Schools are under an affirmative obligation
to identify and evaluate all children with disabilities within their
jurisdiction. The heart and soul of the IDEA (Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act) is the written Individualized Education
Program (IEP), which is developed by school officials in
conjunction with the parents of the child with a disability - as equal
partners -and, where appropriate, with the child.
The required content of an IEP is specified
by statute, including the nature of the student's educational needs, the
services to be provided, and specific goals for the student. Schools must
ensure students receive their education in the least restrictive
environment (LRE), and that they are removed from the regular education
classes only when they cannot be educated successfully in the regular
classroom even with supplementary aids and services.
