SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW AND PRACTICE (3) (UCI 515)

Professor Richard Marsico

Since 1975, federal law has provided states with funds to provide educational services to children with disabilities provided the states comply with federal law. The law, known as the Individuals with Disabilites Education Act (IDEA), is responsible for providing special education to millions of children who might not otherwise have received a public education. This course will cover all aspects of the IDEA, including its history, the elements of a free appropriate public education, related services, eligibility for special education, placement in the least restrictive environment, special education for children in private school, race and special education, procedural rights and responsibilities, and state and federal enforcement of the IDEA. The course will culminate in a multi-class special education law role play exercise. The final grade will be based on class participation and a final exam.