Group items tagged

1997

major retooling of IDEA

PL 105-17

(1) the present level of academic functioning, (2) annual goals and accompanying instructional objectives, (3) educational services to be provided, (4) the degree to which the pupil will be able to participate in general education programs, (5) plans for initiating services and the length of service delivery, and (6) an annual evaluation procedure specifying objective criteria to determine if instructional objectives are being met.

The 1997 Amendments (Pub. L. 105-17) made these changes: Students with disabilities who exhibit less serious infractions of school conduct may be disciplined in ways similar to children without disabilities (including a change in placement) provided that the misbehavior was not a manifestation of the student’s disability. IEPs are now required to state how the student with disabilities will be involved with and progress in the general education curriculum. Transition planning now begins at age 14. Regular educators became part of the IEP team. Benchmarks and measurable annual goals are emphasized. Assistive technology needs of the student are considered by the IEP team. Orientation and mobility services for children with visual impairments are added to the definition of related services. States are required to offer mediation services to help resolve disputes. A variety of assessment tools and strategies are to be used in an effort to gather relevant functional and developmental information. Students with disabilities are included in statewide and districtwide assessment programs or given alternative assessments that meet their unique needs.