Wednesday, December 5, 2007

NCLB: Children with Disabilities--Things to Know

Our education system has been going through changes. Some changes have been helpful, while others have not. “No Child Left Behind” has been heavily debated. While it may have been started with good intentions, some feel the results were not great. We will see if the program sticks around and how, or if, it will be revamped. It also important for parents to know there are some things they should be aware of. Parents of children with a disability face many challenges, and they deserve a choice in the education for their children. According to Schwabe Learning, children with disabilities have certain rights under No Child Left Behind:

Students with disabilities (covered under the IDEA or Section 504) must be offered the opportunity to attend a school that has not been identified as “in need of improvement.” Districts must ensure that such students are provided a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) consistent with the IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Title II of the Americans with Disablities Act, in their schools of choice.

However, these students do not have to be offered the choice of the same schools offered to non-disabled students. Districts may limit the choice options to those schools that have the ability to provide FAPE. However, as part of the required notice to parents, districts must explain why the choices made available to them may have been limited.

It is important for parents to know what their rights are. Their children with disabilities deserve a proper education.

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