IDEA Reauthorization Remains in Senate Markup

As of press time, S. 1248, the Senate’s version of reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) continues to remain in the markup stage. The House of Representatives passed its version of the bill in April 2003. IDEA authorizes funding and programs for students with disabilities to receive a “free and appropriate education.” Proponents of IDEA reauthorization, including the National Education Association (NEA) and the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) have urged the Senate to move quickly on the legislation.

The NEA believes that S. 1248 should recognize state licensure of special education teachers as sufficient proof that the teachers are “highly qualified,” as mandated by the No Child Left Behind act (NCLB). NCLB currently requires all teachers to either have a degree or pass a subject matter test in all of the academic subjects they teach. Because special education teachers usually teach multiple subjects, the NEA is concerned that many will be declared “unqualified.”

The National PTA wants the current legislation to be amended to provide mandatory full funding for special education and to explicitly establish goals in students’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs) to move students in alternative learning settings back into the classroom.

While IDEA reauthorization has not yet been scheduled to move to the Senate floor, proponents hope the Senate will do so promptly after reconvening in late January.

Because of our extensive organizational experience and the expertise of our special education managers and staff, Measured Progress has served as a resource to lawmakers, primarily in the areas of assessment and accountability, during congressional debates on this legislation.