IDEA ALERT (fwd)

[F. Pennell]

	Here is an update for your information re the IDEA
reauthorization.  FRancie Pennell

               Justice For All

               beckyo at names.org

                 IDEA ALERT

The much awaited moment has finally come to
pass; ADVOCATES REACH CONSENSUS ON CHANGES
TO HOUSE IDEA BILL.

The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
Education Task Force has most generously
supplied JFA with the following information
pertaining to the consensus:

When H.R. 3268, the IDEA reauthorization bill, was
approved by the House of Represenatatives Subcommittee
on Early Childhood, Youth and Families in late April,
it did not have the support of the Committee Democrats.
In addition, the general education community and the
disability community did not support this bill. Given
the lack of broad-based, bi-partisan support which has been
part and parcel of IDEA for 20 years, there was little
chance that IDEA would be reauthorized in 1996. Disability
advocates, led by parents of children with disabilities,
joined forces with representatives of the general education
community, with the goal of developing a legislative proposal
which would enable the IDEA reauthorization process to continue.
After nine grueling days, a delicately balanced package of
recommendations to H.R.3268 was presented to the House of
Representatives on May 14, 1996. Consensus was reached on every
issue but one: cessation of services to students with disabilites.
While more than 30 national education and disability organizations
oppose cessation, the National School Boards Association and the
American Federation of Teachers, believe it is appropriate to deny
education services to some students.

Members of the Economic and Educational Opportunities Committee
must accept these recommendations as a package and oppose cessation.
THE AGREEMENT ON DISCIPLINE IS DIRECTLY LINKED TO THE PREMISE
THAT THE BILL WILL NOT ALLOW CESSATION OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES.
In addition, core issues such as attorneys fees, individual
education programs, personnel standards, Part H, and IDEA's
discretionary support programs, are satisfactorily addressed in
the consensus document. While neither general education advocates
nor disability advocates were able to win on every provision, the
consensus document takes a balanced approach to these important
issues for children with disabilities and their families. If the
Economic Opportunities Committee APPROVES THESE MODIFICATIONS TO
H.R.3268 AND OPPOSE CESSATION,  disabililty advocates will support
the legislation.

The Committee is scheduled to vote on this bill as early as next
Wednesday, May 22nd. The Committee staff has indicated they will
decide on the components of the package on Monday, May 20th.

CCD Education Task Force will continue to keep us posted and
to everyone who participated in the grueling task, congratulations
and thanks.

JUSTICE FOR ALL!!!



Becky Ogle
E-mail:  beckyo at names.org
Voice:  703-836-6263