The final regulations were published later than originally expected as Department staff worked to address nearly 6,000 comments received on the proposed regulations, which were issued in October 1997. As a parent of a child with a disability, it is important to learn of changes in the law and regulations and to understand how they will affect your child. The IEP requirements in IDEA 97 are in effect for all Individualized Education Programs reviewed, revised or developed after July 1, 1998. Children may be eligible for special education even if progressing from grade to grade. Children cannot be determined eligible for services solely based on limited English proficiency or lack of instruction in reading or math.
Parent input is a source of information to use in determining a child s eligibility.
Parents and the school can invite others of their choosing who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child. Parents are to be informed of their child s progress, at least as often as parents are informed of progress for their children who do not have disabilities. Extended School Year services cannot be unilaterally limited to particular categories of disability or be automatically limited in the type, amount, or duration of services. Statewide and Districtwide Assessments Children with disabilities must participate, with appropriate accommodations and modifications, in general statewide and district-wide assessment programs. For those who cannot participate, alternative assessments must be developed and used by July 1, 2000.