Reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA):

IDEA is the federal civil rights law that requires a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment for students with disabilities. Reauthorization means IDEA must be reviewed and passed again by Congress, and signed by the President, in order to continue as federal law. Congress and the President can also significantly change IDEA during the reauthorization process.

Reauthorization of the IDEA was completed and passed by Congress in late November 2004. The bill was signed by President Bush. Most of the new provisions became effective July 2005.

Organization(s) that follow this issue:

• Dept of Education: IDEA 2004
• Our Children Left Behind
• Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Inc.
• PACER Center - Special Education web page
• Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities
• Special Education Links, CESA 7
• Background Paper