In 2004, the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) was amended requiring the Secretary of education to determine if each state is meeting the requirements of IDEA. The state must compile an Annual Performance Report which discusses its progress goals established in the State Performance Plan. The Secretary has four categories each state will full under: Meets the Requirements, Needs Assistance in implementing, Needs Intervention in Implementing; and Needs Substantial Intervention. Missouri fell under "Needs Assistance" for both Part B and C of IDEA. A letter was sent to Missouri regarding this.
The U.S. Department of Education says:
The IDEA Part B, Sections 611 and 619 formula grant programs assist states in providing a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment for children with disabilities ages 3 through 21. Part C refers to the IDEA Part C formula grant programs, which assist states in providing early intervention services for infants and toddlers (from birth through age two), and their families.
It has finally been brought to the attention of the government there is a problem with how our state handles special education programs. We need reform in Missouri. We are listed as needing assistance and that should be a red flag to all Missourians. Wouldn't it be nice if every child with a learning disability had a choice (or their parents had the choice) to give them a decent education. Some schools are just not up to educating a special needs child. That child should be able to transfer to a school that can, whether it be private or public. If the government is paying for the child to attend a public school that cannot meet their needs, that child should be able to attend any school that can properly educate her/him. With some sort of school choice, this could be possible. All children deserve the chance at a free and appropriate education, right?
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