The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children.
The IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to eligible students.
Congress reauthorized the IDEA in 2004 and most recently amended the IDEA through Public Law 114-95, the Every Student Succeeds Act, in December 2015. (Department of Education, 2023)
What is Special Education and how is it determined that a student is eligible to receive Special Education Services?
A true learning disability ( as established through a comprehensive assessment) will account for less than 10% of the student population.
Special education (SPED) is a program that provides specially designed instruction ( specialized academic instruction, supports, and related services ( speech, OT) to meet the unique educational needs of individuals with disabilities, to provide access to the general education program.
To qualify for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in California, a student must meet two criteria:
The student must have a disability ( 13 categories as per IDEA) that affects their ability to learn or access education.
The student must require special education services in order to make progress in their education.
To learn more about the process of establishing eligibility, please take a look at this resource.
What are some resources I can use to support my student who has an IEP?
General Education (GE) Resources/Interventions in Level 1 and Level 2 of the Continuum of Supports Pyramid. All SPED students are GE students first and have access to all GE resources/interventions.
CVCS Youtube Channel that hosts videos on topic-specific support.
Your Special Education Teacher also known as the SPED Case Manager, will be able to provide information on additional resources.
*** not an exhaustive list. This list will be updated regularly to add additional resources.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
If your SPED student is in grades Tk-5 Contact:
Nicolle Solorio, SPED Program Specialist
If your SPED student is in grades 6-12 Contact:
Melissa Patt, SPED Program Specialist
If your SPED student is in the Moderate/Severe Program grades Tk-12 Contact:
Kristina Emig, SPED Program Specialist