Special Education
Access the 2005 annual reports to Congress on the implementation of the IDEA. This includes the 27th annual report to Congress under the IDEA, Parts B and C (P.L. 108-446); and also the 2005 annual report to Congress on IDEA Part D, Subparts 2 and 3 (P.L. 108-446).
The 2004 Annual Report to Congress has two volumes - Volume 1 focuses on the children and students being served under the IDEA and provides profiles of individual states' special education environment. Volume 2 of the report contains the state-reported data tables.
30th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): An Overview
As part of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the IDEA, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) presents an overview on the history and accomplishments of this landmark law. Document is in .pdf format. Also available in Word format.
A New Era: Revitalizing Special Education for Children & Their Families
Answers4Families: Families with Special Needs Children
A project of the Center on Children, Families and the Law at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln for families with children with special needs, including disabilities (such as physical, developmental or intellectual disabilities) and chronic illnesses of all types.
Assistive Technology & the Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Guide
Guide from the U.S. Department of Education on ADHD, including diagnosis, treatment options, legal requirements and ways to improve life at school and home for children diagnosed with ADHD.
Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004
Center for Effective Collaboration & Practice
Works to improve services to children and youth with emotional and behavioral problems.
Center for Special Education Finance (CSEF)
CSEF addresses fiscal policy questions related to the delivery and support of special education services throughout the United States.
Department of Education Grants Overview
Department of Education Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)
Provides a wide array of support to parents and individuals, school districts and states in three main areas: special education, vocational rehabilitation and research in order to improve results and outcomes for people with disabilities (including physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities) of all ages.
Department of Education Self-Evaluation to Promote Community Living for People with Disabilities
Report to the President on Executive Order 13217, which promotes the availability of community alternatives for individuals with disabilities.
Developmental Disability Research Centers (DDRCs)
Empowering through the New Freedom Initiative
Exceptional Family Members Program of the Military Assistance Program
Executive Order on Excellence in Special Education
Guide to the Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Assists educators, parents and state and local educational agencies in implementing the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regarding IEPs for children with disabilities.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Information
Information and resources about the IDEA from the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY).
Measuring the Achievement of Students with Disabilities
Information from the U.S. Department of Education regarding what families and schools need to know about modified academic achievement standards under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This information can be downloaded in .pdf form here.
National Alliance for Secondary Education & Transition (NASET)
National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE)
National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) Personnel Center
National Center on Accelerating Student Learning
National Clearinghouse for Professions in Special Education (NCPSE)
Committed to enhancing the nation's capacity to recruit, prepare and retain well-qualified, diverse educators and related service personnel for children with disabilities.
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
National Information Clearinghouse on Children Who Are Deaf-Blind
Contains a wealth of information about children with deaf-blindness.
National Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports
Provides schools with capacity-building information and technical assistance for identifying, adapting and sustaining effective school-wide disciplinary practices.
New Online Evidence for Education Modules
No Child Left Behind Act & the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): A Progress Report
Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions from OSERS.
Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Funded Projects
Links to projects funded by OSEP of the U.S. Department of Education, including assistive technology, captioning and video description, educational reform and literacy programs.
President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education Archived Information
Serving Children with Disabilities Placed by Their Parents in Private Schools
An online resource from the U.S. Department of Education designed to help school district officials and parents understand how the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides for students with disabilities enrolled by their parents in private elementary schools and secondary schools. Document is in Word format.
Special Education & Rehabilitative Services Policy
Links to information on No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the U.S. Department of Education's budget and strategic plan.
Special Education Advocacy Guide
Special Education in Charter Schools
Technical Assistance Alliance for Parent Centers
Provides technical assistance to Parent Training and Information Centers and Community Family Centers.
The national organization of and for people with mental and developmental disabilities and their families.
Things to Consider Before Deciding About College
Tool Kit on Teaching and Assessing Students with Disabilities
The Tool Kit on Teaching and Assessing Students with Disabilities assists states in raising the achievement of all students with disabilities.
U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) News
Urban Special Education Leadership Collaborative