Category: IDEA Compliance

Middle school student talking calmly with a school counselor before a manifestation determination review

Manifestation Determination: Rules, Timeline, Flowchart and Checklist

When a manifestation determination review is required, how to count removals, who decides, the two questions, outcomes and appeals, with a flowchart.
Elementary students with different learning needs reading and solving puzzles together, illustrating the IDEA disability categories

IDEA Disability Categories: The 13 Categories, Definitions and Data

The 13 IDEA disability categories with plain-language definitions, 2024-25 shares of students, developmental delay, the two-prong test and state names.
Fourth graders with and without disabilities working together at one table in a general education classroom, the least restrictive environment

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): IDEA Rules, Continuum and Data

What the least restrictive environment requires, how IEP teams decide placement, the continuum, 2024-25 LRE data and Texas instructional setting codes.
Elementary students working in a small group during extended school year services on a summer morning

Extended School Year: ESY Criteria, Timing and IEP Rules

Who qualifies for ESY, the regression and recoupment criteria states use, the data to collect, when teams decide, and how many weeks ESY lasts.
First-grade students taking turns with building blocks and a sand timer, a strategy from a behavior intervention plan

Behavior Intervention Plan: Examples, Template and IDEA Rules

When a BIP is required, what it must contain, two original example plans, a template, and how to check fidelity and review a behavior plan.
Third grader arranging colored blocks with a school psychologist during a special education evaluation

Special Education Evaluation: Referral, Consent, Timeline and IEE

How a special education evaluation works under IDEA, from child find and referral to consent, state timelines, eligibility and the IEE.
Elementary students reading together while a parent meets a teacher about Washington procedural safeguards

Washington Procedural Safeguards: OSPI Notice, Timing and Disputes

Download the OSPI procedural safeguards notice and see when Washington districts must give it, what changes in November 2026 and how disputes are resolved.
Second grader handing a picture card to ask for a break, a request taught through functional communication training

Functional Communication Training: Steps, Examples and a Data Sheet

How FCT replaces challenging behavior with a request: steps, examples by function, an original plan, a data sheet and IEP goals.
Elementary student using a picture-based communication device with a classmate, an example of assistive technology for students with disabilities

Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities: IDEA and SETT

What IDEA requires for assistive technology: definitions, IEP consideration, evaluations, a filled-in SETT example, examples by need and funding.
Elementary students working together in a resource room, the kind of classroom that special education funding pays for

Special Education Funding: IDEA, State Formulas and 2026 Changes

How special education funding works: IDEA Part B flows, the FY2026 level and FY2027 request, state formulas, MOE, CEIS, high-cost funds and Medicaid.