Question

Why must teachers and administrators apply federal legislation and state guidelines in special education environments, including inclusive classrooms?

Answer 1

Special Education means specially designed instruction and related services,
provided at no cost to the parent, to meet the unique educational needs of students
with disabilities, whose educational needs cannot be connect fully with of the general instructional program.

# The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA):

Since the 1960s, there has been a large amount of federal legislation that relates directly or indirectly to individuals with disabilities.
Additionally, court decisions provided at the state and federal levels now protect the rights of students with disabilities and guarantee a free and appropriate public education.

The federal and state laws contain most of the provisions governing the delivery of
special education and related services.

The federal and state Departments of Education have also make regulations under both laws that guide their implementation and have the force of law.

MTA policy is consistent with federal and state special education laws, * maintains the
rights of the child to an education in the least prohibitory environment, maximizes the
educational potential of the child, and maintains the honesty of the regular and special
education environments.

Inclusion practices and policies based on insufficient resources or the absence of special education services, or on staffing difficiency or other needs of the agency are educationally risky and out of observances with state and federal law.

In act of PL 94-142, "The Education for All
Handicapped Children Act." This legislation mandated for the first time a free and
appropriate education (FAPE) for all students with disabilities, ensured due process rights, mandated Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and instruction in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). PL 94-142 has been the core of federal funding for Special Education.

An educator whose primary assignment is teaching students who have been properly identified as having special needs must hold the appropriate special education license.