Senate Approves IDEA Renewal

On May 13, 2004, the U.S. Senate voted 95 to 3 to approve the renewal of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). The House of Representatives approved its version of the legislation in April of 2003. Key provisions of the Senate version include a 15-state pilot program to reduce paperwork for special education teachers, a move to reduce parent-initiated litigation, and a mandate to fully fund IDEA in seven years. 

The Senate and House versions must now go to conference, where differences between the two bills will be reconciled. The most contentious issues remaining include refining the discipline provision of the legislation and defining what constitutes a “highly qualified” special education teacher.