Special Education (IDEA)

Issue Brief and Resources

Background: Reauthorizing Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

On December 3, 2004, President Bush signed the long-awaited Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 that reauthorized the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) through 2011. NSBA lobbied effectively for significant changes that shifted program emphasis from one of compliance to improving education outcomes and accountability for all students. The original IDEA was passed in 1975 and its primary purpose remains unchanged – to guarantee a free, appropriate public education to every child with a disability.

Why is This Important To Your School District?

Two issues have emerged that will require the attention of local school boards: (1) the inappropriate use of restraints and seclusion; and (2) the impact of EEOC regulations implementing the Americans with
Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008 on local school districts as both educational institutions as well as
employers.