FIELD EXPERIENCE C

Field Experience C: Practical Implications of IDEA

Juliana Downing-Walker

Grand Canyon University

EAD-505 School Law

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Practical Implications of IDEA

IDEA is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and in public schools it serves as a law that

protect the rights of students with disabilities by requiring FAPE which a Free Appropriate Public

Education. Students with disabilities are positively impacted by IDEA throughout our school system here

in America. This week I was blessed with the opportunity to meet with our head of the ESE (exceptional

student education) department at my school, as well as my Principal. Both gentlemen are well versed in

ESE laws and how our school ensures that they are following IDEA.

Functions Required of the Principal

Based on the interview with both gentlemen I was able to comprise the top 5 functions of a

principal to meet IDEA guidelines within our school that best serves and supports special education

faculty, staff, students, and families.

1. The principal of a school is tasked with the role of leader, which means that the principal is

meant to lead by example for all of our staff, teachers, students, and families especially in

exceptional student education.

2. The principal is responsible for the correct implementation of curriculum in our school. This

means that the principal needs to ensure that all students of varying abilities are getting

taught the curriculum in a way that they can learn.

3. The principal must ensure that teachers and staff are highly qualified and trained in ways to

make sure that IDEA is implemented correctly. This includes the identification of students in

need of interventions and the implementation of delivering lessons and tracking progress

that will lead to students receiving services.

4. The school principal is to observe and monitor assessments given to students that have

been identified as possible candidates for exceptional student education.

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5. Principals (in Polk County, Fl) are tasked with being trained and ready to step into an IEP

(individualized education plan) meeting at any time as an LEA (Local Educational Agent)

facilitator. This means that they are to step into IEP meetings and offer guidance, wisdom

and knowledge of all applicable laws.

Community Resources

There are community resources that are helpful for all involved that will give information that is

necessary to access additional information on specific student needs.

1. Florida’s Procedural Safeguards- a well thought out document that answers all sorts of

questions, due process, rights and responsibilities. (United States Department of Education,

Office of Special Education Programs, 2021)

2. Implementing IDEA- A guide for principals- this guide answers policy, procedure and law

questions for leaders of schools. (The Council for Exceptional Children, 2001)

Reflection

I began working in education with students with disabilities over 10 years ago. Because of this,

students with exceptionalities hold a very special place in my heart. I know that they deserve an

equitable education to their nondisabled peers and I believe that as a principal, I would strive to

maintain an ESE department that holds the same values and feelings on this topic as myself. PSEL 5

states “Effective educational leaders cultivate an inclusive, caring, and supportive school community

that promotes the academic success and well-being of each student.” This type of environment for all

students is imperative in creating a change in this world. I would want all of my teachers to genuinely

care about their students and the school community. Some thing that I will take with me from this

experience is that we need to make sure that every child has a voice in our school. As the leader, it is my

responsibility to create a climate that gives students their voice.

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References

United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. (2021). Part B

PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS NOTICE: FLORIDA.

https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7690/urlt/0070135-procedural.pdf

The Council for Exceptional Children. (2001). IDEA A Guide for Principals Implementing Imp.

https://f-sepac.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Implementing-IDEA-A-Guide-for-

Principals-1.pdf

National Policy Board for Educational Administration. (2015). Professional standards for

educational leaders national policy board for educational administration. In NPBEA.org.

https://www.npbea.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Professional-Standards-for-

Educational-Leaders_2015.pdf