The Right to Special Education in Pennsylvania: A Guide for Parents. Year 2000 Edition

This manual is designed to help Pennsylvania parents of children with disabilities learn how the special education system works in Pennsylvania and how they can make it work for their child. This revision of the manual incorporates changes made to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1997 and the regulations issued in 1999 to implement the Act. Chapters address: (1) the right to a free, appropriate public education; (2) the right to evaluations and re-evaluations; (3) the right to an Individualized Education Program; (4) the right to transportation and other related services; (5) the right to transition planning; (6) the right to positive behavior programs; (7) the right to extended school year programs; (8) the right to an appropriate school placement; (9) the notice of recommended assignment; (10) the right to disagree with school officials; (11) the right to special protections in school discipline; (12) the right to a high school diploma; (13) the right to pre-school and early intervention services; and (14) other important special education rights. Appendices include sample letters requesting evaluations, pre-hearing conferences, and due process hearings, a list of parent advocacy and support groups, and a list of Web sites of interest. (CR)