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Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Case Study

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Federal laws governing special education students require that they receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) protects the rights of students with disabilities and allows parents to develop an appropriate education for their child. Under this act, schools also receive funding for special educational services. The state of Texas has its additional set of guidelines that schools must follow. These rules are established in the Texas Education Code (TEC) and the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) (Texas Education Agency, n.d.). TEC provides details about the process of creating an Individualized Education Program (IEP), student criteria …show more content…

This includes having integrated co-teaching services, resource rooms, special transportation or equipment, and special classes if needed. These learners also receive transitional support services, which are activities designed to focus on improving their academic and functional achievement. Learners may need this facilitation to move from school to post-school activities, or in preparation for services in a less restrictive environment. In the general classroom setting, special education students must receive all accommodations and modifications at all times. In fact, grades and progress reports must reflect student developments with accommodations. Furthermore, educators refer to the Early Intervention Team (EIT) if students are not progressing. At the district and campus levels, there are strict timelines and schedules to obey. Most importantly, documentation is essential in verifying services have been provided. Prior to making special education referrals, teachers and Response to Intervention (RtI) coordinators must assist struggling students. This guarantees that referrals are appropriate. The special education coordinator and special education department chairperson explained that the campus uses a method for analyzing the achievement gap …show more content…

The special education coordinator noted that “[the principal] really understands what it means to have a well-designed learning environment for our special education students.” She facilitates the development of appropriate student placements and specialist assignments that represent classroom support needs. She is also involved in the IEP process, coordinates with the special education department chair and coordinator, promotes instructional practices responsive to student needs, and implements professional development requirements. Her most important functions in an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meeting are to commit resources and ensure the services set out in the ARD meeting will actually be provided. These efforts are documented and placed in the student record (J. Harrison, D. Gibson, personal communication, February 27,

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