Inclusive education is about embracing all, making a commitment to do whatever it takes to provide each student in the community – and each citizen in a democracy – an inalienable right to belong, not to be excluded. Inclusion assumes that living and learning together is a better way that benefits everyone, not just children who are labeled as having a difference. (Falvey, Givner, & Kimm, 1995, p.8)
Education Resource Topics:
Special Education/Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA)
Early Intervention
Inclusion – Presuming Competence & High Expectations
Behavior & Discipline
English Language Learners
A Few Important Education Definitions & Resources
Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Public Law 108-446 originally enacted to ensure that children with disabilities have the opportunity to receive free appropriate public education.
- Where to find Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at U.S. Department of Education Legislation and Policy Guidance:
Special Education
How schools address the needs of students with supports and services for achieving the annual goals stated in their IEPs as aligned with the state’s academic content standards. Special Education is NOT a place, it is services and supports.
Definition of Special Education in Spanish: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/definicion-educacionespecial/
More on Special Education: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/iep-specialeducation/
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
A cornerstone of IDEA, our nation’s special education law, is that each eligible child with a disability is entitled to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that emphasizes includes special education and related services designed to meet the child’s unique needs and that prepares the child for further education, employment, and independent living.
Definition of FAPE in Spanish: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/definicion-fape/
FAPE: What Does It Mean? Wrights Law, LLC.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
A written document for a child with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised by a team of school personnel and the child’s family. An appropriately developed IEP is the primary vehicle for providing FAPE.
IEP Overview: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/iep-overview/
Definition of IEP in Spanish: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/definicion-iep/
Related Services
Related services help children with disabilities benefit from their special education by providing extra help and support in needed areas, such as speaking or moving. Related services are based on a student’s unique needs related to disability.Related services include: Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, as well as other services like Psychological Counseling and others. Essential elements in helping Related services are provided to support the child’s learning of academic content aligned to the general education curriculum. children with disabilities achieve to high standards in general education curriculum for their grade level are the supports they receive in the classroom. Related services are based on a student’s unique needs related to disability.
More information: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/iep-relatedservices/
Definition of Related Services in Spanish: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/servicios-relacionados/
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
In short, defined as student’s educational placement. LRE refers to the setting where a child with a disability can receive an appropriate education designed to meet his or her educational needs, alongside peers without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate; where a child spends his or her time at school, how services are provided, and the relationship the child develops within the school and community. Learn more: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/placement-lre/