Many associations have come together in partnership to assist with the implementation of IDEA '97. The Associations of Service Providers Implementing IDEA Reforms in Education (ASPIIRE) Partnership involves 19 educational and related services associations. Coming together with a structure designed for success, the partners build upon association strengths and provide the needed information, ideas and technical assistance to implement IDEA '97. The design and structure of these partner organizations promotes quick dissemination of information to their members, at the same time programs and services are tailored to facilitate the educational changes reflected in IDEA '97. This list of ASPIIRE Primary and Associate Partners is also available online at http://www.ideapractices.org/

If you are connected to the Internet the italicized links to web pages and e-mail will be active.

ASPIIRE Primary Partners

ASPIIRE Associate Partners

AFT   American Federation of Teachers
	The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is a 984,000-member union of public and professional employees, including public and private school teachers, paraprofessionals and school-related personnel (PSRPs), higher education faculty and professionals, employees of state and local governments, and nurses and health professionals.

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AOTA   American Occupational Therapy Association
	The American Occupational Therapy Association is a national professional society that represents the interests and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners, and improves the quality of occupational therapy services.

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ASHA   American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
	The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 96,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists.

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ACTE   Association for Career and Technical Education
	The Association for Career and Technical Education is a professional organization of 38,000 teachers, counselors, school administrators, teacher educators and business/industry partners.

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DEC   Division for Early Childhood
	The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) is a private, not for profit international organization for individuals who work with or on behalf of young children, birth to age eight, and their families.

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NASP   National Association of School Psychologists
	The mission of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is to promote educationally and psychologically healthy environments for all children and youth by implementing research-based, effective programs that prevent problems, enhance independence, and promote optimal learning.

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NEA   National Education Association
	The National Education Association (NEA) is America's oldest and largest organization committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA proudly claims over 2.3 million members who work at every level of education, from pre-school to university graduate programs. Affiliates are located in every state and in over 13,000 local communities across the United States.

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CCBD   Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders
	The Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders (CCBD) is an international professional organization committed to promoting and facilitating the education and general welfare of children/youth with behavioral and emotional disorders.

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IRA  International Reading Association
	The International Reading Association seeks to promote high levels of literacy for all by improving the quality of reading instruction through studying the reading processes and teaching techniques; serving as a clearinghouse for the dissemination of reading research through conferences, journals, and other publications; and actively encouraging the lifetime reading habit.

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NAEYC   National Association for the Education of Young Children
	The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) exists for the purpose of leading and consolidating the efforts of individuals and groups working to achieve healthy development and constructive education for all young children.

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NABE   National Association for Bilingual Education
	Promoting educational excellence and equity through bilingual education,the National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) is the only national organization exclusively concerned with the education of language-minority students in American schools.

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NCSS   National Council for the Social Studies
	Founded in 1921, National Council for the Social Studies has grown to be the largest association in the country devoted solely to social studies education. NCSS engages and supports educators in strengthening and advocating social studies.

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NCTE   National Council of Teachers of English
	The National Council of Teachers of English is devoted to improving the teaching and learning of English and the language arts at all levels of education.

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NCTM   National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
	As the primary professional organization for teachers of mathematics in grades K-12, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) has the responsibility to provide broad national leadership in matters related to mathematics education.

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NHSA   National Head Start Association
	The National Head Start Association (NHSA) provides a national forum for the continued enhancement of Head Start services for poor children ages zero to five, and their families. It is the only national organization dedicated exclusively to the concerns of the Head Start community.

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PACER   Parent Advocacy Coalition for Education Rights
	The mission of the Parent Advocacy Coalition for Education Rights (PACER) is to improve and expand opportunities that enhance the quality of life for children and young adults with all disabilities - physical, mental, emotional, learning - and their families.

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TAM   Technology and Media Division (CEC)
	The Technology and Media Division (TAM) is the official division of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) that works to promote the availability and effective use of technology and media for individuals with disabilities and/or who are gifted.

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