Special Education Assessment and the Law

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that requires states to comply with specific mandates to ensure that all students, regardless of their disability, are appropriately located, identified, assessed, and educated. IDEA lists 13 separate categories of disability under which children may be eligible for special education and related services. To determine eligibility, a comprehensive assessment must be conducted. The links below provide access to national and state resources outlining the rules and responsibilities of school districts, professionals, and parents with regard to assessment and determining eligibility for special education services.

Links

Wrightslaw
A website that provides parents and professionals with information regarding special education law, education law, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
http://www.wrightslaw.com

NASET
A monthly education resource that includes an Introduction to assessment.
http://www.naset.org/2876.0.html

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
A "one-stop shop" for resources related to IDEA and its regulations.  In particular, an assessment toolkit is provided.
https://ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html