Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of
1997 (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, established
in law in 1975, retains the basic rights and protections for
children with disabilities. In 1997, President Clinton signed
amendments to the Act that focus on improving the education
of children with disabilities by
- Identifying children with special needs before they enter
school and providing services to help them,
- Developing individualized education programs (IEPs) that
focus on improving educational results through the general
curriculum,
- Educating children with disabilities with their nondisabled
peers,
- Setting higher expectations for students who are disabled
and ensuring schools are held accountable,
- Strengthening the role of parents and fostering partnerships
between parents and schools,
- Reducing unnecessary paperwork and other burdens.
No Child Left Behind
Act of 2001 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act of 2004 
For more information, contact the Special Education Services
Division at 217/782-5589.
back to Special Education Home Page
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