Parent Guide to Special Education.

Overview & Synopsis

This guide for North Dakota parents provides an overview of the special education process and the rights of students with disabilities and their families. Section 1, "The Special Education Process," provides answers to questions on the following topics that parents might have about the special education process: special education referral, prior written notice to parents, consent requirements, student evaluation, independent educational evaluation, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and student records. A chart detailing each step of the special education process and the applicable parent and school district roles is included. Section 2, "Procedural Safeguards," discusses parent participation, prior written notice, parental consent, student records, evaluation procedures, least restrictive environment, and educational surrogate parents. Concerns that the parent may have about mediation, complaints, due process hearings, discipline, and private school placement are also addressed. The last section, "Glossary and Additional Resources," lists special education abbreviations, state resources, other advocacy organizations, and relevant publications. Appendices include an IEP meeting organizer and an IEP form for students aged 6-13, an IEP form for students aged 3-5, and a transition IEP form for students aged 14-21. (CR)