NCLB for Families

Families of students with disabilities may wonder how NCLB works with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The short answer is that IDEA specifically provides services to students with disabilities. Each student served under IDEA has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that defines the special education and related services needed by the student. NCLB holds schools accountable for the educational outcomes of those children, as well as all others.

The National Center on Educational Outcomes, at the University of Minnesota, has developed a brochure and a PowerPoint presentations for educators and families of children with disabilities looking for information on their children's participation in national and state assessments, standards-setting efforts, and graduation requirements. .

• This brochure explains the purpose and components NCLB and how it relates to IDEA. This clear explanation of how the two laws work together will be helpful for parents and educators alike. NCLB and IDEA: What Parents of Students with Disabilities Need to Know and Do
• This PowerPoint presentation is an introduction to NCLB Basics. It was developed at the Clerc Center using information provided in the above brochure.