Skip Navigation Links

Background

• What is IDEA '97? A brief explanation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its four main parts.
• IDEA 1997 Fact Sheet from the PEER Resource Manual on Standards-Based Education and Students with Disabilities (1999)

History of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

• IDEA History: The preface from the 22nd Annual Report to Congress describes the legislative history of IDEA and its key components.
• History and Impact of IDEA: Web pages and booklet from the U.S. Department of Education web site on the 25th anniversary of IDEA.

Introduction to the Regulations for IDEA '97

• What is the Code of Federal Regulations?
• Guidance for Reading the Law and Regulations provides brief descriptions of the components of the regulations package.
• Introductory Comments A document prepared by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) providing an introduction and brief background information regarding the IDEA '97 regulations.
• IDEA '97 Summary of Major Issues A document prepared by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) describing some of the major issues in the IDEA '97 regulations.
• IDEA '97 General Overview provides nine questions and answers about IDEA '97 published by OSEP.

Definitions and Acronyms

• Glossary of Definitions & Acronyms: IDEA '97 Final Regulations
• Acronyms and the LawFamilies and Advocates Partnership for Education (FAPE), 2001. This Facts-on-Hand publication from FAPE gives the acronyms for laws related to early intervention, education, special education, and other laws important to individuals with disabilities and their families. A brief descriptive paragraph is provided to summarize the major thrust of each law.
• Acronyms and Special EducationFamilies and Advocates Partnership for Education (FAPE), 2001. This Facts-on-Hand publication from FAPE gives the meanings of 105 acronyms or abbreviations commonly used in special education and other areas related to individuals with disabilities.
• Acronyms and AgenciesFamilies and Advocates Partnership for Education (FAPE), 2001. This Facts-on-Hand publication from FAPE lists common acronyms for 83 agencies and organizations involved in programs for individuals with disabilities.

Other Publications:

• Questions and Answers about the IDEA
  NICHCY, 2000
  29 pages of answers to many of the questions families and professionals have about the requirements of the IDEA. Also available in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF).
• Understanding the Special Education Process
  Families and Advocates Partnership for Education (FAPE), 1999
  This family-friendly paper shows, via a chart and explanatory text, a basic overview of the special education process from the request for an evaluation of the child to completion of the annual IEP meeting. The document is also available in Spanish and Hmong.
• Questions Often Asked by Parents About Special Education Services
  NICHCY, 1999
  This is a 12-page discussion of the IDEA which answers questions about how students with disabilities access special education and related services. Also available in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF).