What if all teachers knew the principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?

At Hartwell The Educators University, all graduates receive thorough training in IDEA.

The Guiding Principles of IDEA: Education for all Students

As educators, we are committed to providing education for all students, including those with disabilities. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) serves as the foundation for special education services in the United States, ensuring that students with disabilities receive the support they need to thrive academically and personally.

At the core of IDEA are six guiding principles that shape the delivery of special education services. These principles represent the spirit and intent of the law, ensuring that students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to their unique needs.

  1. Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): IDEA mandates that all students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education, including specialized instruction and related services designed to meet their individual needs (20 U.S.C. § 1400(d)).
  2. Appropriate Evaluation: IDEA requires that students be evaluated comprehensively and accurately to determine their eligibility for special education services and to identify their specific educational needs (20 U.S.C. § 1414(a)).
  3. Individualized Education Program (IEP): Each student with a disability must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that outlines their unique educational goals, services, and accommodations (20 U.S.C. § 1414(d)).
  4. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): IDEA emphasizes that students with disabilities should be educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate, promoting inclusion and minimizing segregation (20 U.S.C. § 1412(a)(5)).
  5. Parent and Student Participation in Decision Making: IDEA recognizes the importance of involving parents and students in the decision-making process regarding their education, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected (20 U.S.C. § 1414(d)).
  6. Procedural Safeguards: IDEA provides procedural safeguards to protect the rights of students with disabilities and their families, including due process procedures and dispute resolution mechanisms (20 U.S.C. § 1415).

By adhering to these principles, we can create an educational system that truly meets the diverse needs of all learners, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

 

About Hartwell – The Educators University

Hartwell is dedicated to empowering K-12 education leaders by fostering the growth of their people into competent and compassionate educators and leaders. Our mission is to ensure every child is taught by educators trained from a biblical worldview, emphasizing both excellence and empathy. Through our affordable online pathways to education degrees, we make careers in K-12 education accessible to everyone, enabling a new generation of teachers and leaders to inspire and educate future generations.

Discover more about our programs and scholarship opportunities at Hartwell.

 

References:

– Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.

– New Mexico Public Education Department. (n.d.). Parents Reaching Out. http://olms.cte.jhu.edu/olms2/data/ck/sites/271/files/Parents_Reaching_Out.pdf

– U.S. Department of Education. (2021). Six Principles of IDEA. https://sites.ed.gov/idea/files/6-principles-of-spec-ed-Revised-2021-1.pdf