Planning and Prevention Strategies Reduce Problems at IEP Meetings

by Judith Greenbaum, Ph.D.

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Resources to Help You Understand IDEA and Michigan Law

IDEA and Its Regulations

Because states base their programs for students with disabilities on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its final federal regulations, it is helpful for educators and parents to read and become familiar with the law itself. This law is reauthorized every five years—most recently at the end of 2004. New regulations are expected to be released in late 2005 or early 2006.

To obtain a copy of the the law and/or the final federal regulations, contact: Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Attn: New Orders, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. Charge orders may be telephoned to: (202) 512-1800. A copy is also available at the CEN Web site.

For a copy of the revised statute, request a copy of The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004.

For a copy of the federal regulations, request the most recent version of IDEA’s regulations. For the regulations related to IDEA 1997, ask for the Code of Federal Regulations: Title 34; Education; Part 300-399. Final regulations for IDEA 2004 are not expected until late 2005 or early 2006. There will be a minimal charge for both of these documents.

A useful Web site for obtaining these materials is the OSEP-funded IDEA Partnership Projects at: http://www.cec.sped.org/law_res/doc/law/index.php.

IDEA 2004 and the federal regulations for IDEA 1997 are also available at no cost by download or for purchase through the Center for Educational Networking (CEN) at (800) 593-9146 ext. 4.

Michigan Law and Regulations

IDEA provides minimum requirements that states must meet in order to receive federal funds to assist in providing special education and related services. Michigan law and regulations may go beyond federal requirements in some areas, so it is important to learn more about Michigan's laws as well. The following resources can help:

2002 Revised Administrative Rules for Special Education. The State rules, effective June 6, 2002, include revisions as of May 2005 and references to selected federal regulations.

Procedural Safeguards Available to Parents of Children with Disabilities. Revised July 28, 2005, this 18-page document provides Michigan parents of children with disabilities, from birth to age 26, an overview of their educational rights with respect to special education.

These state documents are available at no cost by download from www.cenmi.org or for purchase through the Center for Educational Networking (CEN) at (800) 593-9146 ext. 4.

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