From the Director’s Desk………..
This month marks the 44th anniversary of the IDEA. The IDEA began as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act or Public Law 94-142. That historic act was signed into law on Nov. 29, 1975 by President Gerald Ford. Check out more about the history of the IDEA here and here. While we’re not certain when the IDEA might be reauthorized, as it undoubtedly will, we do know that it has been a long period since the last reauthorization.
Discussions are currently underway in many organizations related to the next reauthorization of the IDEA and other issues in special education. It’s a good idea to keep up with the conversation. One common theme this time around is the recommended level of funding. Going back to Nov. of 1975 the promise was that the federal government would fund 40% of the cost of providing special education services. I would love to hear your thoughts and welcome your feedback related to IDEA and other legislative efforts so don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
Check out the conversation and current recommendations:
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
The National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE)
https://www.nasdse.org/nasdse_policy_positions.php
Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE)
http://www.casecec.org/legislative/IDEA%20Booklet-May%202017.pdf
National School Boards Association (NSBA) and Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB)
https://kasb.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Kansas-Special-Education-By-the-Numbers.pdf