This prospectus describes the U.S. Department of Education's legislative proposal for the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as reflected in two bills: H.R. 1986 and S. 1075. The report outlines the purposes of IDEA and its positive impact. The report then presents six principles of the Department's vision for IDEA: (1) align IDEA with state and local education improvement efforts, (2) improve results for students with disabilities through higher expectations and access to the general curriculum, (3) address individual needs in the least restrictive environment for the student, (4) provide families and teachers with necessary knowledge and training to effectively support students' learning, (5) focus on teaching and learning, and (6) strengthen early intervention to help ensure that every child starts school ready to learn. Specific proposals address the issues of assessment, individualized education programs, state performance goals, student evaluations, eligibility, federal and state funding formulas, record-keeping and paperwork, services for minority students, comprehensive support programs, the connection between families and schools, and safe and disciplined classrooms. Appendices include information on parents' rights and due process. (Contains 68 references.) (CR)