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Welcome to the
Wisconsin Parent Educator Connection (WI-PEC) web site.
WI-PEC
is
an information portal and newsletter made possible
by a collaborative effort of
the CESA #12 and CESA #9 Special Education departments.
Where to go for Accurate Information about IDEA 2004
The reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was signed into law on Dec. 3, 2004, by President George W. Bush. The provisions of the act will be effective on July 1, 2005, with the exception of some elements of the definition of “highly qualified teacher” that took effect upon the signing of the act. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) has prepared a series of documents, approved by the U.S. Department of Education, that cover a variety of high-interest topics and brings together the statutory language related to those topics to support constituents in preparing to implement the new requirements. To view a list of these documents visit http://www.nichcy.org/idealist.htm
LD Online also has a page on their web site with resources regarding the reauthorization look for the button “IDEA 2004” on their home page http://www.ldonline.org
IDEA 2004 is the federal law that guides how states and school districts provide special education and related services to more than six million eligible children with disabilities. Each state is able to decide which parts of their special education laws they want to federalize and what portions they will modify to be within the individual state’s special education goals.
You can visit the WI Department of Public Instruction IDEA 2004 page to view information regarding interactions between the U. S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. http://dpi.wi.gov/sped/idea.html
The Wrightslaw web site also has an article titled 10 Tips: How to Use IDEA 2004 to Improve Your Child's Special Education by Wayne Steedman, Esq. at http://www.wrightslaw.com/idea/art/10.tips.steedman.htm
The important thing for everyone to remember while all the details are being worked out is that our public schools will continue to strive for a quality education for all students. If you have questions about how your school district is handling things talk to a special education teacher or the special education director for your district.
For more information about the WSPEI initiative please contact Mary Skadahl at the Regional Office:
WSPEI*800 Wisconsin Street*Suite 420-I, Building D-2, Mailbox # 65*Eau Claire, WI 54703 or call 1-877-844-4925
Please direct any questions regarding this site to
Evelyn
Azbell, WSPEI Parent Coordinator for
CESA 12 & 9 .
You may e-mail her at
PEC@cesa12.k12.wi.us or call (715) 682-2363
ext.115.
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