The new IDEA requires that parents of children with disabilities receive reports on their child's progress towards their individual goals at least as often as parents of non-disabled children receive progress reports. Another new requirement is that the measurement of progress must be measurable; in other words it cannot be based on opinion.

Assistive Technology: is any device that assists a person in their performance. Computers, audio trainers, calculators, and special writing instruments are just a few items that could be called assistive technology.

If your child is qualified for special education, you're entitled to ask for any device that will make the difference between failure and success, and the district pays for that device and its maintenance. For our children with ADHD, a computer can make all the difference in the world in getting written assignments organized and completed on time.

Extended school year, or ESY: This is usually summer school. Many parents are told that if their child doesn't show "regression" over a summer they don't qualify for ESY. Extended school year can be accessed for a number of other needs if a child is lagging academically. Also, a district can't offer a one-size-fits-all class for ESY.

Office of Special Education Programs: The branch of the U. S. Department of Education that oversees and administers the special education programs. This office also writes the federal special education regulations and oversees their enforcement. They also provide wonderful training and administer many programs. You can find their site listed on my links page.

SEA: Your State Education Agency, otherwise known as your State Department of Education, which, when all is said and done, has the bottomline responsibility for educating your child.

LEA: Your Local Education Agency, otherwise known as your local school district.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): provides a great deal of protection OF your child's records. Special records, such as special education, medical, etc. should be closely monitored for who views them. Districts require a signature when someone examines certain documents. You're guaranteed the right to examine any and all documents the district holds that pertains to your child, including teacher-to-teacher notes, discipline notes, cumulative files. Everything!

These files are sometimes scattered in different places, but you can always request the district bring everything together for you to examine. You have the right under FERPA to request that inaccurate, or opinionated information, be struck from the file. If the district will not do this, you can take it further or simply write a rebuttal and have it attached to the file. You're also entitled to a copy of your child's file. The district can charge a nominal fee, but in no case can such a charge keep a parent from obtaining a copy if it would cause financial hardship.

Rehabilitation Act of 1973: This act is part of the larger Civil Rights law. Every student in public school, or any school that receives any public funding, must abide by this law.

Basically, it addresses discrimination issues, including discrimination against disabilities. It's designed to make sure that any child with a disability has equal access to all services and activities that non-disabled peers have access to. From transportation to modifications and accommodations in the regular classroom, to any after-school activities such as clubs and field trips, all children are guaranteed equal access.

I think of it as a law that guarantees accessibility, including physical accessibility for wheelchairs, communication, etc. It's a procedural law rather than a substantive law. If you are asking "huh?" join the club. It's confusing. You would have to address quality of education (substantive issues) under IDEA law. At least, that's how it was explained to me. I understand that the line seems to be blurring a bit between the two and I think that's important, as accessibility without meaningful instruction seems rather useless.

504 Rehabilitation Act: A more common term for the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Office for Civil Rights: The office responsible for enforcing the Rehabilitation Act.

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