New guidance from the U.S. Department of Education has been announced to rein in states that don’t fully comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA ensures students with a disability are provided with a free and appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs.

K12dive.com has a solid overview that includes a summary of the directives states need to follow, such as:

• Addressing credible allegations of noncompliance made outside formal monitoring programs;
• consistent monitoring of each district and early intervention services program;
• issuing timely findings of noncompliance (generally within three months);
• correcting each individual case of noncompliance.

Parents who want additional support in understanding IDEA’s monitoring, technical assistance (TA), and enforcement provisions, or the rights afforded to children with disabilities, can contact the Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) in their area.

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