Special Education Law: Roles and Responsibilities Anchorage School District Special Education Department

Introduction

One of the core elements of the 1997 amendments to IDEA and continued as part of the new IDEA 04, is the legal mandate that ensures that special education students are provided the opportunity to gain the skills and acquire the knowledge that will allow them access, meaningful progress and educational benefit within the general classroom environment.

Changing Faces of Special Education and General Education

The mandates of IDEA are legally binding and are currently being enforced. IDEA has changed the face, perception, roles and responsibilities of special education but more dramatically that of general education. Special education is no longer seen as a separate service, alternative curriculum or place—it is seen as the vehicle that provides special education students with the opportunity to access and participate in general education.

Federal and State Statutes and Regulations

Differences in the responsibilities of the general educator and the special educator have narrowed Implementation of the IEP is the responsibility of all district personnel involved with the child Identify standards of professional conduct for Alaska teachers

General Curriculum Focus >