IDEA Implementation and Impact

The Study of State and Local Implementation and Impact of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (SLIIDEA) has released survey findings from their first year of data collection in the report, Study of State and Local Implementation and Impact of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Final Report on Selected Findings.

SLIIDEA collected data from all 50 states, as well as a nationally representative sample of districts and schools that serve children with disabilities, through a combination of surveys, interviews, classroom observations, and document review.

• Have established the same content standards in math, science, reading, and writing for all students, including students with disabilities,
• Provided IDEA training to parents, district personnel, and state-funded mediators,
• Published information for parents of students with disabilities regarding parent involvement in education,
• Require that behavioral goals and objectives be included in IEPs of students with emotional disturbances,
• Had developed plans to coordinate early intervention and preschool services,
• Employed coordinators for transition to adult life, and
• Employed personnel to teach independent living skills when appropriate.

The report also discusses how implementation differs from state to state. The implications of the survey for adequately supporting students with disabilities are also addressed.

Final Report on Selected Findings is available online at www.abt.sliidea.org/Reports/SelectedFindings.pdf.

SLIIDEA Policy Research, Abt Associates Inc., The Hampden Square Building, 4800 Montgomery Lane, Suite 600, Bethesda MD 20814, 301.913.0500 (voice), 301 652-3618 (fax), www.abtassociates.com (web).