ASHA Comments to ED on IDEA Reauthorization

January 10, 2002

ASHA has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Education on the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), per their request, which appeared in the January 10, 2002 Federal Register. Issues addressed include: accountability as measured by state and local assessments; personnel issues (in-service and pre-service professional development, qualified provider), transition, excessive paperwork, caseload size and some IDEA Part C issues.

The 1997 IDEA amendments expire in 2002. While Part B is permanently reauthorized, Parts C and D are up for reauthorization this year. The reauthorization process for Parts C and D provides an opportunity to review Part B as well. For additional information, please contact Catherine D. Clarke, ASHA's Director of Education and Regulatory Advocacy at 800-274-2376, ext. 4159.