What is Special Education?
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), special education means, “specially designed instruction, at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability.” Children who receive special education and related services are entitled to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). This includes opportunities to participate in the school’s general curriculum and to make progress towards meeting annual goals.
To be eligible under an IEP, A child has one or more of the 13 disabilities listed in IDEA; the disability must impact substantially on the child’s educational performance and/or ability to learn and benefit from the general education curriculum, and the child must need specialized instruction to appropriately progress in school.
In accordance with the requirements of the special education code (N.J.A.C. 6A:14-2.3(e) 7), the New Jersey Department of Education has developed a document titled “Parental Rights in Special Education (PRISE).” This Parent Handbook is intended to be an additional resource for parents of students with disabilities. PRISE is available on the following website: https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/parents/. A hardcopy can also be obtained from the Special Education Compliance Coordinator.
As the parent of a special education student, you are a key part of the process that
provides an appropriate and caring educational experience for your child. You are the advocate who remains a constant in your child's life as he or she progresses through the school system.
More information regarding special education in the state of New Jersey can be found at the following website:
http://www.state.ni.us/education/code/current/title6a/chap14.pdf.