Background
With the reauthorization of IDEA in 1997, federal regulations now stipulate that "the IEP team for each child with a disability must include at least one regular education teacher of the child (if the child is, or may be, participating in the regular education environment)." (CFR §300.344) "The teacher must, to the extent appropriate, participate in the development, review, and revision of the child's IEP, including a) the determination of appropriate positive behavioral interventions and strategies for the child, and b) the determination of supplementary aids and services, program modifications, and supports for school personnel that will be provided for the child consistent with the IEP content requirements." (CFR §300.347)
California aligned its Education Code with the federal regulations with the passage of Senate Bill 1105, which was chaptered into law October 2001. IEP team membership is described in Section 56341 of the Education Code. The revised Section 56341(b) now reads:
The individualized education program team shall include all of the following: (2) At least one regular education teacher of the pupil, if the pupil is, or may be, participating in the regular education environment …The regular education teacher of an individual with exceptional needs shall, to the extent appropriate, participate in the development, review, and revision of the pupil's individualized education program, including assisting in the determination of appropriate positive behavioral interventions and strategies for the pupil and supplementary aids and services, and program modifications or supports for school personnel that will be provided for the pupil…consistent with the Code of Federal Regulations. (CEC, 2001)The requirement of an early childhood teacher involved in the IEP process reflects the intent that all children, regardless of disability, have access to the general curriculum. (NASDSE, 1998) Also with this involvement, the commitment to educate students with special needs in the least restrictive environment is strengthened.
For more information about quality practices: www.dec-sped.org
