IDEA Outline

Federal Statue: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Introduction of the Federal Statue
Children with severe disabilities had very few rights in the educational setting until the adoption of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA). Congress enacted the act in 1975, which required all schools receiving federal funds to provide disabled children an equal access to public education and mandated they be placed in the least restrictive environment (IDEA, 2004). In 1990 the EAHCA is currently enacted as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The amendment to the EAHCA requires school districts to assist disabled students with transitioning from high school to postsecondary life. IDEA was amended again
Before the passing of this act children who were severely disabled were not able to receive a quality education. The education that they received was in complete isolation of other students. These new sets of laws required schools to develop programs that would assist the educational needs of these students. Individualized Education Plans or I.E.P.s were created to help assist students and teachers in obtaining state and federal academic requirements. The I.E.P. needs to be clear and concise so the teachers and students can understand the effectiveness of the document. Not only were schools required to assist special needs students, but federal funding was increased to help make sure schools have the necessary resources to help these students. The act also opened up the doors to parents of these students. It allowed the decision making of parents to be fairer and focused on the best solution for the child. Since the implementation of EAHCA and later IDEA children with disabilities are achieving at higher levels that would have never been thought of in past decades. IDEA has been changed since 1975 but the bottom line of the act is the fair treatment for all students in
The pressures facing the youth of America include a myriad of different problems including; adapting to puberty, succeeding academically, and making college and career goals. These pressures if left unaddressed can lead to violence and eventually suicide. House Bill 1386 was passed during the 82nd Legislative session in 2011 and became effective on September 1, 2011. The bill is a direct amendment of the Texas Education Code Chapter 11.252 relating to district improvement plans which intend to help student performance. The bill requires schools to have a suicide prevention plan on campus to help counteract the pressure of adolescents. As well as having a suicide prevention plan, the bill states the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will work in unison to provide a best practice list of early health