The Alberta Standards for Special Education are effective in September 2003 and require school boards to effectively identify and deliver programs for students with special needs in grades 1-12. Emphasis is on consistent and enhanced educational practice within the Canadian province so that students with special needs will receive appropriate programming and services irrespective of their location within the province. The standards are organized into the following four areas: (1) access--standards that address identification, referral, assessment, specialized assessment, right of access to records, and coordinated services; (2) appropriateness--professional standards, individualized program planning, program implementation and evaluation, parent involvement in decision making, and placement; (3) accountability--reporting (school board policy and procedures), reporting to parents, program monitoring and evaluation, and participation in provincial assessments; and (4) appeals. The document ends with a glossary, the text of relevant sections of the School Act, and policy statements regarding educational placement of students with special needs and special education. (DB)