Opinion ID: 2461643
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Brief Overview of IDEA

Text: ¶ 11 The legislation now codified at 20 U.S.C. §§ 1400-1490 (IDEA) was enacted by Congress in 1970 to help address the educational needs of children with disabilities. Forest Grove Sch. Dist. v. T.A., ___ U.S. ___, 129 S.Ct. 2484, 174 L.Ed.2d 168 (2009); 20 U.S.C. § 1400(c)(1). It requires states receiving federal funding to make available a free appropriate public education (FAPE) [9] to all children with disabilities residing in the state. 20 U.S.C. § 1412(a)(1)(A). To achieve this end, IDEA requires local school districts to develop an IEP for each child with a disability. 20 U.S.C. § 1414(d). ¶ 12 An IEP is essentially the plan of action for implementing and assessing an individual child's education. See id. It has several mandatory components. For example, the IEP must include a written statement of the child's present academic level, the needs of the child due to his or her disability, measurable goals and instructional objectives for the child, and the specific special education services and supplemental aids to be provided to the child. 20 U.S.C. § 1414(d)(1)(A)(i)(I)-(V). ¶ 13 Each child's IEP is to be developed, reviewed, and revised as needed by an IEP Team charged with working together to ensure the child receives FAPE. E.g., 20 U.S.C. § 1414(d)(3). The IEP Team consists of the child's parent(s) or guardian(s), at least one special education teacher and one general education teacher, a representative of the local educational agency, an individual who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results, other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, and whenever appropriate, the child. 20 U.S.C. § 1414(d)(1)(B). If the IEP Team is unable to cooperate or does not ensure FAPE, the child's right to FAPE is safeguarded by IDEA's administrative-complaint process, the due process hearing. See 20 U.S.C. § 1415(a), (f).