IDEA Amendments of 1997[Publications | Text-only Publications ]



NOTE: This publication is approximately 43 pages long when printed.

NICHCY News Digest 26
(Revised Edition)
June 1998

The IDEA Amendments of 1997
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A publication of....

NICHCY
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
P.O. Box 1492
Washington, DC 20013
1-800-695-0285 (Voice/TTY)
(202) 884-8200 (Voice/TTY)
E-mail: nichcy@aed.org
Url: http://www.nichcy.org
___________________________

This information is copyright free. Readers are encouraged to copy and share it,
but please credit the National Information Center for Children and Youth with
Disabilities (NICHCY).
___________________________

After two years of analysis, hearings, discussions, and other legislative
activities, both the Senate and the House of Representatives have passed
legislation that reauthorizes and amends the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA). President Clinton signed the bill into law on June 4,
1997. The reauthorized legislation is called the "Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act Amendments of 1997," and is Public Law 105-17.

This News Digest provides readers with an overview of the major changes to the
IDEA, as well as a detailed, point-by-point look at the law, including verbatim
language of portions of the law itself. Information is presented in a
side-by-side analysis, with portions of the "old" IDEA's requirements presented
on the left side of the page, and the "new" IDEA's requirements (and specific
language) presented on the right. This presentation will allow readers to
readily see some of the principle areas where the IDEA has changed and where it
has remained essentially the same.

This document is intended for individuals who are already familiar with the
previous IDEA and who want to know the specifics of IDEA 97. This includes state
and local education agency personnel such as administrators and special
education directors; Parent Training and Information (PTI) center staff and
advocates; school personnel such as principals, special educators, and general
educators; and other people who have a base of knowledge about this important
legislation.

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Getting a Copy of the New IDEA

There are several places from which you can obtain a copy of the new
legislation. The quickest of these are Internet sites that have posted the law
in its entirety. If you have access to the Internet, try:
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/IDEA on the web site of the Office of Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), at the Department of Education;
choose "The Law."

For a nominal fee, you can also obtain a copy of the new law by contacting:
Superintendent of Documents, Attention: New Orders, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh,
PA 15250-7954. Charge orders may be telephoned to the Government Printing Office
at (202) 512-1800. Ask for a copy of Public Law 105-17, the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997.
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An Overview of the Changes

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 bring many
changes to the law that was initially passed in 1975 as P.L. 94-142. That law,
known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, or the EHA, has
guaranteed since 1975 that eligible children and youth with disabilities would
have available to them a free appropriate public education (FAPE) designed to
meet their unique educational needs. P.L. 94-142 has been amended many times
since its original enactment, each time after lengthy debate and consideration.
This latest reauthorization includes many modifications to the law. Some of
these changes are significant, while others subtly fine tune the processes
already laid out for schools and parents to follow in planning and providing
special education and related services to children and youth with disabilities.

What are some of the most significant changes to the IDEA? Basically, the
changes fall into several areas that are critically important to the special
education process. These include:

-- participation of children and youth with disabilities in State and
districtwide assessment (testing) programs;

-- the way in which evaluations are conducted;

-- parent participation in eligibility and placement decisions;

-- development and review of the Individualized Education Program (IEP),
including increased emphasis upon participation of children and youth with
disabilities in the general education classroom and in the general curriculum,
with appropriate aids and services;

-- the addition of transition planning;

-- voluntary mediation as a means of resolving parent-school controversies; and

-- discipline of children with disabilities.

This overview looks at each of these issues briefly, then refers the reader to
the side-by-side analysis of how the IDEA has been changed to address each
issue. (A numbering system will be used to refer the reader to the appropriate
place in the side-by-side. For example, the text might read, "See #15." Readers
should look for the discussion in the side-by-side numbered "15.")

If you are interested in locating a specific issue or change, you may wish to
refer to the INDEX at the end of this document.

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Changes Not Covered
in This Document

Space does not permit us to cover all the changes that reauthorization has
brought to the IDEA. We have selected for discussion those modifications and new
requirements that most directly affect how services are provided at the local
level -- for instance, IEP changes, behavioral issues and discipline -- and
those changes that, although made Statewide, affect families and the
professionals who work with them -- such as mediation and assessment of children
with disabilities.

Not discussed are changes to the law that are highly administrative in nature,
such as state funding formulas, the state-local funding split, and school-based
improvement plans. Plans are to make discussion of these changes available
separately.
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Including Children and Youth with Disabilities in Assessments

Whether or not students with disabilities should take part in assessments
(testing) conducted across their State or district has been an area of
controversy over the years. If these students are included, what type of
modifications and accommodations, if any, should be made to ensure that their
disabilities do not get in the way of their demonstrating what they know or can
do?

IDEA 97 explicitly requires States to include children with disabilities, with
accommodations when necessary, in State and districtwide assessment programs.
For children who cannot participate in regular assessments, States must develop
alternative assessments by 2000.

To read the verbatim language of the new IDEA regarding these requirements, see
#19 in the side-by-side analysis.
Evaluating Children

The IDEA 97 amends the way in which children with disabilities are: (a)
evaluated initially to determine whether or not they have a disability, and (b)
reevaluated every three years to determine whether or not they continue to have
a disability. This section highlights some of the changes made to both the
initial evaluation process and the reevaluation process.

Initial evaluations. As previously required by law, before a school may provide
special education and related services to a child for the first time, a full and
individual initial evaluation of the child must be conducted. Also as before,
parents must give their informed consent to this initial evaluation. The initial
evaluation is conducted to determine:

--whether a child is a "child with a disability," as defined by IDEA 97 in
Section 602(3); and

--the educational needs of the child.

The process by which schools answer these questions has changed under IDEA 97.
The school begins, if appropriate, by reviewing existing evaluation data on the
child, including evaluations and information provided by the parents, current
classroom-based assessments and observations, and observations of teachers and
related services providers. The group of individuals involved in this review is
the IEP Team and other qualified professionals, as appropriate. On the basis of
that review, and input from the parents, the team identifies what additional
data, if any, are needed to determine:

-- whether the child has a particular category of disability [as described in
Section 602(3)];

-- the present levels of educational performance and the educational needs of
the child;

-- whether the child needs special education and related services;

-- whether any additions or modifications to the special education and related
services are needed to enable the child to meet measurable annual IEP goals and
participate, as appropriate, in the general curriculum.

This latter aspect--identifying the additions or modifications the student needs
to the special education and related services--may appear to apply exclusively
to reevaluation of a student, as opposed to an initial evaluation. However, even
as part of an initial evaluation, it will be important for the team to
contemplate what additions or modifications the student will need to his or her
special education and related services and look at the existing evaluation data
to determine if, indeed, the team can identify this information.

If the team identifies additional data that are needed, the local educational
agency (LEA) must then administer such tests and other evaluation materials as
may be needed to produce the data identified by the team.

Generally, IDEA 97 maintains previous requirements with respect to the use of
appropriate, sound, and nondiscriminatory evaluation practices (e.g., not using
any single procedure as the sole criterion for determining whether a child has a
disability or for determining the appropriate educational program for the child;
using technically sound instruments; providing and administering tests and other
evaluation materials in the child's native language or other mode of
communication, unless it is clearly not feasible to do so). IDEA 97 adds the
specific requirement that the local educational agency must use a variety of
assessment tools and strategies to gather relevant functional and developmental
information about the child that will help determine not only whether the child
is "a child with a disability" as defined in Section 602(3) of the law, but also
that directly assist persons in determining the educational needs of the child.
This includes gathering information related to enabling the child to be involved
in and progress in the general curriculum (or, for preschool children, to
participate in appropriate activities).

Thus, under IDEA 97, the major changes to the initial evaluation process,
generally, are:

-- The team needs to look at existing evaluation information and use it, if
appropriate.

-- Parents are entitled to provide input about their child during the
evaluation.

-- The initial evaluation needs to yield data that can be used to determine the
student's eligibility for special education and related services AND to inform
decision making with respect to what would be an appropriate education for that
child.

The use of existing evaluation data is expected to prevent unnecessary
assessment of students and reduce the cost of evaluations.

Following the initial evaluation of the child, the determination of whether the
child is a "child with a disability," as defined within IDEA, must be made by a
team of qualified professionals and the child's parents. (Parental involvement
in the eligibility decision is a new requirement in IDEA and is discussed
further below.) A copy of the evaluation report and the documentation of
determination of eligibility must be given to the parents.

The team of qualified professionals and the parent making the eligibility
determination must take into consideration another new provision of the law--the
"Special Rule for Eligibility Determination." This provision states that, in
making an eligibility determination, "a child shall not be determined to be a
child with a disability if the determinant factor for such determination is lack
of instruction in reading or math or limited English proficiency" [Section
614(b)(5)].

When the proposed IDEA 97 was sent to Congress, it was accompanied by the Report
[to accompany S. 717]--S. 717 was the bill number given to the proposed
legislation. This report explained the intent behind proposed changes. With
respect to the law's "Special Rule for Eligibility Determination," the report
states: "The committee intends that professionals, who are involved in the
evaluation of a child, give serious consideration at the conclusion of the
evaluation process to other factors that might be affecting a child's
performance. There are substantial numbers of children who are likely to be
identified as disabled because they have not received proper academic support.
Such a child often is identified as learning disabled, because the child has not
been taught, in an appropriate or effective manner for the child, the core skill
of reading. Other cases might include children who have limited English
proficiency... The committee believes that this provision will lead to fewer
children being improperly included in special education programs where their
actual difficulties stem from another cause and that this will lead schools to
focus greater attention on these subjects in the early grades." (Committee on
Labor and Human Resources, 1997, p. 19)

Reevaluations. Under the previous law, each student receiving special education
and related services was reevaluated every three years in all areas related to
his or her disability. The purposes of this reevaluation were to determine if
the child continued to be a "child with a disability" (as defined within IDEA)
and what his or her present levels of educational performance and educational
needs were.

Under IDEA 97, an LEA must ensure that a reevaluation of each child with a
disability is conducted if "conditions warrant a reevaluation or if the child's
parent or teacher requests a reevaluation, but at least once every 3 years"
[Section 614(a)(2)(A)]. The new law, however, has streamlined the reevaluation
process. Many of the aspects described above under initial evaluation apply as
well to reevaluation. Now, at least every three years, the IEP Team and other
qualified professionals, as appropriate, must review existing evaluation data on
the child and, based upon that review and upon input from the parents, must
identify what additional information (if any) is needed to determine:

-- if the child continues to have a particular category of disability (as
described within IDEA) and continues to need special education and related
services;

-- what the child's present levels of performance and educational needs are;

-- whether any additions or modifications to the special education and related
services are needed to enable the child to meet the goals set out in the IEP and
to participate, as appropriate, in the general curriculum.

As members of the IEP Team, parents participate in this review of existing data.

If IEP Team members (and other qualified professionals, as appropriate) feel
that they do not have enough information to answer the above questions, then the
LEA must administer such tests and other evaluation procedures as may be needed
to produce the information identified by the team. Parents must give informed
consent before their child may be reevaluated. The need for informed parental
consent for reevaluation is new to the law; previously such consent was only
needed for initial evaluations. If parents fail to respond to the LEA's request
for consent to reevaluate the child, the LEA may proceed without it, if the LEA
can demonstate that it took reasonable measures to obtain the consent and the
parents failed to respond.

On the other hand, upon examining the existing evaluation data, the IEP Team and
other qualified professionals (as appropriate) may determine that sufficient
data are available to determine whether the child continues to be a "child with
a disability." In this case, the LEA is not required to conduct additional
assessment of the child (unless requested to by the child's parents, as noted
below). Parents must be notified of that determination and the reasons for it,
as well as their right to request that their child be assessed to determine
whether the child continues to be a "child with a disability," as defined within
IDEA. If parents request such an assessment, the LEA must conduct it. As with
initial evaluation, a copy of the evaluation report and the documentation of
determination of eligibility must be given to the parent.

The Report [to accompany S. 717] provides an explanation regarding the changes
IDEA 97 brings to the entire evaluation prrocess--both initial evaluation and
reevaluation. These remarks are provided in the box on the next page. To read
the precise language of IDEA 97 in regard to the initial evaluation and
reevaluation of children, see #29 in this News Digest.

Parent Participation in Eligibility and Placement Decisions

Under the old IDEA, parent participation was not required for making decisions
regarding a student's eligibility for special education and related services.
Under the new legislation, parents are specifically included as members of the
group making the eligibility decision. (See #23 for the precise language of the
law.)

Parent participation in placement decisions is similarly required. Under the old
legislation, parent involvement in deciding the placement of their child was not
required. The new IDEA clarifies the parents' right to be involved in such
decisions. (See #28 for the exact language used in the new IDEA.)

Individualized Education Program Requirements

Each student's Individualized Education Program, or IEP, is a vital document,
for it spells out the special education and related services that he or she will
receive. The IEP is developed by a team that includes both parents and school
professionals and, when appropriate, the student. The new IDEA maintains the IEP
as a document of central importance and, in the hope of improving compliance,
moves all provisions related to the IEP to one place in the law -- Section
614(d). (Under the prior law, IEP provisions were found in several different
places.)

At the same time, several key changes have been made to what information the IEP
must contain and the way in which the IEP is developed. These changes are to
take effect on July 1, 1998. [The exception is provisions related to children
with disabilities who have been convicted as adults and incarcerated in adult
prisons. These provisions (see #22) take effect immediately.]

The information the IEP must include. The IEP retains many familiar components
from previous legislation, such as statements regarding the student's present
levels of educational performance, annual goals, special education and related
services to be provided, projected dates for the beginning and end of services,
and transition services for youth. However, some modifications have been made to
these familiar components to place more emphasis within the law upon involving
students with disabilities in the general curriculum and in the general
education classroom, with supplementary aids and services as appropriate.

For example, "present levels of educational performance" must now include a
statement of how the child's disability affects his or her involvement and
progress in the general curriculum. Similarly, the IEP must contain a statement
of special education and related services, as well as the supplementary aids and
services, that the child or youth needs in order to: "...be involved and
progress in the general curriculum...and to participate in extracurricular and
other nonacademic activities; and...to be educated and participate with other
children with disabilities and nondisabled children..." [Section 614(d)(1)
(A)(iii)]

With these new IEP requirements, there is a clear intent to strengthen the
connection between special education and the general education curriculum. As
the Committee on Labor and Human Resources' Report [to Accompany S. 717] states:
"The new emphasis on participation in the general education curriculum... is
intended to produce attention to the accommodations and adjustments necessary
for disabled children to access the general education curriculum and the special
services which may be necessary for appropriate participation in particular
areas of the curriculum..." (p. 20)

Along the same line is the requirement that the IEP include an explanation of
the extent to which the student will not be participating with nondisabled
children in the general education class and in extracurricular and non-academic
activities. This explanation of the extent to which the child will be educated
separately is a new component of the IEP, yet is clearly in keeping with the
changes noted above.

Other aspects of the IEP are entirely new as well. For example, each student's
IEP must now include a statement of how the administration of State or
districtwide assessments will be modified for the student so that he or she can
participate. If the IEP team determines that the student cannot participate in
such assessments, then the IEP must include a statement of (a) why the
assessment is not appropriate for the child, and (b) how the child will be
assessed. These changes work in tandem with changes elsewhere in the IDEA
requiring that students with disabilities be included in State and districtwide
assessments of student achievement.

Other new IEP requirements are statements regarding: (a) informing the student
about the transfer of rights as he or she approaches the age of majority; (b)
how parents will be regularly informed of their child's progress toward meeting
the annual goals in the IEP; (c) where services will be delivered to the
student; and (d) transition service needs of the student beginning at age 14
(see below, under "Transition Services," for a more detailed discussion of this
new requirement).

To read the precise language of IDEA 97 in regard to the contents of the IEP,
see #24.
Developing the IEP. The new IDEA maintains essentially the same process for
developing the IEP -- namely, the document is developed by a multidisciplinary
team, including the parents. However, the new legislation increases the role of
the general educator on the IEP team, to include, when appropriate, helping to
determine positive behavioral interventions and appropriate supplementary aids
and services for the student.

Also added to the IEP process are "special factors" that the IEP team must
consider. These factors include:

-- behavior strategies and supports, if the child's behavior impedes his or her
learning or that of others;

-- the child's language needs (as they relate to the IEP) if the child has
limited English proficiency;

-- providing for instruction in Braille and the use of Braille (unless not
appropriate), if a child is blind or visually impaired; and

-- the communication needs of the child, with a list of specific factors to be
considered if a child is deaf or hard of hearing; and

-- whether the child requires assistive devices and services. To read the
precise language of IDEA 97 in regard to IEP development, see #25 in this News
Digest.

Reviewing and revising the IEP. The language in the new IDEA emphasizes periodic
review of the IEP (at least annually, as previously required) and revision as
needed. A new, separate requirement exists: Schools must report to parents on
the progress of their child with disabilities at least as frequently as progress
of nondisabled children is reported, which seems likely to affect the revision
process for IEPs. If it becomes evident that a child is not making "expected
progress toward the annual goals and in the general curriculum," the IEP team
must meet and revise the IEP.

The new legislation specifically lists a variety of other circumstances under
which the IEP team would also need to review and revise the IEP, including the
child's anticipated needs, the results of any reevaluation conducted, or
information provided by the parents.

To read the precise language of IDEA 97 in regard to the reviewing and revising
the IEP, see #26 in this News Digest.

Transition Services

The requirements for providing transition services for youth with disabilities
have been modified in IDEA 97. While the definition of transition services
remains the same, two notable changes have been made to IEP requirements:

-- beginning when a student is 14, and annually thereafter, the student's IEP
must contain a statement of his or her transition service needs under the
various components of that IEP that focus upon the student's courses of study
(e.g., vocational education or advanced placement); and

-- beginning at least one year before the student reaches the age of majority
under State law, the IEP must contain a statement that the student has been
informed of the rights under the law that will transfer to him or her upon
reaching the age of majority.

The new law maintains 16 as the age when students' IEPs must contain statements
of needed transition services. These two requirements -- one for students aged
14 and older and one for students aged 16 and older -- seem confusingly similar.
However, the purpose of including certain statements for students beginning at
age 14, according to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources' Report [to
Accompany S. 717], "is to focus attention on how the child's educational program
can be planned... [and] the provision is designed to augment, and not replace,
the separate transition services requirement, under which children with
disabilities [who are 16 or older] receive transition services..." (p. 22).

To read the precise language of IDEA 97 in regard to the transition services,
see #24 in this News Digest.

Mediation

IDEA 97 establishes mediation as a primary process to be used in resolving
conflicts between schools and the parents of a child with a disability. While
prior legislation permitted mediation, the new legislation explicitly outlines
States' obligations for creating a mediation system in which parents and schools
may voluntarily participate. Among a State's obligations are:

-- ensuring that the mediation process is voluntary on the part of the parties,
is not used to deny a parent's right to due process, and is conducted by a
qualified and impartial mediator trained in effective mediation techniques;

-- maintaining a list of qualified mediators; and

-- bearing the cost of the mediation process.

Some parents may choose not to use mediation, and States may establish
procedures requiring parents to meet with a impartial party who would explain
the benefits of mediation and encourage them to make use of the process. The
verbatim language of the new IDEA regarding mediation can be found on #32 in
this News Digest.

Discipline and Behavior Issues

Some of the most sweeping--and complicated--changes in the new IDEA are in the
area of disciplining children with disabilities. To assist schools in
understanding and complying with these new requirements, the Office of Special
Education Programs (OSEP), U.S. Department of Education, released an initial
guidance on September 19, 1997. (You can obtain this guidance from NICHCY or on
the Internet at: www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/IDEA/memo.html) An essential means of
developing an accurate understanding of IDEA 97's disciplinary requirements is
to read the the law itself. As requested by OSEP, the discussion of discipline
in this News Digest is kept to providing verbatim quotations from P.L. 105-17.

The requirements of law are found in Section 615(k), "Placement in Alternative
Educational Setting." This section is divided into 10 subparagraphs (e.g.,
authority of school personnel, authority of hearing officer, determination of
setting, manifestation determination review, and so on).

There is no substitute for reading exactly what the law says. If you are
interested in or concerned about the disciplining of children with disabilities,
we urge you to read Section 615(k) of IDEA 97 in its entirety. The complete,
unabridged text of this section is presented in the side-by-side analysis,
beginning at #35 and ending with #44.

The Next Steps

Laws passed by Congress provide a general framework of policy related to a
particular issue. Once a law is passed, Congress delegates the task of
developing regulations to guide the law's implementation to an administrative
agency within the Executive Branch. These Federal regulations are published in
the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The CFR interprets and further explains
the law.

Regulations exist for the old IDEA, in CFR Title 34 Parts 300 to 338. Proposed
regulations for IDEA 97 were published in the Federal Register on October 22,
1997. A 90-day period of public comment followed the publication of these
proposed regulations, where individuals and groups provided feedback and
identified concerns regarding what was proposed. Comments are being reviewed
and, if appropriate, revisions will be made, and then final regulations will be
published.

Until final regulations are available, States are required to implement IDEA 97
with the guidance available from old regulations (where these remain in
accordance with the IDEA 97 statute) and from the language of the new statute
(where new regulations do not exist to reflect and interpret changes that have
occurred). Plans are to have final regulations by the Spring of 1998.

References

Committee on Labor and Human Resources. (1997, May 9). Report [to accompany S.
717]. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office. [Available from Superintendent
of Documents, Attention: New Orders, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954.
Charge orders may be telephoned to the Government Printing Office at (202)
512-1800. The Report is also available on-line, under "The Law," at:
www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/IDEA.]
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Effective Dates for the New Law

Although Congress passed the amendments to the IDEA, and President Clinton
signed them into law, not all aspects of the new law became effective
immediately. Here is a brief synopsis of effective dates for IDEA 97.

**Parts A & B took effect immediately upon the President s signature EXCEPT:

-- Section 612(a)(4) and Section 614(d) [the IEP] take effect on July 1, 1998,
except for Section 614(d)(6) [provisions for children with disabilities
convicted as adults and incarcerated in adult prisons], which took effect
immediately upon enactment.

-- Section 612(a)(14) [Comprehensive System of Personnel Development] takes
effect on July 1, 1998.

-- Section 612(a)(16) [Performance Goals and Indicators] takes effect on July 1,
1998.

-- Section 617 [Administration] took effect on October 1, 1997.

-- Section 618 [Program Information/Data collection] takes effect on July 1,
1998.

-- Section 611 & 619 take effect beginning with funds appropriated for FY 98.

**Part C [Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities Program], the current Part H
(see below), takes effect July 1, 1998.

**Part D [State Improvement Grants and IDEA discretionary programs] took effect
October 1, 1997, EXCEPT as listed below. Parts C, E, F, and G of the old law
were repealed effective October 1, 1997. Note: The Act gives the Secretary the
authority to use funds appropriated under the new Part D to make continuation
awards for projects funded under Section 618 and Parts C through G of the IDEA
as in effect on September 30, 1997.

-- Section 661(g)(1) and (2) [Requirement for the Secretary to establish and use
a standing panel and peer review panels for reviewing applications under Subpart
2 of Part D (IDEA discretionary programs)] took effect January 1, 1998.

** Part H [Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities Program] is repealed effective
July 1, 1998. At that time, the Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities Program
becomes Part C of the law.

** Part I (Family Support Program) is repealed as of October 1, 1998.

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THE SIDE BY SIDE ANALYSIS OF THE OLD IDEA AND IDEA 97

To make it easy for you to move around in this analysis and locate specific
sections of the law, we have numbered each of the aspects being discussed
(example: "1-Old Law..." and "1-New Law...").

____________________________

Editorial Notes

Use of quotation marks: The use of quotation marks (" ") in this section
signifies verbatim quotations from the new law. As in the law itself, each
quoted paragraph begins with a quotation mark. The closing quotation mark is
placed at the end of the entire passage being quoted (not at the end of every
paragraph). If material is not in quotes, it is a summary provided by the
editor, NOT a verbatim quotation from the law.

Use of brackets: Within the verbatim quotations from the new law, you may find
text within brackets [ ]. The material in brackets is NOT part of IDEA 97 -- it
is information provided by the editor to explain references made within the law
to other sections or paragraphs of the statute. Brackets at the end of a
quotation indicate where, in the statute, you can find the text being quoted.
____________________________

The IDEA's Framework---

1-Old Law: How IDEA was organized

Nine Parts:
A -- General provisions, definitions, and discretionary program administration;
B -- School age and preschool programs;
C -- Centers-based discretionary programs;
D -- Training;
E -- Research discretionary programs;
F -- Instructional media;
G -- Technology and media;
H -- Infants and toddlers program; and
I -- Family support.

1-New Law: How IDEA 97 is organized

Four Parts:
A -- General provisions and definitions;
B -- School age and preschool programs;
C -- Infant and toddler programs; and
D -- Discretionary programs.

_________

Part A: General Provisions:
Definitions & Other Issues ---

2-Old Law: Serious emotional disturbance

"Serious emotional disturbance" was the designated disability category to be
used for certain children with disabilities.

2-New Law:Serious emotional disturbance

"Serious emotional disturbance" remains as a disability category, but the new
law inserts that this disability will be "(hereinafter referred to as emotional
disturbance)." [Section 602(3)(A)(i)]

_________

3-Old Law: Developmental delay

"Developmental delay" was an option that States could use to categorize children
ages 3 through 5.

3-New Law: Developmental delay

"Developmental delay" may now be used, at the discretion of the State and the
local educational agency, as a category for children with disabilities from ages
3 through 9.

"B) Child aged 3 through 9. -- The term "child with a disability" for a child
aged 3 through 9 may, at the discretion of the State and the local educational
agency, include a child --

"(i) experiencing developmental delays, as defined by the State and as measured
by appropriate diagnostic instruments and procedures, in one or more of the
following areas: physical development, cognitive development, communication
development, social or emotional development, or adaptive development; and

"(ii) who, by reason thereof, needs special education and related services."
[Section 602 (3)(B)]

_________

4-Old Law: Educational service agency

"Educational service agency" was not defined in the old law.

4-New Law: Educational service agency

The new law defines "educational service agency" as a term that...

"(A) means a regional public multiservice agency -- (i) authorized by State law
to develop, manage, and provide services or programs to local educational
agencies; and (ii) recognized as an administrative agency for purposes of the
provision of special education and related services provided within public
elementary and secondary schools of the State; and

"(B) includes any other public institution or agency having administrative
control and direction over a public elementary or secondary school." [Section
602(4)]

_________

5-Old Law: Parents
The definition of "parents" was provided in regulations.

5-New Law: Parents

The term "parents" is now defined to include legal guardians and surrogate
parents. [Section 602(19)]

_________

6-Old Law: Related services

"Orientation and mobility services" were not specifically mentioned in the old
law but were covered under regulations.

6-New Law: Related services

"Orientation and mobility services" are now specifically mentioned in the list
of related services. [Section 602(22)]

_________

7-Old Law: Supplementary aids and services

"Supplemental aids and services" were not defined in the statute or regulations.

7-New Law: Supplementary aids and services

The term "supplementary aids and services" is now defined as: "...aids,
services, and other supports that are provided in regular education classes or
other education-related settings to enable children with disabilities to be
educated with nondisabled children to the maximum extent appropriate in
accordance with section 612(a)(5)" [requirements concerning least restrictive
environment]. [Section 602(29)]

_________

8-Old Law: Transition services

"Related services" were not specifically included in the definition of
transition services.

8-New Law: Transition services

"Related services" are now included in the definition of transition services.
[Section 602(30)]

_________

9-Old Law: Policy letters and regulations

The old law extended the department-wide 30-day period of public comment to 90
days and established a baseline for regulatory implementation. Policy letters
were considered to be interpretations of policy, but not legally binding.

9-New Law: Policy letters and regulations

The new law at Section 607 clarifies procedures regarding the U.S. Department of
Education's use of policy letters and other correspondence.

"(c) Policy Letters and Statements.--The Secretary may not, through policy
letters or other statements, establish a rule that is required for compliance
with, and eligibility under, this part without following the requirements of
section 553 of title 5, United States Code.

"(d) Correspondence From Department of Education Describing Interpretations of
This Part.--

"(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, on a quarterly basis, publish in the
Federal Register, and widely disseminate to interested entities through various
additional forms of communication, a list of correspondence from the Department
of Education received by individuals during the previous quarter that describes
the interpretations of the Department of Education of this Act or the
regulations implemented pursuant to this Act.

"(2) Additional information.--For each item of correspondence published in a
list under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall identify the topic addressed by
the correspondence and shall include such other summary information as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate.

"(e) Issues of National Significance.--If the Secretary receives a written
request regarding a policy, question, or interpretation under part B of this
Act, and determines that it raises an issue of general interest or applicability
of national significance to the implementation of part B, the Secretary shall--

"(1) include a statement to that effect in any written response;

"(2) widely disseminate that response to State educational agencies, local
educational agencies, parent and advocacy organizations, and other interested
organizations, subject to applicable laws relating to confidentiality of
information; and

"(3) not later than one year after the date on which the Secretary responds to
the written request, issue written guidance on such policy, question, or
interpretation through such means as the Secretary determines to be appropriate
and consistent with law, such as a policy memorandum, notice of interpretation,
or notice of proposed rulemaking.

"(f) Explanation.--Any written response by the Secretary under subsection (e)
regarding a policy, question, or interpretation under part B of this Act shall
include an explanation that the written response--

"(1) is provided as informal guidance and is not legally binding; and

"(2) represents the interpretation by the Department of Education of the
applicable statutory or regulatory requirements in the context of the specific
facts presented." [Section 607(c) through (f)]
_________

Part B: Assistance for Education of All Children with Disabilities---

10-Old Law: State eligibility in general

Under the old IDEA, State plans needed to be in place.

10-New Law: State eligibility in general

State applications need to be submitted only once and thereafter only amendments
need to be submitted, as necessitated by official findings of compliance
problems, by changes in law or regulations designed to carry out the law, or by
changes in interpretation of the law by a Federal court or a State's highest
court. [Section 612(c)]

_________

11-Old Law: Child find

Regardless of the severity of their disability, children with disabilities were
to be identified, located, and evaluated.

11-New Law: Child find

The new law maintains prior requirements and clarifies that a State's child find
efforts must include children in private schools.

"(A) In general.--All children with disabilities residing in the State,
including children with disabilities attending private schools, regardless of
the severity of their disabilities, and who are in need of special education and
related services, are identified, located, and evaluated and a practical method
is developed and implemented to determine which children with disabilities are
currently receiving needed special education and related services.

"(B) Construction.--Nothing in this Act requires that children be classified by
their disability so long as each child who has a disability listed in section
602 and who, by reason of that disability, needs special education and related
services is regarded as a child with a disability under this part." [Section
612(a)(3)]

_________

12-Old Law: Least restrictive environment

Under the previous legislation, States had to establish procedures to assure
LRE.

12-New Law: Least restrictive environment

The new law maintains the prior LRE definition and requirements and adds that,
if a State's funding formula is not consistent with LRE, an assurance must be
provided that it will be.

"(i) In general. -- If the State uses a funding mechanism by which the State
distributes State funds on the basis of the type of setting in which a child is
served, the funding mechanism does not result in placements that violate the
requirements of subparagraph (A) [the definition of LRE].

"(ii) Assurance. -- If the State does not have policies and procedures to ensure
compliance with clause (i), the State shall provide the Secretary an assurance
that it will revise the funding mechanism as soon as feasible to ensure that
such mechanism does not result in such placements." [Section 612(a) (5)(B)(i)
and (ii)]

_________

13-Old Law: Procedural safeguards

States had to have policies and procedures consistent with the provisions in
Section 615.

13-New Law: Procedural safeguards

The new law adds specific requirements regarding nondiscriminatory testing.

"(B) Additional procedural safeguards. -- Procedures to ensure that testing and
evaluation materials and procedures utilized for the purposes of evaluation and
placement of children with disabilities will be selected and administered so as
not to be racially or culturally discriminatory. Such materials or procedures
shall be provided and administered in the child's native language or mode of
communication, unless it clearly is not feasible to do so, and no single
procedure shall be the sole criterion for determining an appropriate educational
program for a child." [Section 612 (a)(6)(B)]

_________

14-Old Law: Transition from Infant & Toddler program to Preschool program

The old law identified requirements for transitioning a child from an
infant/toddler program to a preschool program.

14-New Law: Transition from Infant & Toddler program to Preschool program

The new law maintains the prior requirements and adds the requirement that the
LEA participate in transition planning conferences. [Section 612(a)(9)]

_________

15-Old Law: Placement in private school

The old law provided for public services for children in private schools, under
certain circumstances.

15-New Law: Placement in private school

The new law makes clear that a proportionate amount of IDEA funds must be spent
on children with disabilities placed in private schools by their parents.

"(A) Children enrolled in private schools by their parents. -- (i) In general.
-- To the extent consistent with the number and location of children with
disabilities in the State who are enrolled by their parents in private
elementary and secondary schools, provision is made for the participation of
those children in the program assisted or carried out under this part by
providing for such children special education and related services in accordance
with the following requirements, unless the Secretary has arranged for services
to those children under subsection (f):

"(I) Amounts expended for the provision of those services by a local educational
agency shall be equal to a proportionate amount of Federal funds made available
under this part. (II) Such services may be provided to children with
disabilities on the premises of private, including parochial, schools, to the
extent consistent with law.

"(ii) Child-find requirement. -- The requirements of paragraph (3) of this
subsection (relating to child find) shall apply with respect to children with
disabilities in the State who are enrolled in private, including parochial,
elementary and secondary schools." [Section 612(a)(10)(A)]

_________

16-Old Law: Private school placements without consent of public agency

Reimbursement was available in certain circumstances.

16-New Law: Private school placements without consent of public agency

The new law requires parents to provide notice that they intend to transfer
their child to a private school. If parents do not provide notice, reimbursement
for this private school placement may be reduced or denied, with certain
exceptions. Other limitations are also included.

"(ii) Reimbursement for private school placement. -- If the parents of a child
with a disability, who previously received special education and related
services under the authority of a public agency, enroll the child in a private
elementary or secondary school without the consent of or referral by the public
agency, a court or a hearing officer may require the agency to reimburse the
parents for the cost of that enrollment if the court or hearing officer finds
that the agency had not made a free appropriate public education available to
the child in a timely manner prior to that enrollment.

"(iii) Limitation of reimbursement. -- The cost of reimbursement described in
clause (ii) may be reduced or denied -- (I) if --

"(aa) at the most recent IEP meeting that the parents attended prior to removal
of the child from the public school, the parents did not inform the IEP team
that they were rejecting the placement proposed by the public agency to provide
a free appropriate public education to their child, including stating their
concerns and their intent to enroll their child in a private school at public
expense; or

"(bb) 10 business days (including any holidays that occur on a business day)
prior to the removal of the child from the public school, the parents did not
give written notice to the public agency of the information described in
division (aa);

"(II) if, prior to the parents' removal of the child from the public school, the
public agency informed the parents, through the notice requirements described in
section 615(b)(7), of its intent to evaluate the child (including a statement of
the purpose of the evaluation that was appropriate and reasonable), but the
parents did not make the child available for such evaluation; or

"(III) upon a judicial finding of unreasonableness with respect to actions taken
by the parents.

"(iv) Exception. -- Notwithstanding the notice requirement in clause (iii)(I),
the cost of reimbursement may not be reduced or denied for failure to provide
such notice if -- (I) the parent is illiterate and cannot write in English; (II)
compliance with clause (iii)(I) would likely result in physical or serious
emotional harm to the child; (III) the school prevented the parent from
providing such notice; or (IV) the parents had not received notice, pursuant to
section 615 [procedural safeguards], of the notice requirement in clause
(iii)(I)." [Section 612(a)(10)(C)]

_________

17-Old Law: Personnel standards

The prior legislation required that (a) personnel had to be appropriately and
adequately trained; (b) a State had to establish and maintain standards; and (c)
when personnel did not meet the highest State standard for a specific profession
or discipline, a State had to specify the steps it intended to take to retrain
or hire personnel who did meet State standards.

17-New Law: Personnel standards

The new law maintains prior requirements regarding personnel standards and adds
that the standards shall allow the use of paraprofessionals under certain
conditions and allows a State to adopt a policy to allow the use of the most
qualified persons available under certain conditions.

"(B) Standards described. -- Such standards shall...(iii) allow
paraprofessionals and assistants who are appropriately trained and supervised,
in accordance with State law, regulations, or written policy, in meeting the
requirements of this part to be used to assist in the provision of special
education and related services to children with disabilities under this part
[Part B].

"(C) Policy. -- In implementing this paragraph, a State may adopt a policy that
includes a requirement that local educational agencies in the State make an
ongoing good-faith effort to recruit and hire appropriately and adequately
trained personnel to provide special education and related services to children
with disabilities, including, in a geographic area of the State where there is a
shortage of such personnel, the most qualified persons available who are making
satisfactory progress toward completing applicable course work necessary" to
meet the State standards within three years. [Section 612 (a)(15)(B)(iii) and
612(a)(15)(C)]

_________

18-Old Law: Performance goals and indicators

No similar provisions existed in the old IDEA.

18-New Law: Performance goals and indicators

The new law requires the State to establish goals for the performance of
children with disabilities and to develop indicators to judge children's
progress. A State must revise its State improvement plan based on assessment
results, if it receives funds under subpart 1 of Part D.

"The State --
"(A) has established goals for the performance of children with disabilities in
the State that -- (i) will promote the purposes of this Act, as stated in
601(d); and (ii) are consistent, to the maximum extent appropriate, with other
goals and standards for children established by the State;

"(B) has established performance indicators the State will use to assess
progress toward achieving those goals that, at a minimum, address the
performance of children with disabilities on assessments, drop-out rates, and
graduation rates;

"(C) will, every two years, report to the Secretary and the public on the
progress of the State, and of children with disabilities in the State, toward
meeting the goals established under subparagraph (A); and

"(D) based on its assessment of that progress, will revise its State improvement
plan under subpart 1 of part D as may be needed to improve its performance, if
the State receives assistance under that subpart." [Section 612(a)(16)]

_________

19-Old Law: Participation in assessments

No similar provisions existed in the old IDEA.

19-New Law: Participation in assessments

States are now required to include children with disabilities, with
accommodations when necessary, in State and districtwide assessment programs.
Alternative assessments must be developed for children who cannot participate in
regular assessments by 2000. Results must be reported (while protecting
individual children's identities).

"(A) In general. -- Children with disabilities are included in general State and
district-wide assessment programs, with appropriate accommodations, where
necessary. As appropriate, the State or local educational agency -- (i) develops
guidelines for the participation of children with disabilities in alternate
assessments for those children who cannot participate in State and district-wide
assessment programs; and (ii) develops and, beginning no later than July 1,
2000, conducts those alternate assessments.

"(B) Reports. -- The State educational agency makes available to the public, and
reports to the public with the same frequency and in the same detail as it
reports on the assessment of nondisabled children, the following:

"(i) the number of children with disabilities participating in regular
assessments.

"(ii) the number of those children participating in alternate assessments.

"(iii)(I) The performance of those children on regular assessments (beginning no
later than July 1, 1998) and on alternate assessments (no later than July 1,
2000), if doing so would be statistically sound and would not result in the
disclosure of performance results identifiable to individual children.

"(II) Data relating to the performance of children described under subclause (I)
shall be disaggregated -- (aa) for assessments conducted after July 1, 1998; and
(bb) for assessments conducted before July 1, 1998 if the State is required to
disaggregate such data prior to July 1, 1998." [Section 612 (a)(17)]

_________

20-Old Law: State Advisory Panel

The old law addressed panel membership and duties in more general terms.

20-New Law: State Advisory Panel

The new law describes in more detail both panel duties and membership, including
representation from private and charter schools and from State juvenile and
adult corrections agencies. A majority of the members must be individuals with
disabilities or parents of children with disabilities.

"(B) Membership. -- Such advisory panel shall consist of members appointed by
the Governor, or any other official authorized under State law to make such
appointments, that is representative of the State population and that is
composed of individuals involved in, or concerned with, the education of
children with disabilities, including --

"(i) parents of children with disabilities; (ii) individuals with disabilities;
(iii) teachers; (iv) representatives of institutions of higher education that
prepare special education and related services personnel; (v) State and local
education officials; (vi) administrators of programs for children with
disabilities; (vii) representatives of other State agencies involved in the
financing or delivery of related services to children with disabilities; (viii)
representatives of private schools and public charter schools; (ix) at least one
representative of a vocational, community, or business organization concerned
with the provision of transition services to children with disabilities; and (x)
representatives from the State juvenile and adult corrections agencies.

"(C) Special rule. -- A majority of the members of the panel shall be
individuals with disabilities or parents of children with disabilities."
[Section 612(a)(21)]

_________

21-Old Law: Charter schools

No similar provisions existed in the old IDEA.

21-New Law: Charter schools

The new law added several provisions specific to charter schools. First, it
requires that an LEA serve children with disabilities attending charter schools
that are public schools of the LEA in the same manner as it serves children with
disabilities in its other schools. An LEA must also provide funds to these
charter schools in the same manner as it provides those funds to its other
schools. [Section 613(a)(5)]

A second new provision with regard to charter schools is as follows:

"(1) Joint Establishment.--

"(A) In general.--A State educational agency may require a local educational
agency to establish its eligibility jointly with another local educational
agency if the State educational agency determines that the local educational
agency would be ineligible under this section because the local educational
agency would not be able to establish and maintain programs of sufficient size
and scope to effectively meet the needs of children with disabilities.

"(B) Charter school exception.--A State educational agency may not require a
charter school that is a local educational agency to jointly establish its
eligibility under subparagraph (A) unless it is explicitly permitted to do so
under the State's charter school statute." [Section 613(e)(1)]

_________

22-Old Law: Services to prisoners in adult prisons

No prison-specific provisions existed in the old IDEA.

22-New Law: Services to prisoners in adult prisons

The new IDEA authorizes the Governor to transfer from the State Education Agency
(SEA) to another agency (e.g., a State correctional agency) the general
supervisory responsibility for educating juveniles with disabilities who have
been convicted as adults under State law and incarcerated in adult prisons
[Section 612(a)(11)(C)]. Additionally, the new legislation relieves the State
from complying with certain requirements relating to assessments and transition
services. If the State demonstrates a good faith security or compelling
penological interest that cannot otherwise be accommodated, the IEP Team may
modify such a child's IEP or placement [Section 614(d)(6)].

"(C) Exception. -- Notwithstanding subparagraphs (A) and (B), the Governor (or
another individual pursuant to State law), consistent with State law, may assign
to any public agency in the State the responsibility of ensuring the
requirements of this part are met with respect to children with disabilities who
are convicted as adults under State law and incarcerated in adult prisons."
[Section 612(a)(11)(C)]

"(6) Children with disabilities in adult prisons. -- (A) In general. -- The
following requirements do not apply to children with disabilities who are
convicted as adults under State law and incarcerated in adult prisons:

"(i) The requirements contained in section 612(a)(17) and paragraph (1)(A)(v) of
this subsection (relating to participation of children with disabilities in
general assessments).

"(ii) The requirements of subclauses (I) and (II) of paragraph (1)(A)(vii) of
this subsection (relating to transition planning and transition services), do
not apply with respect to such children whose eligibility under this part will
end, because of their age, before they are released from prison.

"(B) Additional requirement. -- If a child with a disability is convicted as an
adult under State law and incarcerated in an adult prison, the child's IEP Team
may modify the child's IEP or placement notwithstanding the requirements of
sections 612(a)(5)(A) [least restrictive environment] and 614(d)(1)(A)
[definition of the IEP] if the State has demonstrated a bona fide security or
compelling penological interest that cannot otherwise be accommodated." [Section
614(d)(6)]

Evaluations, Eligibility Determinations, IEPs, and Educational Placements
(Section 612 in the new law)

_________

23-Old Law: Parent participation in eligibility decisions

The old law did not require schools to involve parents in decision-making
regarding whether a child was eligible for special education and related
services.

23-New Law: Parent participation in eligibility decisions

Under the new law, parents are specifically included as members of the group
making the decision regarding a child or youth's eligibility for services.

"(4) Determination of eligibility. -- Upon completion of administration of tests
and other evaluation materials --

"(A) the determination of whether the child is a child with a disability as
defined in section 602(3) shall be made by a team of qualified professionals and
the parent of the child in accordance with paragraph (5) [see below]; and

"(B) a copy of the evaluation report and the documentation of determination of
eligibility will be given to the parent.

"(5) Special rule for eligibility determination. -- In making a determination of
eligibility under paragraph (4)(A), a child shall not be determined to be a
child with a disability if the determinant factor for such determination is lack
of instruction in reading or math or limited English proficiency." [Section
614(b)(4)]

_________

24-Old Law: Individualized Education Program (IEP)

The old law listed specific components to be included in each child's IEP.

24-New Law:Individualized Education Program (IEP)

Except for those provisions covering youth convicted as adults and incarcerated
in adult prisons (see #22), IEP provisions under the new law do not take effect
until July 1, 1998. The new law requires that additional information be provided
under most components of the IEP. Additional emphasis is placed on identifying
the supplementary supports and services needed to enable the child to be
educated in the regular classroom and with the general curriculum. New
requirements include identifying the extent to which the child will participate
in State or districtwide assessment. Schools are now required to report
regularly to parents upon the child's progress toward the annual goals.

Components to be included in the IEP are:

"(i) a statement of the child's present levels of educational performance,
including -- (I) how the child's disability affects the child's involvement and
progress in the general curriculum; or (II) for preschool children, as
appropriate, how the disability affects the child's participation in appropriate
activities;

"(ii) a statement of measurable annuals goals, including benchmarks or
short-term objectives, related to -- (I) meeting the child's needs that result
from the child's disability to enable the child to be involved in and progress
in the general curriculum; and (II) meeting each of the child's other
educational needs that result from the child's disability;

"(iii) a statement of the special education and related services and
supplementary aids and services to be provided to the child, or on behalf of the
child, and a statement of program modifications or supports for school personnel
that will be provided for the child -- (I) to advance appropriately toward
attaining the annual goals; (II) to be involved and progress in the general
curriculum in accordance with clause (i) and to participate in extracurriculuar
and other nonacademic activities; and (III) to be educated and participate with
other children with disabilities and nondisabled children in the activities
described in this paragraph;

"(iv) an explanation of the extent, if any, to which the child will not
participate with nondisabled children in the regular class and in the activities
described in clause (iii);

"(v)(I) a statement of any individual modifications in the administration of
State or districtwide assessments of student achievement that are needed in
order for the child to participate in such assessment; and (II) if the IEP Team
determines that the child will not participate in a particular State or
districtwide assessment of student achievement (or part of such an assessment),
a statement of -- (aa) why that assessment is not appropriate for the child; and
(bb) how the child will be assessed;

"(vi) the projected date for the beginning of the services and modifications
described in clause (iii), and the anticipated frequency, location, and duration
of those services and modifications;

"(vii)(I) beginning at age 14, and updated annually, a statement of the
transition service needs of the child under the applicable components of the
child's IEP that focuses on the child's courses of study (such as participation
in advanced-placement courses or a vocational education program); (II) beginning
at age 16 (or younger, if determined appropriate by the IEP team), a statement
of needed transition services for the child, including, when appropriate, a
statement of the interagency responsibilities or any needed linkages; and (III)
beginning at least one year before the child reaches the age of majority under
State law, a statement that the child has been informed of his or her rights
under this title, if any, that will transfer to the child on reaching the age of
majority under section 615(m); and

"(viii) a statement of -- (I) how the child's progress toward the annual goals
described in clause (ii) will be measured; and (II) how the child's parents will
be regularly informed (by such means as periodic report cards), at least as
often as parents are informed of their nondisabled children's progress, of --
(aa) their child's progress toward the annual goals described in clause (ii);
and (bb) the extent to which that progress is sufficient to enable the child to
achieve the goals by the end of the year." [Section 614(d)(1)(A)(i) through
(viii)]

_________

25-Old Law: Development of the IEP

No similar provisions existed in the old IDEA.

25-New Law:Development of the IEP

The new law adds specific factors that the IEP team must consider when
developing a child's IEP, including, most notably, behavior issues and the
specific communication needs of the child, if he or she is blind or visually
impaired, of limited English proficiency, or deaf or hard of hearing.

"(A) In general. -- In developing each child's IEP, the IEP Team, subject to
subparagraph (C), shall consider -- (i) the strengths of the child and the
concerns of the parents for enhancing the education of their child; and (ii) the
results of the initial evaluation or most recent evaluation of the child.

"(B) Consideration of special factors. -- The IEP Team shall --

"(i) in the case of a child whose behavior impedes his or her learning or that
of others, consider, when appropriate, strategies, including positive behavioral
interventions, strategies, and supports to address that behavior;

"(ii) in the case of a child with limited English proficiency, consider the
language needs of the child as such needs relate to the child's IEP;

"(iii) in the case of a child who is blind or visually impaired, provide for
instruction in Braille and the use of Braille unless the IEP Team determines,
after an evaluation of the child's reading and writing skills, needs, and
appropriate reading and writing media (including an evaluation of the child's
future needs for instruction in Braille or the use of Braille), that instruction
in Braille or the use of Braille is not appropriate for the child;

"(iv) consider the communication needs of the child, and in the case of a child
who is deaf or hard of hearing, consider the child's language and communication
needs, opportunities for direct communications with peers and professional
personnel in the child's language and communication mode, academic level, and
full range of needs, including opportunities for direct instruction in the
child's language and communication mode; and

"(v) consider whether the child requires assistive devices and services.

"(C) Requirement with respect to regular education teacher. -- The regular
education teacher of the child, as a member of the IEP Team, shall, to the
extent appropriate, participate in the development of the IEP of the child,
including the determination of appropriate positive behavioral interventions and
strategies and the determination of supplementary aids and services, program
modifications, and support for school personnel consistent with paragraph
(1)(A)(iii)." [Section 614(d)(3)]

_________

26-Old Law: Review and revision of the IEP

Under the old IDEA, the IEP was to be reviewed and revised at least annually.

26-New Law:Review and revision of the IEP

The new law maintains prior requirements and adds new language emphasizing
revision of the IEP, as appropriate.

"(A) In general. -- The local educational agency shall ensure that, subject to
subparagraph (B) [see #25, "Consideration of Special Factors"], the IEP Team --

"(i) reviews the child's IEP periodically, but not less than annually to
determine whether the annual goals for the child are being achieved; and

"(ii) revises the IEP as appropriate to address -- (I) any lack of expected
progress toward the annual goals and in the general curriculum, where
appropriate; (II) the results of any reevaluation conducted under this section;
(III) information about the child provided to, or by, the parents, as described
in subsection (c)(1)(B) [see #29, "Additional requirements for evaluation and
reevaluations"]; (IV) the child's anticipated needs; or (V) other matters.

"(B) Requirement with respect to regular education teacher. -- The regular
education teacher of the child, as a member of the IEP Team, shall, to the
extent appropriate, participate in the review and revision of the IEP of the
child." [Section 614(d)(4)]
_________

27-Old Law: IEP Team

Members of the IEP Team were specified in the old IDEA.

27-New Law: IEP Team

The new law maintains prior requirements regarding IEP Team membership and adds
members to the team, including the regular education teacher. The IEP Team,
then, is a group composed of:

"(i) the parents of a child with a disability;

"(ii) at least one regular education teacher of such child (if the child is, or
may be, participating in the regular education environment);

"(iii) at least one special education teacher, or where appropriate, at least
one special education provider of such child;

"(iv) a representative of the local educational agency who -- (I) is qualified
to provide, or supervise the provision of, specially designed instruction to
meet the unique needs of children with disabilities; (II) is knowledgeable about
the general curriculum; and (III) is knowledgeable about the availability of
resources of the local education agency;

"(v) an individual who can interpret the instructional implications of
evaluation results, who may be a member of the team described in clauses (ii)
through (vi);

"(vi) at the discretion of the parent or the agency, other individuals who have
knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, including related services
personnel as appropriate; and

"(vii) whenever appropriate, the child with a disability." [Section
614(d)(1)(B)]

_________

28-Old Law: Parent participation in placement decisions

Parents had the right to consent to or refuse decisions regarding their child's
initial placement. However, the Federal statute did not require that they be a
member of the team making the placement decision.

28-New Law:Parent participation in placement

The new law explicitly states parents' right to be involved in all placement
decisions regarding their child. Unlike IEP changes, this change takes effect
immediately.

"(f) Educational Placements. -- Each local educational agency or State
educational agency shall ensure that the parents of each child with a disability
are members of any group that makes decisions on the educational placement of
their child." [Section 614(f)]

_________

29-Old Law: Evaluation and reevaluation of students

Under Federal regulations to the old IDEA, each student with disabilities was
initially evaluated to determine if he or she was a "child with a disability,"
as defined within IDEA, and what his or her present levels of educational
performance and educational need were. Each student receiving special education
and related services was also reevaluated every three years in all areas related
to his or her disability. The data gathered through this reevaluation generally
were used to determine if the student continued to be a "child with a
disability" and what his or her present levels of educational performance and
needs were.

29-New Law: Evaluation and reevaluation of students

IDEA 97 makes significant changes to the evaluation process by beginning with a
review of existing evaluation data on the student. If sufficient information
exists to make certain determinations, then the LEA is not required to conduct
additional testing or other evaluation procedures. (However, in the case of a
reevaluation, if parents request the reevaluation for the purpose of determining
if the child continues to be a "child with a disability," then the LEA must
conduct it.) If data are needed in a particular area, then the child would be
evaluated in that area. Parents must give their informed consent before any
evaluation can be conducted.

"(a) Evaluations and Reevaluations.--

"(1) Initial evaluations.--

"(A) In general.--A State educational agency, other State agency, or local
educational agency shall conduct a full and individual initial evaluation, in
accordance with this paragraph and subsection (b), before the initial provision
of special education and related services to a child with a disability under
this part.

"(B) Procedures.--Such initial evaluation shall consist of procedures--(i) to
determine whether a child is a child with a disability (as defined in section
602(3)); and (ii) to determine the educational needs of such child.

"(C) Parental consent.--

"(i) In general.--The agency proposing to conduct an initial evaluation to
determine if the child qualifies as a child with a disability as defined in
section 602(3)(A) or 602(3)(B) shall obtain an informed consent from the parent
of such child before the evaluation is conducted. Parental consent for
evaluation shall not be construed as consent for placement for receipt of
special education and related services.

"(ii) Refusal.--If the parents of such child refuse consent for the evaluation,
the agency may continue to pursue an evaluation by utilizing the mediation and
due process procedures under section 615, except to the extent inconsistent with
State law relating to parental consent.

"(2) Reevaluations.--A local educational agency shall ensure that a reevaluation
of each child with a disability is conducted--(A) if conditions warrant a
reevaluation or if the child's parent or teacher requests a reevaluation, but at
least once every 3 years; and (B) in accordance with subsections (b) and (c).

"(b) Evaluation Procedures.--

"(1) Notice.--The local educational agency shall provide notice to the parents
of a child with a disability, in accordance with subsections (b)(3), (b)(4), and
(c) of section 615, that describes any evaluation procedures such agency
proposes to conduct.

"(2) Conduct of evaluation.--In conducting the evaluation, the local educational
agency shall--

"(A) use a variety of assessment tools and strategies to gather relevant
functional and developmental information, including information provided by the
parent, that may assist in determining whether the child is a child with a
disability and the content of the child's individualized education program,
including information related to enabling the child to be involved in and
progress in the general curriculum or, for preschool children, to participate in
appropriate activities;

"(B) not use any single procedure as the sole criterion for determining whether
a child is a child with a disability or determining an appropriate educational
program for the child; and

"(C) use technically sound instruments that may assess the relative contribution
of cognitive and behavioral factors, in addition to physical or developmental
factors.

"(3) Additional requirements.--Each local educational agency shall ensure that--


"(A) tests and other evaluation materials used to assess a child under this
section--(i) are selected and administered so as not to be discriminatory on a
racial or cultural basis; and (ii) are provided and administered in the child's
native language or other mode of communication, unless it is clearly not
feasible to do so; and

"(B) any standardized tests that are given to the child--(i) have been validated
for the specific purpose for which they are used; (ii) are administered by
trained and knowledgeable personnel; and (iii) are administered in accordance
with any instructions provided by the producer of such tests;

"(C) the child is assessed in all areas of suspected disability; and

"(D) assessment tools and strategies that provide relevant information that
directly assists persons in determining the educational needs of the child are
provided.

"(4) Determination of eligibility.--Upon completion of administration of tests
and other evaluation materials--(A) the determination of whether the child is a
child with a disability as defined in section 602(3) shall be made by a team of
qualified professionals and the parent of the child in accordance with paragraph
(5); and (B) a copy of the evaluation report and the documentation of
determination of eligibility will be given to the parent.

"(5) Special rule for eligibility determination.--In making a determination of
eligibility under paragraph (4)(A), a child shall not be determined to be a
child with a disability if the determinant factor for such determination is lack
of instruction in reading or math or limited English proficiency.

"(c) Additional Requirements for Evaluation and Reevaluations.--

"(1) Review of existing evaluation data.--As part of an initial evaluation (if
appropriate) and as part of any reevaluation under this section, the IEP Team
described in subsection (d)(1)(B) and other qualified professionals, as
appropriate, shall--

"(A) review existing evaluation data on the child, including evaluations and
information provided by the parents of the child, current classroom-based
assessments and observations, and teacher and related services providers
observation; and

"(B) on the basis of that review, and input from the child's parents, identify
what additional data, if any, are needed to determine--

"(i) whether the child has a particular category of disability, as described in
section 602(3), or, in the case of a reevaluation of a child, whether the child
continues to have such a disability; (ii) the present levels of performance and
educational needs of the child; (iii) whether the child needs special education
and related services, or in the case of a reevaluation of a child, whether the
child continues to need special education and related services; and (iv) whether
any additions or modifications to the special education and related services are
needed to enable the child to meet the measurable annual goals set out in the
individualized education program of the child and to participate, as
appropriate, in the general curriculum.

"(2) Source of data.--The local educational agency shall administer such tests
and other evaluation materials as may be needed to produce the data identified
by the IEP Team under paragraph (1)(B).

"(3) Parental consent.--Each local educational agency shall obtain informed
parental consent, in accordance with subsection (a)(1)(C), prior to conducting
any reevaluation of a child with a disability, except that such informed parent
consent need not be obtained if the local educational agency can demonstrate
that it had taken reasonable measures to obtain such consent and the child's
parent has failed to respond.

"(4) Requirements if additional data are not needed.--If the IEP Team and other
qualified professionals, as appropriate, determine that no additional data are
needed to determine whether the child continues to be a child with a disability,
the local educational agency--

"(A) shall notify the child's parents of--(i) that determination and the reasons
for it; and (ii) the right of such parents to request an assessment to determine
whether the child continues to be a child with a disability; and

"(B) shall not be required to conduct such an assessment unless requested to by
the child's parents.

"(5) Evaluations before change in eligibility.--A local educational agency shall
evaluate a child with a disability in accordance with this section before
determining that the child is no longer a child with a disability." [Section
614(c)]
_________

Procedural Safeguards (Section 615 in new law)

30-Old Law: Prior written notice

The parents or guardians were entitled to receive prior written notice whenever
an agency proposed (or refused) to initiate or change the identification,
evaluation, or placement of the child or the provision of FAPE.

30-New Law:Prior written notice

IDEA 97 requires prior written notice in certain circumstances and a procedural
safeguards notice under certain circumstances.

"(b) Types of Procedures.--The procedures required by this section shall
include--

"...(3) written prior notice to the parents of the child whenever such
agency--(A) proposes to initiate or change; or (B) refuses to initiate or
change; the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of the child,
in accordance with subsection (c), or the provision of a free appropriate public
education to the child;

"(4) procedures designed to ensure that the notice required by paragraph (3) is
in the native language of the parents, unless it clearly is not feasible to do
so..." [Section 615(b)(3) and (4)]

"(c) Content of Prior Written Notice.--The notice required by subsection (b)(3)
shall include--

"(1) a description of the action proposed or refused by the agency; (2) an
explanation of why the agency proposes or refuses to take the action; (3) a
description of any other options that the agency considered and the reasons why
those options were rejected; (4) a description of each evaluation procedure,
test, record, or report the agency used as a basis for the proposed or refused
action; (5) a description of any other factors that are relevant to the agency's
proposal or refusal; (6) a statement that the parents of a child with a
disability have protection under the procedural safeguards of this part and, if
this notice is not an initial referral for evaluation, the means by which a copy
of a description of the procedural safeguards can be obtained; and (7) sources
for parents to contact to obtain assistance in understanding the provisions of
this part.

"(d) Procedural Safeguards Notice.--

"(1) In general.--A copy of the procedural safeguards available to the parents
of a child with a disability shall be given to parents, at a minimum-- (A) upon
initial referral for evaluation; (B) upon each notification of an individualized
education program meeting and upon reevaluation of the child; and (C) upon
registration of a complaint under subsection (b)(6).

"(2) Contents.--The procedural safeguards notice shall include a full
explanation of the procedural safeguards, written in the native language of the
parents, unless it clearly is not feasible to do so, and written in an easily
understandable manner, available under this section and under regulations
promulgated by the Secretary relating to-- (A) independent educational
evaluation; (B) prior written notice; (C) parental consent; (D) access to
educational records; (E) opportunity to present complaints; (F) the child's
placement during pendency of due process proceedings; (G) procedures for
students who are subject to placement in an interim alternative educational
setting; (H) requirements for unilateral placement by parents of children in
private schools at public expense; (I) mediation; (J) due process hearings,
including requirements for disclosure of evaluation results and recommendations;
(K) State-level appeals (if applicable in that State); (L) civil actions; and
(M) attorneys' fees." [Section 615(b)(3) and (4) and 615(c) and (d)]

_________

31-Old Law: Notification by parents for filing a complaint

No similar provisions existed in the old law.

31-New Law: Notification by parents for filing a complaint

The new law adds a requirement that parents filing a complaint must provide the
State educational agency or local educational agency with notice. The notice
must contain specific information.

"(b) Types of Procedures. -- The procedures required by this section shall
include --

"...(7) procedures that require the parent of a child with a disability, or the
attorney representing the child, to provide notice (which shall remain
confidential) --

"(A) to the State educational agency or local educational agency, as the case
may be, in the complaint filed under paragraph (6) [any complaint relating to
the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of the child, or the
provision of FAPE to the child]; and

"(B) that shall include -- (i) the name of the child, the address of the
residence of the child, and the name of the school the child is attending; (ii)
a description of the nature of the problem of the child relating to such
proposed initiation or change, including facts relating to such problem; and
(iii) a proposed resolution of the problem to the extent known and available to
the parents at the time; and

"(8) procedures that require the State educational agency to develop a model
form to assist parents in filing a complaint in accordance with paragraph (7)."
[Section 615(b)(7) and (8)]

_________

32-Old Law: Mediation

No similar provisions existed under the old law, although mediation was a
permissible activity.

32-New Law: Mediation

The new law requires States to establish a mediation system in which parents and
schools may voluntarily participate. The law specifies mediation requirements as
follows:

"(e) Mediation. --

"(1) In general. -- Any State educational agency or local educational agency
that receives assistance under this part shall ensure that procedures are
established and implemented to allow parties to disputes involving any matter
described in subsection (b)(6) to resolve such disputes through a mediation
process which, at a minimum, shall be available whenever a hearing is requested
under subsection (f) or (k).

"(2) Requirements. -- Such procedures shall meet the following requirements:

"(A) The procedures shall ensure that the mediation process -- (i) is voluntary
on the part of the parties; (ii) is not used to deny or delay a parent's right
to a due process hearing under subsection (f) or to deny any other rights
afforded under this part; and (iii) is conducted by a qualified and impartial
mediator who is trained in effective mediation techniques.

"(B) A local educational agency or a State agency may establish procedures to
require parents who choose not to use the mediation process to meet, at a time
and location convenient to the parents, with a disinterested party who is under
contract with -- (i) a parent training and information center or community
parent resource center in the State established under section 682 or 683; or
(ii) an appropriate alternative dispute resolution entity; to encourage the use,
and explain the benefits, of the mediation process to the parents.

"(C) The State shall maintain a list of individuals who are qualified mediators
and knowledgeable in laws and regulations relating to the provision of special
education and related services.

"(D) The State shall bear the cost of the mediation process, including the costs
of meetings described in subparagraph (B).

"(E) Each session in the mediation process shall be scheduled in a timely manner
and shall be held in a location that is convenient to the parties to the
dispute.

"(F) An agreement reached by the parties to the dispute in the mediation process
shall be set forth in a written mediation agreement.

"(G) Discussions that occur during the mediation process shall be confidential
and may not be used as evidence in any subsequent due process hearing or civil
proceedings and the parties to the mediation process may be required to sign a
confidentiality pledge prior to the commencement of such process." [Section
615(e)]

_________

33-Old Law: Disclosure of evaluations and recommendations

The old IDEA's regulations regarding disclosure exist at 34 CFR 300.508 (a)(3)
and provided that at a hearing the introduction of any evidence that has not
been disclosed to the other party at least five days before the hearing was
prohibited.

33-New Law: Disclosure of evaluations and recommendations

IDEA 97 adds a provision that, at least 5 business days before a hearing, each
party must disclose all evaluations and recommendations. Any party failing to
meet this requirement may be barred from introducing this evidence, unless the
other party consents.

"(2) Disclosure of evaluations and recommendations. --

(A) In general. -- At least 5 business days prior to a hearing conducted
pursuant to paragraph (1), each party shall disclose to all other parties all
evaluations completed by that date and recommendations based on the offering
party's evaluations that the party intends to use at the hearing.

"(B) Failure to disclose. -- A hearing officer may bar any party that fails to
comply with subparagraph (A) from introducing the relevant evaluation or
recommendation at the hearing without the consent of the other party." [Section
615(f)(2)]

_________

34-Old Law: Prohibition of attorneys's fees and related costs

The old law stipulated that no attorneys' fees may be awarded subsequent to the
time of a written offer of settlement under certain circumstances.

34-New Law:Prohibition of attorneys' fees and related costs

The new law maintains prior requirements and adds that attorney fees may not be
awarded for an IEP meeting unless the meeting is convened as a result of an
"administrative proceeding or judicial action." Fees would also not be awarded
for mediation prior to the filing of a due process complaint. Fees may be
reduced in certain circumstances, including if the attorney representing the
parents did not provide the school district with the appropriate information in
the due process complaint [see #32, "Notification by Parents Filing a
Complaint"].

"(ii) Attorneys' fees may not be awarded relating to any meeting of the IEP Team
unless such meeting is convened as a result of an administrative proceeding or
judicial action, or, at the discretion of the State, for a mediation described
in subsection (e) that is conducted prior to the filing of a complaint under
subsection (b)(6) or (k) of this section." [Section 615 (i)(3)(D)(ii)]

"(F) Reduction in amount of attorneys' fees. -- Except as provided in
subparagraph (G), whenever the court finds that --

"(i) the parent, during the course of the action or proceeding, unreasonably
protracted the final resolution of the controversy;

"(ii) the amount of the attorneys' fees otherwise authorized to be awarded
unreasonably exceeds the hourly rate prevailing in the community for similar
services by attorneys of reasonably comparable skill, reputation, and
experience;

"(iii) the time spent and legal services furnished were excessive considering
the nature of the action or proceeding; or

"(iv) the attorney representing the parent did not provide to the school
district the appropriate information in the due process complaint in accordance
with subsection (b)(7);

"the court shall reduce, accordingly, the amount of the attorneys' fees awarded
under this section.

"(G) Exception to reduction in amount of attorneys' fees. -- The provisions of
subparagraph (F) shall not apply in any action or proceeding if the court finds
that the State or local educational agency unreasonably protracted the final
resolution of the action or proceeding or there was a violation of this
section." [Section 615(i)(3)(F) and (G)]

_________

35-Old Law: Maintenance of current educational placement and placement in
alternative educational setting -- authority of school personnel

Under the old IDEA, during the time that a proceeding was being conducted, the
child remained in his or her current educational placement (unless otherwise
agreed by the SEA or LEA and parents), except in the case of a child who brought
a firearm to school. Under what is known as the "Jeffords Amendment," such a
child could be placed in an interim alternative educational setting for not more
than 45 days. If a parent requested a due process hearing in a case involving a
firearm, the child still remained in the interim placement.

35-New Law: Maintenance of current educational placement and placement in
alternative educational setting -- authority of school personnel

IDEA 97 brings several changes to prior requirements, including expanding the
school's right to take disciplinary action with children with disabilities who
knowingly possess or use illegal drugs or sell or solicit the sale of a
controlled substance while at school or school functions. Under certain
circumstances, schools are required now to conduct a functional behavioral
assessment and implement a behavior intervention plan.

Under the new law, "(k) Placement in Alternative Educational Setting" consists
of 10 separate, but interrelated, subparagraphs: (1) Authority of school
personnel; (2) Authority of hearing officer; (3) Determination of setting; (4)
Manifestation determination review; (5) Determination that behavior was not
manifestation of disability; (6) Parent appeal; (7) Placement during appeals;
(8) Protections for children not yet eligible for special education and related
services; (9) Referral to and action by law enforcement and judicial
authorities; and (10) Definitions.

Subparagraphs (1)-(10) are presented in the next pages and, although reviewed
separately, should be viewed as aspects of the same issueûthe procedures for
placing a child in an alternative educational setting.

"(j) Maintenance of current educational placement. -- Except as provided in
subsection (k)(7) [see #41], during the pendency of any proceedings conducted
pursuant to this section, unless the State or local educational agency and the
parents otherwise agree, the child shall remain in the then-current educational
placement of such child, or, if applying for initial admission to a public
school, shall, with the consent of the parents, be placed in the public school
program until all such proceedings have been completed.

"(k) Placement in alternative educational setting. --

"(1) Authority of school personnel. --

"(A) School personnel under this section may order a change in the placement of
a child with a disability --

"(i) to an appropriate interim alternative educational setting, another setting,
or suspension, for not more than 10 school days (to the extent such alternatives
would be applied to children without disabilities); and

"(ii) to an appropriate interim alternative educational setting for the same
amount of time that a child without a disability would be subject to discipline,
but for not more than 45 days if --

"(I) the child carries a weapon to school or to a school function under the
jurisdiction of a State or local educational agency; or

"(II) the child knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs or sells or solicits
the sale of a controlled substance while at school or a school function under
the jurisdiction of a State or local educational agency.

"(B) Either before or not later than 10 days after taking a disciplinary action
described in subparagraph (A) --

"(i) if the local educational agency did not conduct a functional behavioral
assessment and implement a behavioral intervention plan for such child before
the behavior that resulted in the suspension described in subparagraph (A), the
agency shall convene an IEP meeting to develop an assessment plan to address
that behavior; or

"(ii) if the child already has a behavioral intervention plan, the IEP Team
shall review the plan and modify it, as necessary, to address the behavior."
[Section 615(j)-(k)(1)]

_________

36-Old Law: Authority of hearing officer

Under judicial interpretations of the old IDEA, a court could order the
placement of a child to be changed if that placement was substantially likely to
result in injury to the child or others.

36-New Law: Authority of hearing officer

The new IDEA has expanded the authority of hearing officers to place children in
interim educational settings. (Note: See #44 for definition of "substantial
evidence.")

"(2) Authority of hearing officer. -- A hearing officer under this section may
order a change in the placement of a child with a disability to an appropriate
interim alternative educational setting for not more than 45 days if the hearing
officer --

"(A) determines that the public agency has demonstrated by substantial evidence
that maintaining the current placement of such child is substantially likely to
result in injury to the child or to others;

"(B) considers the appropriateness of the child's current placement;

"(C) considers whether the public agency has made reasonable efforts to minimize
the risk of harm in the child's current placement, including the use of
supplementary aids and services; and

"(D) determines that the interim alternative educational setting meets the
requirements of paragraph (3)(B)" [see #37]. [Section 615 (k)(2)]

_________

37-Old Law: Determination of setting

No explicit provisions regarding determining interim alternative educational
settings existed in the old IDEA until the Jeffords Amendment to the IDEA was
added, which provided for the removal of a student for up to 45 days for
bringing a firearm to school.

37-New Law: Determination of setting: Under IDEA 97, the IEP Team determines the
interim alternative educational setting of the child. Additional requirements
have been added.

"(3) Determination of setting. --

"(A) In general. -- The alternative educational setting described in paragraph
(1)(A)(ii) shall be determined by the IEP Team.

"(B) Additional requirements. -- Any interim alternative educational setting in
which a child is placed under paragraph (1) or (2) shall --

"(i) be selected so as to enable the child to continue to participate in the
general curriculum, although in another setting, and to continue to receive
those services and modifications, including those described in the child's
current IEP, that will enable the child to meet the goals set out in that IEP;
and

"(ii) include services and modifications designed to address the behavior
described in paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) so that it does not recur." [Section
615(k)(3)]

_________

38-Old Law: Manifestation determination review

No similar provisions existed in the old IDEA.

38-New Law: Manifestation determination review

In the new law, immediately, if possible, but in no case later than 10 school
days after the disciplinary action has been taken, the IEP Team and other
qualified individuals shall review the relationship between the child's
disability and the behavior subject to disciplinary action, to determine whether
or not the behavior was a manifestation of the child's disability. The team must
consider a wide range of information in making this determination.

"(4) Manifestation determination review. --

"(A) In general. -- If a disciplinary action is contemplated as described in
paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) for a behavior of a child with a disability
described in either of those paragraphs, or if a disciplinary action involving a
change of placement for more than 10 days is contemplated for a child with a
disability who has engaged in other behavior that violated any rule or code of
conduct of the local educational agency that applies to all children --

"(i) not later than the date on which the decision to take that action is made,
the parents shall be notified of that decision and of all procedural safeguards
accorded under this section; and

"(ii) immediately, if possible, but in no case later than 10 school days after
the date on which the decision to take that action is made, a review shall be
conducted of the relationship between the child's disability and the behavior
subject to the disciplinary action.

"(B) Individuals to carry out review. -- A review described in subparagraph (A)
shall be conducted by the IEP Team and other qualified personnel.

"(C) Conduct of review. -- In carrying out a review described in subparagraph
(A), the IEP Team may determine that the behavior of the child was not a
manifestation of such child's disability only if the IEP Team --

"(i) first considers, in terms of the behavior subject to disciplinary action,
all relevant information, including (I) evaluation and diagnostic results,
including such results or other relevant information supplied by the parents of
the child; (II) observations of the child; and (III) the child's IEP and
placement; and

"(ii) then determines that --

"(I) in relationship to the behavior subject to disciplinary action, the child's
IEP and placement were appropriate and the special education services,
supplementary aids and services, and behavior intervention strategies were
provided consistent with the child's IEP and placement;

"(II) the child's disability did not impair the ability of the child to
understand the impact and consequences of the behavior subject to disciplinary
action; and

"(III) the child's disability did not impair the ability of the child to control
the behavior subject to disciplinary action." [Section 615(k)(4)]

_________

39-Old Law: Determination that behavior was not a manifestation of disability

No similar provisions existed in the old IDEA.
39-New Law: Determination that behavior was not a manifestation of disability

Under the new law, if it is determined that the behavior was not a manifestation
of the child's disability, the relevant disciplinary procedures applicable to
children without disabilities may be applied to the child in the same manner in
which they would be applied to children without disabilities, provided, however,
that there is no cessation of educational services.

"(5) Determination that behavior was not manifestation of disability. --

"(A) In general. -- If the result of the review described in paragraph (4) is a
determination, consistent with paragraph (4)(C), that the behavior of the child
with a disability was not a manifestation of the child's disability, the
relevant disciplinary procedures applicable to children without disabilities may
be applied to the child in the same manner in which they would be applied to
children without disabilities, except as provided in section 612(a)(1) [the
requirement that schools provide FAPE to children with disabilities who have
been suspended or expelled from school].

"(B) Additional requirement. -- If the public agency initiates disciplinary
procedures applicable to all children, the agency shall ensure that the special
education and disciplinary records of the child with a disability are
transmitted for consideration by the person or persons making the final
determination regarding the disciplinary action." [Section 615(k)(5)]

_________

40-Old Law: Parent appeal of manifestation determination and interim alternative
placement actions

Parental appeals were subject to IDEA's due process provisions. No explicit
provisions regarding manifestation determination or interim alternative
educational placements existed in the old law.

40-New Law: Parent appeal of manifestation determination and interim alternative
placement actions

Under the new IDEA, if a parent disagrees with the determination or placement
decision, the parent may request a hearing. The SEA or LEA shall arrange for an
expedited hearing when requested by the parent. The hearing officer will make a
determination as to whether the behavior was a manifestation of the child's
disability.

"(6) Parent appeal. --

"(A) In general. -- (i) If the child's parent disagrees with a determination
that the child's behavior was not a manifestation of the child's disability or
with any decision regarding placement, the parent may request a hearing.

"(ii) The State or local educational agency shall arrange for an expedited
hearing in any case described in this subsection when requested by a parent.

"(B) Review of decision. -- (i) In reviewing a decision with respect to the
manifestation determination, the hearing officer shall determine whether the
public agency has demonstrated that the child's behavior was not a manifestation
of such child's disability consistent with the requirements of paragraph (4)(C)
[see "(4) Manifestation Determination Review: (C), Conduct of Review," #38
above].

"(ii) In reviewing a decision under paragraph (1)(A)(ii) [for drug and weapon
violations] to place the child in an interim alternative educational setting,
the hearing officer shall apply the standards set out in paragraph (2)" [see #36
above, "(2) Authority of hearing officer"]. [Section 615(k)(6)]

_________

41-Old Law: Placement during appeals

Under the prior legislation, during the pendency of any administrative or
judicial proceeding regarding a complaint, the child remained in his or her
current educational placement, unless the parents and public agency agreed
otherwise. Under the Jeffords Amendment, the LEA could keep the student in the
alternative educational setting during the pendency of the proceedings, unless
the parents and the LEA agreed otherwise.

41-New Law: Placement during appeals

The requirements of the new law are as follow:

"(7) Placement during appeals. --

"(A) In general. -- When a parent requests a hearing regarding a disciplinary
action described in paragraph (1)(A)(ii) [when school personnel changed the
child's placement for up to 45 days] or paragraph (2) [when a hearing officer
orders a change in placement for not more than 45 days] to challenge the interim
alternative educational setting or the manifestation determination, the child
shall remain in the interim alternative educational setting pending the decision
of the hearing officer or until the expiration of the time period provided for
in paragraph (1)(A)(ii) or paragraph (2), whichever occurs first, unless the
parent and the State or local educational agency agree otherwise.

"(B) Current placement. -- If a child is placed in an interim alternative
educational setting pursuant to paragraph (1)(A)(ii) or paragraph (2) and school
personnel propose to change the child's placement after expiration of the
interim alternative placement, during the pendency of any proceeding to
challenge the proposed change in placement, the child shall remain in the
current placement (the child's placement prior to the interim alternative
educational setting), except as provided in subparagraph (C).

"(C) Expedited hearing. -- (i) If school personnel maintain that it is dangerous
for the child to be in the current placement (placement prior to removal to the
interim alternative educational setting) during the pendency of the due process
proceedings, the local educational agency may request an expedited hearing.

"(ii) In determining whether the child may be placed in the alternative
educational setting or in another appropriate placement ordered by the hearing
officer, the hearing officer shall apply the standards set out in paragraph (2)"
[see #36 above, "(2) Authority of Hearing Officer"].

_________

42-Old Law: Protections for children not yet eligible for special education

No similar provisions existed in the old IDEA.


42-New Law: Protections for children not yet eligible for special education

Under IDEA 97, a child who has not yet been found eligible for special education
and who has violated a rule or code of conduct could assert the protections of
the Act if the LEA had knowledge that the child was a child with a disability
before the behavior occurred.

"(8) Protections for children not yet eligible for special education and related
services. --

"(A) In general. -- A child who has not been determined to be eligible for
special education and related services under this part and who has engaged in
behavior that violated any rule or code of conduct of the local educational
agency, including any behavior described in paragraph (1) [see #36 above,
"(1)Authority of School Personnel"], may assert any of the protections provided
for in this part if the local educational agency had knowledge that the child
was a child with a disability before the behavior that precipitated the
disciplinary action occurred.

"(B) Basis of knowledge. -- A local educational agency shall be deemed to have
knowledge that a child is a child with a disability if --

"(i) the parent of the child has expressed concern in writing (unless the parent
is illiterate or has a disability that prevents compliance with the requirements
contained in this clause) to personnel of the appropriate educational agency
that the child is in need of special education and related services;

"(ii) the behavior or performance of the child demonstrates the need for such
services;

"(iii) the parent of the child has requested an evaluation of the child pursuant
to section 614; or

"(iv) the teacher of the child, or other personnel of the local educational
agency, has expressed concern about the behavior or performance of the child to
the director of special education of such agency or to other personnel of the
agency." [Section 615(k)(8)(B)]

"(C) Conditions that apply if no basis of knowledge. --

"(i) In general. -- If a local educational agency does not have knowledge that a
child is a child with a disability (in accordance with subparagraph (B)) prior
to taking disciplinary measures against the child, the child may be subjected to
the same disciplinary measures as measures applied to children without
disabilities who engaged in comparable behaviors consistent with clause (ii).

"(ii) Limitations. -- If a request is made for an evaluation of a child during
the time period in which the child is subjected to disciplinary measures under
paragraph (1) or (2) [see #35 above, "(1) Authority of School Personnel" and #36
above, "(2) Authority of Hearing Officer"], the evaluation shall be conducted in
an expedited manner. If the child is determined to be a child with a disability,
taking into consideration information from the evaluation conducted by the
agency and information provided by the parents, the agency shall provide special
education and related services in accordance with the provisions of this part,
except that, pending the results of the evaluation, the child shall remain in
the educational placement determined by school authorities." [Section
615(k)(8)(C)]

_________

43-Old Law: Referral to and action by law enforcement and judicial authorities

No explicit provision existed in the old IDEA.

43-New Law: Referral to and action by law enforcement and judicial authorities

The new law makes clear that agencies are not prohibited from reporting a crime
committed by a child with a disability to appropriate authorities. Similarly,
the law does not prevent State law enforcement and judicial authorities from
exercising their responsibilities. The agency reporting the crime must ensure
that copies of the special education and disciplinary records are transmitted
for consideration by the appropriate authorities.

"(9) Referral to and Action by Law Enforcement and Judicial Authorities. --

"(A) Nothing in this part shall be construed to prohibit an agency from
reporting a crime committed by a child with a disability to appropriate
authorities or to prevent State law enforcement and judicial authorities from
exercising their responsibilities with regard to the application of Federal and
State law to crimes committed by a child with a disability.

"(B) An agency reporting a crime committed by a child with a disability shall
ensure that copies of the special education and disciplinary records of the
child are transmitted for consideration by the appropriate authorities to whom
it reports the crime." [Section 615(k)(9)(A) and (B)]

_________

44-Old Law: Definitions

Although most of the definitions provided in this subparagraph of IDEA 97 are
drawn from other Federal laws, no similar definitions existed explicitly in the
old IDEA. The Jeffords Amendment defined "weapon" as a "firearm" as that term
was defined within Federal law.

44-New Laws: Definitions

The last subparagraph in Section 615(k) provides the definitions of terms used
throughout this section.

"(10) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection, the following definitions
apply:

"(A) Controlled substance.--The term æcontrolled substance' means a drug or
other substance identified under schedules I, II, III, IV, or V in section
202(c) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812(c)).

"(B) Illegal drug.--The term æillegal drug'--(i) means a controlled substance;
but (ii) does not include such a substance that is legally possessed or used
under the supervision of a licensed health-care professional or that is legally
possessed or used under any other authority under that Act or under any other
provision of Federal law.

"(C) Substantial evidence.--The term æsubstantial evidence' means beyond a
preponderance of the evidence.

"(D) Weapon.--The term æweapon' has the meaning given the term ædangerous
weapon' [see Editor's note below] under paragraph (2) of the first subsection
(G) of section 930 of title 18, United States Code." [Section 615(k)(10)]

[Editor's note: According to the Report [to accompany S. 717], the term
ædangerous weapon' is defined as "a weapon, device, instrument, material, or
substance, animate or inanimate, that is used for, or is readily capable of,
causing death or serious bodily injury, except that such term does not include a
pocket knife with a blade of less than 2-1/2 includes in length." (Committee on
Labor and Human Resources, 1997, p. 34)]

_________

45-Old Law: Transfer of parental rights at age of majority

No similar provisions existed in the old IDEA.

45-New Law: Transfer of parental rights at age of majority

The new law outlines procedures for the transfer of parental rights to the child
when he or she reaches the age of majority, consistent with State policy.

"(1) In general. -- A State that receives amounts from a grant under this part
may provide that, when a child with a disability reaches the age of majority
under State law (except for a child with a disability who has been determined to
be incompetent under State law) --

"(A) the public agency shall provide any notice required by this section to both
the individual and the parents;

"(B) all other rights accorded to the parents under this part transfer to the
child;

"(C) the agency shall notify the individual and the parents of the transfer of
rights; and

"(D) all rights accorded to parents under this part transfer to "children who
are incarcerated in an adult or juvenile Federal, State, or local correctional
institution.

"(2) Special rule. -- If, under State law, a child with a disability who has
reached the age of majority under State law, who has not been determined to be
incompetent, but who is determined not to have the ability to provide informed
consent with respect to the educational program of the child, the State shall
establish procedures for appointing the parent of the child, or if the parent is
not available, another appropriate individual, to represent the educational
interests of the child throughout the period of eligibility of the child under
this part." [Section 615(m)]

_________

Part C: Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities

46-Old Law: Change within IDEA

In the old legislation, the Infants and Toddlers Program requirements were
located in Part H, so that early intervention was often referred to as the Part
H program.

46-New Law: Change within IDEA

Under the new law, the Infants and Toddlers Program requirements are located in
Part C. There will no longer be a Part H. These changes take effect July 1,
1998.

_________

47-Old Law: Findings and Policies

The old IDEA included findings related to the need to enhance the development of
infants and toddlers with disabilities.

47-New Law: Findings and Policies

IDEA 97 maintains prior findings and modifies one of its purposes from
developing an early intervention "program" to developing a "system that provides
early intervention services." Also added is the purpose "to encourage States to
expand opportunities for children under 3 years of age who would be at risk of
having substantial developmental delay if they did not receive early
intervention services." [Section 631(b)(1) and (4)]

_________

48-Old Law: Definitions

A definition of "at-risk infant or toddler" did not exist in old law.

48-New Law: Definitions

The new law maintains previous definitions and additionally defines "at-risk
infant or toddler" as: "...an individual under 3 years of age who would be at
risk of experiencing a substantial developmental delay if early intervention
services were not provided to the individual." [Section 632(1)]

_________

49-Old Law: General requirements

The old law outlined a series of requirements, including a timetable for
implementation of an early intervention system.

49-New Law: General requirements

The new law maintains previous requirements and clarifies that the
identification of each family's needs must be "family-directed." [Section
635(a)(3)]

The implementation timetable has been dropped. A requirement is added that a
State policy must be in effect that ensures availability of early intervention
services. [Section 635(a)(2)]

_________

50-Old Law: Natural environments

No similar provisions existed in the old IDEA.

50-New Law: Natural environments

The new law requires policies and procedures that ensure:

"(A) to the maximum extent appropriate, early intervention services are provided
in natural environments; and

"(B) the provision of early intervention services for any infant or toddler
occurs in a setting other than a natural environment only when early
intervention cannot be achieved satisfactorily for the infant or toddler in a
natural environment." [Section 635(a)(16)]

_________

51-Old Law: Personnel standards

See description of "Personnel Standards" under Part B (#17). Similar
requirements existed for the Infant and Toddler Program.

51-New Law: Personnel standards

See description of "Personnel Standards" under Part B (# 17). Similar
requirements exist under the new law for the Infant and Toddler Program.
[Section 635(a)(8)]

_________

52-Old Law: IFSP

The prior legislation outlined requirements for the development of
individualized family service plans (IFSP).

52-New Law: IFSP

The new law maintains similar requirements, with the additional requirement that
a justification be included "of the extent, if any, to which services will not
be provided in a natural environment." [Section 636(d)(5)]

_________

53-Old Law: Procedural safeguards

The old law outlined procedural safeguards to be included in the statewide
system.

53-New Law: Procedural safeguards

The new law maintains prior requirements. The prohibition on who may not serve
as a surrogate parent is expanded to include individuals or employees of
providers of early intervention services. [Section 639(a)(5)] Right to
mediation, as delineated under Part B, applies to Part C as well, with Part B
references to FAPE being considered as references to early intervention
services. [Section 639(a)(8)]

_________

54-Old Law: State Interagency Coordinating Council

The old law required a State to establish an ICC according to listed
specifications and limited the number of members.

54-New Law: State Interagency Coordinating Council

The new IDEA maintains prior requirements regarding establishment, composition,
meetings, management authority, and function of ICCs. The number of members is
now left to the State to determine. [Section 641]

*******end of Side-by-Side Analysis*******
_______________________________

INDEX

The numbers given after the various subject listings are NOT page numbers. They
refer to the numbering system used within the side by side. Therefore, as an
example, "Advisory Panel, 20" refers you to #20 within the side by side analysis
of "old law-new law" provisions .


Advisory Panel, 20

Age of majority
--statement in the IEP, 24
--transfer of parental rights at, 45

Alternative educational setting, see Placement

Assessment
--children with disabilities' participation in, 19
--reports, 19
--statements in the IEP, 24

Assistive devices and services in the IEP, 25

Attorney fees, 34

Behavior
--behavioral intervention plan, 35
--functional assessment of, 35
--in the IEP, 24
--LEA knowledge of problem, 42
--manifestation determination review, 38
--referral to law enforcement, 43

Braille, 25

Charter schools, 21

Child find in private schools, 11, 15

Definitions
--at risk infant or toddler, 48
--controlled substance, 44
--developmental delay, 3
--educational service agency, 4
--illegal drug, 44
--parents, 5
--related services, 6
--serious emotional disturbance, 2
--substantial evidence, 44
--supplementary aids and services, 7
--transition services, 8
--weapon, 44

Determination
--of setting, 37
--that behavior was not a manifestation of disability, 39

Discipline, see Behavior

Disclosure of evaluations and recommendations, 33

Eligibility decisions, 23

Evaluation, 29

General curriculum
--in IEP, 24
--when in interim alternative educational setting, 37

IFSP, 52

Indicators, 18

Individualized Education Program
--description of contents, 24
--development of, 25
--review and revision of, 26
--special factors to consider, 25
--team members, 27
--transition services, 24

Infants and Toddlers Program, 46-54

Interagency Coordinating Councils, 54

Interim alternative educational setting, see Placement

Law enforcement and judicial authorities, 43

LEA knowledge of child's disability, 42

Least restrictive environment (LRE), 12

Limited English proficiency, 25

Maintenance of placement, 35

Majority, see Age of Majority

Manifestation determination review, 38

Mediation, 32

Natural environments, 50

Notification
--by parents re: filing a complaint, 31
--by parents re: private school placement, 16
û-contents of prior written notice, 30
û-contents of procedural safeguards notice, 30
--to parents re: disciplinary action, 38
--to parents re: procedural safeguards, 30

Orientation and mobility services, 6

Parent appeal, 40

Parent consent
û-for initial evaluation of child,29
--to reevaluate child, 29

Parent participation
--in eligibility decisions, 23
û-in evaluation, 29
--in placement decisions, 28
--on Advisory Panel, 20

Part C (formerly Part H), 46-54

Participation in assessments, 19

Performance goals and indicators, 18

Personnel standards
--Part B, 17
--Part C (formerly H), 51

Placement
--authority of hearing officer to change, 36
--authority of school personnel to change, 35
û-decisions in general, 28
--during appeal, 41
--in private schools, 15-16
--in interim alternative educational setting, 35
--maintenance of current educational placement, 35
--manifestation determination review, 38
--parent appeal of, 40
--requirement for interim alternative educational setting, 37

Policy letters and regulations, 9

Prior written notice, see Notification

Prisons, 22

Private school placement
--limitation of reimbursement for, 16
--use of IDEA funds for, 15
--without consent of public agency, 16

Procedural safeguards
--children not yet eligible, 42
--disclosure prior to hearing, 33
--nondiscriminatory evaluation, 13
--notice of, 30
--Part C (formerly H), 53
--prior written notice, 30
--reevaluation, 29

Protections for children not yet eligible, 42

Records
--transmittal of special education and disciplinary records, 39

Reduction in attorneys' fees, 34

Reevaluation of student, 29

Referral to law enforcement & judicial authorities, 43

Regular Education Teacher
--participation in IEP development, 25
--participation in IEP review, 26
--participation on IEP team, 27

Reimbursement for private school placement, 16

Reports
--on student assessment, 19
--to parents on student progress, 24

Review of existing evaluation data, 29

Services in prisons, 22

Special factors to consider in IEP development, 25

State Advisory Panel, 20

State eligibility/plans,10

State Interagency Coordinating Councils, 54

Supplementary aids and services
--definition, 7
--statements in IEP, 24

Transfer of parental rights at age of majority, 45

Transition
--definition, 8
--from infant program to preschool program, 14
--transition services for youth, 24

Triennials, see Reevaluation of student

Written notification, see Notification

_______________________________

NICHCY News Digest is published several times a year in response to questions
from individuals and organizations that contact the Clearinghouse. In addition,
NICHCY disseminates other materials and can respond to individual requests for
information. For further information and assistance, or to receive a NICHCY
Publications Catalog, contact NICHCY, P. O. Box 1492, Washington, DC 20013.
Telephone: 1-800-695-0285 (Voice/TTY) and (202) 884-8200 (Voice/TTY). Visit our
Web site (http://www.nichcy.org) or our gopher site (gopher aed.org). You can
send us e-mail at: nichcy@aed.org

NICHCY thanks our Project Officer, Dr. Peggy Cvach, at the Office of Special
Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education, for her time in reading and
reviewing this manuscript.

We would also like to express our deep appreciation to those individuals who
read this manuscript in draft and provided us with guidance, suggestions, and
expertise critical to ensuring its accuracy. In particular, we thank: Margaret
Burley, Executive Director, Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with
Disabilities, Marion, OH; Myrna Mandlawitz, National Association of State
Directors of Special Education, Alexandria, VA; and the many individuals at the
Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education, who went
over the draft with the finest of combs.

Project Director: Suzanne Ripley
Editor/Author: Lisa Kupper
Associate Editor: Mary Kate Gutierrez

This information is copyright free, unless otherwise indicated. Readers are
encouraged to copy and share it, but please credit the National Information
Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY). Please share your
ideas and feedback with our staff by writing to the Editor.

_______________________________

A Special Thank You...

This publication would not be complete without a special thank you to Donna
Waghorn, Director of Information Services, at NICHCY, for her faithful tracking
of the IDEA through the long reauthorization process. She kept us informed and
now, through this News Digest, her knowledge flows to our readers. Thanks,
Donna.

_______________________________

Publication of this document is made possible through Cooperative Agreement
#H030A30003 between the Academy for Educational Development and the Office of
Special Education Programs of the U.S. Department of Education. The contents of
this document do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department
of Education, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or
organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
The Academy for Educational Development, founded in 1961, is an independent,
nonprofit service organization committed to addressing human development needs
in the United States and throughout the world. In partnership with its clients,
the Academy seeks to meet today's social, economic, and environmental challenges
through education and human resource development; to apply state-of-the-art
education, training, research, technology, management, behavioral analysis, and
social marketing techniques to solve problems; and to improve knowledge and
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reducing poverty, and promoting democratic and humanitarian ideals.



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