IDEA Regulations for BHS Counselors by https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua Legal Guide en-us 2019-09-30 16:17:01 UTC 2025-12-20 19:39:34 UTC hello@padlet.com Slide #1 My Professional Perspective beasterwood https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/391438433 My professional perspective is that of a school guidance counselor. After receiving my undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University, I have been a teacher for 17 years. In December, I will graduate from Angelo State University with a Master of Education Guidance and Counseling. This Legal Guide Padlet is a resource guide for BHS Counselors on the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). I chose this topic because I am currently a Special Education Inclusion teacher working in the special education program. I think it is very important to ensure that all students are receiving an appropriate education. ]]> 2019-09-30 16:19:32 UTC https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/391438433 Slide #2 Interview beasterwood https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/391902686 Karla Moerbe, M.Ed, LPC - Brady High School Counselor
I talked with Karla Moerbe, the Brady High School Counselor, about IDEA regulations and how they affect her position as a counselor.
Impacts of IDEA
IDEA impacts the counselor's job in various ways. It is important to understand the IDEA requirements and the Individual Education Plan (IEP) for each special education student. Knowing this information helps with scheduling. Mrs. Moerbe stated that understanding the students IEP helps in placing students in classes that will not set them up for failure. She also pointed out that understanding the students ability level and diagnosis aids in counseling students. She says that it is critical to provide services that meet the needs of the student, whatever level or ability.
Best Practices
  • Follow the IEP- Each student has an individual plan, it is important to follow the plan for that student to provide the proper services.
  • Understand  cognitive/ability levels -In dealing with students, knowing the level at which they will understand is important in how you communicate with them
  • Consider emotional/behavioral disabilities - If a student has an emotional or behavioral disability or plan, it is critical to handle their counseling session or discipline in a way that is appropriate for them. 
Emerging Issue
Post-secondary education for students with special needs or disabilities is an emerging issue. Providing all students with the information and preparation is a duty of the counselor. Students with special needs also need to be provided opportunities to pursue some kind of post-secondary training. Understanding options for students that are attainable is necessary. Colleges and technical schools are now offering more opportunities for students with special needs, so school counselors need to stay informed about the options.

(K. Moerbe, personal communication, September 30, 2019)

]]> 2019-10-01 14:24:31 UTC https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/391902686 Slide #3 American School Counselor Association - Position Statement related to IDEA beasterwood https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/391980141 The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) position statement for the school counselor and students with disabilities outlines the duties the school counselor has in regards to students with disabilities. The school counselor's role is to provide services in the least restrictive environment, advocate for students with special needs, collaborate with other staff members to assist in meeting the needs of the students, and aid students with disabilities in goal setting. The school counselor should also encourage parents to be actively involved in the education of the students to ensure student success (ASCA, 2019). 

American School Counselor Association (ASCA), (2019). The school counselor and students with disabilities. Retrieved from: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/PositionStatements/PS_Disabilities.pdf.

]]> 2019-10-01 16:02:57 UTC https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/391980141 Slide #4 Current News beasterwood https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/392082849 Supreme Court Expands Rights of Students with Disabilities - 
US News

  • This article discusses the ruling of the Supreme Court in the Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District case.
  • The Supreme Court unanimously ruled "that schools must provide higher educational standards for children with special needs" (Camera, 2017). 
  • The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) outlines the development of individual education plans for each student in special education (IDEA, n.d.). 
  • This case builds on the fact that the plan needs to be individualized and also not be the minimum or "lower the bar" for students with special needs (Camera, 2017). 

Camera, L. (2017, March 22). Supreme Court Expands Rights for Students with Disabilities. Retrieved September 30, 2019, from https://www.usnews.com/news/education-news/articles/2017-03-22/supreme-court-expands-rights-for-students-with-disabilities. 

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncld.org/archives/action-center/learn-the-law/individuals-with-disabilities-education-act-idea. 
]]> 2019-10-01 18:26:36 UTC https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/392082849 Slide #5 Current News beasterwood https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/392587430 Helping Your Students with Disabilities Prepare for the Future - The Conversation

  • This article explains how students with disabilities are serviced in accordance to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) in K-12 schools. 
  • The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Subpart E protects college students with disabilities from discrimination and requires equal access to all aspects of programs and facilities. The students are guaranteed this if they gain admission and maintain eligibility without consideration of their disability (Madaus, 2019).  
  • The article stresses that the students must be taught to self-advocate because they will have to seek out and use services at the college level. 
  • A list is provided to help families that have students with disabilities prepare for life after high school. 
  • The author also mentions how important it is to learn about the documentation requirements for the college you have chosen and contact the disability services to discuss accommodations and needed supports (Madaus, 2019).

Madaus, J. (2019, August 16). Helping your student with disabilities prepare for the future. Retrieved September 30, 2019, from https://theconversation.com/helping-your-student-with-disabilities-prepare-for-the-future-79625 
]]> 2019-10-02 17:00:44 UTC https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/392587430 Slide #6 Original Sources of Law beasterwood https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/393777470 Education for Handicapped Children Act of 1975

  •  This Act was established with the goal of remedying the educational equalities for students with disabilities. 
  •  It guarantees a free, appropriate, public education for all children with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. 
  • The Act outlines the development of the Individual Education Plan for each student serviced in the special education program. 
  • This is the precursor to IDEA.

Education for Handicapped Children Act of 1975, PL 94-142 (1975)

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-89/pdf/STATUTE-89-Pg773.pdf 
]]> 2019-10-04 19:52:18 UTC https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/393777470 Slide #7 Original Sources of Law beasterwood https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/393794617 Board of Education v. Rowley

  • This case is the first-time courts defined terms of the Education of the Handicapped Act of 1974 (EHA) including “appropriate education.” 
  • The court addressed the terms in the Act and how they are interpreted. 

Board of Education v. Rowley, 458 U.S. 176 (1982)

https://www.loc.gov/item/usrep458176/ 

]]> 2019-10-04 20:38:54 UTC https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/393794617 Slide #8 Original Sources of Law beasterwood https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/393796159 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997

  • Legislation that ensures students with a disability are provided with Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is tailored to their individual needs. 
  • IDEA was previously known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) from 1975 to 1990. 
  • The Act was renamed and reauthorized. 
  • The re-authorization by President Clinton added amendments that included providing students access to the same curriculum.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997, H.R. 5 (105th) (1997).

https://www.congress.gov/bill/105th-congress/house-bill/5 
]]> 2019-10-04 20:43:32 UTC https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/393796159 Slide #9 Original Sources of Law beasterwood https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/394020371 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 
  • The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), is amended and does not require inclusion. 
  • Instead, the law requires that children with disabilities be educated in the “least restrictive environment appropriate” to meet their “unique needs.” 
  •  IDEA contemplates that the “least restrictive environment” analysis will begin with placement the regular education classroom.
  •   Congress also amended IDEA calling for early intervention and raising the standards for special education teachers. 
  •   It is also required for states to shift funding if it is found that schools are placing students in special education for reasons other than a disability. 

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 (2004).

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title20/chapter33&edition=prelim

]]> 2019-10-05 23:36:45 UTC https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/394020371 Slide #10 Local Policy beasterwood https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/394020700 The Brady ISD Board Policy outlines provisions to address equal educational opportunity for all students. The policy follows the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to provide services and supports that will provide an appropriate education for students with disabilities (Brady Independent School District Board Policy, 2016). 

Brady Independent School District Board Policy, (2016). Retrieved from: https://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/855?filename=FB(LOCAL).pdf

]]> 2019-10-05 23:40:45 UTC https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/394020700 Slide #11 Ethical Principal beasterwood https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/394022019 The American School Counselor Code of Ethic Standard A.1.c states that school counselors should not diagnose but remain aware of how as student's diagnosis can affect academic success. This standard relates to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) because school counselors must be aware of a student's disabilities when assigning courses. It is important to place students in an environment that will promote success and ensure accommodations are provided as outlined in the Individual Education Plan (IEP).

American School Counselor Association (ASCA), (2016). American school counselor code of ethics. Retrieved from: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/Ethics/EthicalStandards2016.pdf

]]> 2019-10-05 23:54:31 UTC https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/394022019 Slide #12 Non-Law Source beasterwood https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/394023690 National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)

This website provides information and links about learning disabilities. NCLD explains the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and how it should be applied in the school setting. The site also provides links to help the reader better understand the vocabulary used in IDEA as well as links for more information. This site will be helpful for to better understand the aspects of IDEA. 

National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), (2019). Retrieved from: https://www.ncld.org/archives/action-center/learn-the-law/individuals-with-disabilities-education-act-idea

]]> 2019-10-06 00:12:35 UTC https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/394023690 Slide #13 Best Practices for Compliance beasterwood https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/394024720
  • It is important to understand all requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 
  • Always know the student's Individual Education Plan(IEP) when scheduling.
  • Aid teachers in following the IEP. 
  • Encourage teachers to keep documentation of how services are provided. 
  • Ensure that students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate education. 
  • Advocate for students with disabilities. 
  • Aid students with disabilities with goal setting. Include them as much as possible in scheduling and course choice. 
  • Provide students with disabilities the same opportunities as all students but modify as needed to help them be successful. 
  • Make sure that the education provided to students with disabilities is not the minimum or lowering the bar. All students need to be provided with an appropriate education.
    • ]]>     2019-10-06 00:24:02 UTC https://padlet.com/beasterwood/vrp1szz6tdua/wish/394024720