Understanding Article 7: Indiana’s Special Education Law
These online training modules are designed to help parents understand basic information about Article 7 (Indiana’s Special Education Law) and how to apply it to their situation. Information covered includes the referral and evaluation process, the individualized education program, procedural safeguards for parents and skills for effective communication.
This module provides an introduction to IN*SOURCE and to federal and state special education law. It also provides an overview of major concepts in special education law, procedural safeguards, parent participation and the special education process.
The first steps in the special education process are covered in this module which includes specifics on how students are referred, parental consent, what areas need to be evaluated, types of evaluations, eligibility categories, and the case conference committee.
Module three provides information about requirements for IEPs, ISTART 7, when parental consent is needed and when it is not, how to challenge or revise an IEP, and transition to adult life. Also included is helpful advice on how to organize and manage information in your student’s home file.
The best outcomes for special education students are achieved when parents and schools work together. This module covers communications skills that will help parents partner with schools. It also includes information on procedural safeguards and formal dispute resolution so parents know how to proceed if agreement cannot be reached.