Congressional Intent

• Strengthen responsibility of parents

• Coordinate with ESEA improvement efforts

• Improve academic achievement and functional performance, including use of scientifically based instruction

• Provide incentives for scientifically-based early reading programs, positive behavioral interventions and supports, and early intervening service

(ESEA = Elementary and Secondary Education Act)

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Speaker Notes:

The findings of Congress that were the underlying reasons for many of the changes in IDEA establish the intent of the changes to law. IDEA 1997 focused on ensuring that students had supports and services to access and progress in the general education curriculum and made changes to membership, responsibilities and decision making process of the IEP team (in New York, the Committee on Special Education and Committee on Preschool Special Education). IDEA 2004 builds on the 1997 amendments of IDEA to focus on quality instruction and results for students with disabilities. IDEA 2004:

• Address the qualifications, knowledge and skills of special education teachers, and the use of scientifically-based research practices and universal design to improve academic and functional results for students with disabilities;

• Streamlines procedural and paperwork requirements with a goal of focusing more time and resources on instruction of students;

• Addresses the rights of students with disabilities subject to discipline;

• Promotes early intervening services and appropriate referral, assessment and provision of services to all students with disabilities;

• Provides alternatives to formal dispute mechanisms; and

• Strengthens accountability measures for States and schools.