This guide, designed for families of children with disabilities and educators in Washington state, is intended to provide a shared understanding of special education and encourage partnership for the child's benefit. Each section specifies what families and educators should expect, their responsibilities, possible questions to ask, and their differing perspectives. A summary of federal and state laws and regulations includes highlighted themes of the 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Next, referral procedures are addressed and a timeline of the special education process is provided. Other sections address the following aspects of special education: evaluation; the individualized education program; special education services; placement and least restrictive environment; transition services; and procedural safeguards. Five appendices include: (1) products available from the Washington State special education office; (2) a list of acronyms; (3) definitions and resources about specific disability categories; (4) a list of Washington State resources; and (5) a list of national resources including Internet sites. (DB)