Course Structure

Like all Partners in Policymaking ® online courses, Partners in Education is "layered," meaning that the information is presented in many different ways. You can:

• Review key milestones in the education of people with developmental disabilities;
• Check out written documentation and samples;
• Create an Education File that includes information on your child, the laws regulating special education, your local school system and other information;
• Complete interactive exercises;
• Read and hear the true stories of how real parents of children with developmental disabilities have navigated the special education system successfully;
• Take exams to ensure that you understand the material presented.

Along the way, icons are displayed next to the topic name to indicate the type of activity you'll be doing:

	Individual lessons and activities related to the topic being discussed.
	Interactive exercises that allow you to apply what you've learned.
	Assignments to be completed before moving on to the next lesson.
	Exams that allow you to test your understanding of the information covered in the course.

The course has eight modules:

• Introduction
• History & Inclusion
• Know the Laws, Know Your Rights
• Evaluation & Eligibility
• The IEP Process
• What Happens Next
• When Things Aren't Working
• Course Conclusion

Let's take a closer look at each one.

Module 1: Introduction

In this module, you'll learn the goals of the course and the role you play in ensuring that your child receives a free appropriate public education as guaranteed under the law.

Module 2: History & Inclusion

In this section, you will learn major milestones in the education of children with disabilities in the United States. You'll also learn about inclusion, the differences between general or regular education and special education and what constitutes full inclusion. You'll also learn about the IEP process and how it is governed by the special education law, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004).

Module 3: Know the Laws, Know Your Rights

This section outlines your child's rights to a quality education and the key federal laws that protect them. Particular emphasis is placed on the six key rights guaranteed under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004).

Module 4: Evaluation & Eligibility

This section outlines the three requirements of the evaluation process and the resulting determination of a child's eligibility for special education and related services.

Module 5: The IEP Process

In this section, you will learn about the Individualized Education Program (IEP) required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004) and its ten required components. This section also teaches learners how to prepare for the IEP meeting and what usually happens during the IEP meeting.

Module 6: What Happens Next

This section helps parents determine whether or not the resulting IEP document accurately reflects the child's special education needs and includes the appropriate accommodations, services and supports. The section also offers suggestions for monitoring application of the IEP and reviewing the IEP for future revisions.

Module 7: When Things Aren't Working

This module describes effective teams and how to assert your rights without being aggressive or unreasonable. It also presents options for resolving disputes, including an overview of the due process safeguards outlined in IDEA 2004.

Module 8: Course Conclusion

This section identifies resources that parents of children with developmental disabilities can turn to for help, advice and information.