The difference between the WHAT and the WHO
Here's the third post about accommodations--which really gets us to the nitty gritty, to where it's at.

Let's recall that back in 1997, Congress revolutionized special education law by incorporating the "general curriculum" into the IDEA.

Since 1997 and the 1999 regulations, all (that is, most) children with disabilities are to be included in the general curriculum with or without appropriate accommodations. Their education is based on what is happening in regular ed--not just on their own disabilities.

In short, their education is based on the WHAT of the curriculum. It's all about WHAT the other students are learning in regular ed classes.... A world of difference from how we educated children with IEPs before 1997.

IEP Teams now need to know WHAT is going on in general ed--and how to include the student with disabilities in that curriculum (when that is appropriate for the child, as it will be for most children with disabilities). It's all about the WHAT.

This is why the regular education teacher and someone "knowledgeable about the general curriculum" needs to attend the IEP meeting! Again, a huge change brought about by the 1997 IDEA amendments!

Once the IEP Team understands the WHAT, it can plan for the WHO--that is this child with his or her unique needs. The Team decides how that child will be educated in the context of geenral ed; that is, what specialized instruction will be provided, what accommodations (or modifications), if any, will be needed, etc.

So, since 1997--let's remember it's first the WHAT; then the WHO.

I hope you find these comments helpful.
- posted by Miriam @ 10:00 AM