Examining the 2004 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: What Advocates for Students and Parents Need to Know

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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 was intended to align the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act with the No Child Left Behind Act to improve accountability of schools and school districts and promote educational achievement for students with disabilities. Instead amendments to statutory provisions regarding the IEP (individualized education program), highly qualified teachers, the right to "stay-put," and manifestation determinations compromise the rights of students to receive a full, free appropriate public education and create special challenges for parents and advocates.

By Kathleen B. Boundy From January - February 2006