Wrightslaw
The Special Ed Advocate Newsletter

Do YOU know what IDEA 2004 says About IEPs, IEP Teams, and IEP Meetings?

Do YOU know what IDEA 2004 says about highly qualified teachers and research based instruction?

In this issue of The Special Ed Advocate, you will learn about important changes in IDEA 2004 about IEPs, IEP teams, research based instruction, and highly qualified teachers. Download this issue.

We are also experimenting with a new format for the newsletter. If you have thoughts or feedback, please drop us a line.

Subscribers on November 8, 2005: 47,382

At Wrightslaw, our mission is to help you gain the information and skills you need to navigate the changing world of special education.

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1. IDEA 2004: Highly Qualified Teachers & Research Based Instruction (RBI)

Did you know that IDEA 2004 includes new language that parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys can use to ensure that children with disabilities are taught by highly qualified teachers and receive research based instruction?

"IDEA 2004 includes new requirements that schools provide 'high-quality, intensive preservice preparation and professional development for all personnel who work with children with disabilities' so all school staff have 'skills and knowledge to improve the academic achievement and functional performance of children with disabilities . . . including the use of scientifically based instructional practices." Read article

To learn about the new requirements for personnel training, scientifically based instruction, and IEPs, read IDEA 2004: How Will IEPs Change Under IDEA 2004?

Learn more about Research Based Instruction

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2. Roadmap to IDEA 2004: What You Need to Know About IEPs, IEP Teams, IEP Meetings

"I understand that parents are no longer required participants on their child's IEP team." - Question from a parent at a Wrightslaw Boot Camp)

When Congress reauthorized IDEA 2004, they made significant changes to the law about Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in several areas, including:

* content of IEPs
* IEP team members
* IEP meeting attendance
* IEPs by agreement
* reviewing and revising IEPs
* transition
* alternate ways to participate in meetings

Are parents no longer required members of their child's IEP team? What does the law say about IEPs, IEP teams and IEP meetings?

To learn what the law really says (which may be different from what you have been told!), read Roadmap to IDEA 2004: What You Need to Know About IEPs, IEP Teams, and IEP Meetings.

Read more "What You Need to Know About IDEA 2004" articles.

Learn more about IDEA 2004.

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3. Free Listings in the Yellow Pages for Kids

Are you a psychologist, educational diagnostician, pediatrician, psychiatrist, or health care provider? Are you an educational consultant, tutor, speech or occupational therapist?

Are you an advocate or attorney who represents children?

Do you facilitate a support or study group for parents?

If you help parents get services for their children with disabilities, please submit an application be listed in the Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities. Just send an email to app@yellowpagesforkids.com for an application.

Listings in the Yellow Pages are FREE!

P. S. If you are already listed, please check your listing to make sure that your contact information and description of your services (25 words or less) is correct.