Number: RS22590
Title: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Overview and Selected Issues
Authors: Richard N. Apling, Domestic Social Policy Division; Nancy Lee Jones, American Law Division 
Abstract: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides funds to states for the education of children with disabilities. It contains detailed requirements for the receipt of these funds, including the core requirement of the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE). The statute also contains detailed due process provisions to ensure the provision of FAPE. IDEA was revised most recently in 2004 by P.L. 108-446, but Congress has continued to grapple with issues relating to the act. This report provides a brief overview of the act with particular attention paid to issues of recent congressional concern, such as funding and private school enrollment.
Pages: 6
Date: January 14, 2008