What Is a Compliance Program in Special Education?

Special education compliance programs, or individual education plans, guarantee that identified students receive the most effective instruction.

A special education compliance program ensures that all students, regardless of disability, will receive the most effective instruction. Individualized education plans (IEPs) are created by core teams consisting of the child's guardian; a regular education teacher and one special education teacher who have seen the student in a classroom setting; a second special education teacher; a member of the school's Child Study Team and, if necessary, a guidance counselor.

Significance

According to data collected by the Heritage Foundation, more than six million American children have been identified as those who need modifications to their instruction because of specific learning disabilities, multiple learning disabilities or emotional disturbances.

Types

Special education teachers must be familiar with a student's individual needs in order to maintain compliance.

The instruction modifications for these students can be met in a multitude of ways. Some slight learning disabilities can be overcome in the general classroom setting with a regular education teacher who has been instructed in the students IEP stipulations.

Effects

The IEP may contain items such as "Needs additional time for tests" or "Can only be seated in the front of the room." Some more significant disabilities must be met with placement in either an "inclusion" classroom in which an In-Class Support special education teacher accompanies her students to the general education classroom, or a "resource" classroom in which the special education teacher is the sole provider of instruction.

Implications

While the state and federal government do regular checks for Special Education mandates, the parent is the first line of defense to guarantee compliance with a child's IEP. Parents should understand which modifications are stipulated and be aware of whether the child's teachers are following the indicators.

Solution

Students can thrive when surrounded by supportive, knowledgeable instructors delivering lessons in the most effective manner. Federal, state, and local government agencies, school communities and parents can all contribute to a child's success.

References

• The Heritage Foundation

Resources

• Special Education Resources on the Internet