"Learning disability" is a general term that describes specific kinds of learning problems. A learning disability can cause a person to have trouble learning and using certain skills. The skills most often affected are: reading, writing, listening, speaking, reasoning, and doing math. Following a brief story about a child with a learning…

This resource guide on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is designed to inform parents about the programs available to children with disabilities. The first section describes the necessary steps for getting services (i.e., prereferrals, referrals, evaluations, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. Another…

This article outlines person centered planning (PCP) methods to assist in the review and revision of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities. Two methods of PCP are explained and illustrated with case studies. The article describes uses of PCP methods for IEPs and concludes by suggesting ways that PCP methods may…

This article defines standards for developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for gifted students. Recommendations for developing annual goals and short-term learning objectives that are complex, open-ended, flexible, and yet measurable for purposes of assessment and accountability. Parent involvement before, after, and during IEP…

This module was developed as part of a federally funded study group project, to answer the question of how students with severe disabilities can actively participate in lessons within regular elementary classrooms alongside their nondisabled peers, while still meeting their individualized goals and objectives. The module presents a brief overview…

This single-sheet eight panel brochure provides guidelines for parents on effective participation in meetings with school personnel to discuss their child's individualized education program (IEP). Included are an explanation of what the IEP contains; the settings in which it can be implemented; the non-academic, extracurricular, and supportive…

A child with a disability who has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Accommodation Plan may need extra help and support to participate in school. It takes thoughtful planning to choose adaptations, based on a child's disability, to help the child learn or have access to learning. Appropriate accommodations vary with…

This guide is intended to help Ohio parents to participate more fully in the development of their child's Individualized Education Program (IEP). The guide addresses the following aspects of the IEP process: the vision statement; present levels of performance; the need for specific performance statements (with examples of bad and good statements);…

This booklet offers a humorous perspective on important guidelines for developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities which respect the values of collaboration, student and family leadership, and full inclusion. Humorous section titles and cartoons illustrate important principles: "Developing an IEP Shouldn't Be…

In a question-and-answer format, this single sheet outlines the rights of parents in the special education process, as provided by Public Law 94-142, including the right to a free appropriate public education for the child, to request a re-evaluation, to have the child tested in the child's primary language, and to participate in the development…

The manual is intended for training surrogate parents of handicapped children according to Minnesota and federal statutes and regulations. Section 1 provides an overview of the surrogate parent program, noting relevant legislation, functions, rights, and responsibilities. Section 2 reviews the history of special education and related state and…

This study examined parent perceptions of the paraeducator's role. Observations of paraeducators and students with disabilities were conducted in inclusive classrooms. Some para-educators worked as general classroom assistants, while others worked one-on-one with students with special needs. Each parent of a child with special needs was shown…

Evaluation is a process that helps parents and schools determine whether a child has a disability. Under IDEA a "child with a disability" is one who qualifies for special education and related services. A child cannot receive special education without an evaluation. Evaluation is completed in all areas of suspected disability. The…

This issue of the "Quarterly Resource" focuses on Head Start's role in complying with federal regulation concerning Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for young children with disabilities. The report spells out the responsibilities of the local education agency and of the Head Start program. It discusses membership on the…

This bibliography, intended for families, lists 65 resources on assessing children for the presence of a disability. Resources are intended to ensure that all members of the Individualized Education Program team, including parents, have an appropriate base of information. Resources were published from 1983 through 1994 and are grouped into the…