Nationwide, over 430,000 teachers serve seven million students with disabilities. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for eligible students with a disability in one or more of 13 categories, and to the greatest extent possible, for inclusion, so that students with disabilities are educated alongside their peers without disabilities. Summer learning opportunities are critical to students with disabilities. Students who qualify for services under IDEA sometimes are also eligible for extended school year (ESY) programming.
Supporting Students with Disabilities throughout the Year
Also In this Issue
Ensuring Students with Disabilities Leave School Ready to Succeed
By Kristin K. Liu, Martha L. Thurlow and Sheryl S. LazarusState boards can watch policies for red flags that hold students back.
Debunking Myths about Students with Disabilities
By Karla Phillips-KrivickasState policy should confront the pervasive low expectations that the outcomes reveal.
Supporting Students with Disabilities throughout the Year
By Elizabeth Barker and Angela JohnsonThe data point up a need for services that extend beyond the school year.
Reenvisioning the Future with Universal Design for Learning
By James D. BashamBuild a system that supports each student rather than a mythical average one.
Supporting English Learners with Disabilities
By Drew S. Fagan and Luis Javier Pentón HerreraEquitable education means overcoming challenges in identification, staff training, and funding.
Understanding Special Education Teacher Shortages
By David Peyton and Kelly AcostaState policies meaningfully affect recruitment and retention.
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