to take immediate action using real classroom data rather than waiting for test score discrepancies.
Why must IEP goals be measurable?
So student progress can be tracked over the school year.
What became major areas of focus for IDEA after 2015?
Equity, proper identification of students with intellectual disabilities, and reducing disproportionate disciplinary removals.
Why is accurate identification of disability categories important?
It ensures appropriate services are provided and helps reduce inequity and misidentification.
How can excessive disciplinary removals conflict with LRE?
They can unnecessarily remove students from their educational placement and increase segregation.
Why is the discrepancy model less helpful for daily classroom instruction?
It is not curriculum-based and relies heavily on testing rather than classroom performance data.
Why are service delivery details important in an IEP?
They specify the frequency, location, and duration of services to ensure the IEP is implemented correctly.