The No Child Left Behind law requires that all students, including those with disabilities, reach proficiency in mathematics and reading by 2013-14. Educators, both inside and outside of special education, must face the challenge of what it takes for all students to reach proficient standards, including those with unique educational needs. The resources below provide special education information for parents, teachers, and administrators.
CSEF addresses fiscal policy questions related to the delivery and support of special education throughout the United States.
CEC is committed to improving educational outcomes for students with special needs. The Information Center on Disabilities and Gifted Education section of this Web site provides extensive resources (organized by topic) on special education.
This Web site offers information on educational programs and resources available throughout the federal government, including Individualized Education Programs, college opportunities, school-to-work transition, and tools for educators.
FAPE provides extensive information on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for parents and teachers.
FCTD offers “assistive” technology designed to help families of children and youth with disabilities.
FRC, a partnership between the Academy for Educational Development (AED), the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE), and the U.S. Department of Education, responds to the needs of students with disabilities, especially students from under-represented populations.
The Federation offers a variety of services to parents, parent groups, and others who are concerned with children with special needs. The Family Resource Database contains information about agencies throughout the United States that provide information and/or services to families.
This Web site is designed to help parents of special needs children by providing scientific and educational resources.
IDA promotes literacy through research, education, and advocacy.
LDA is a nonprofit volunteer organization working continuously for individuals with learning disabilities, their parents, and the professionals who serve them.
A comprehensive resource on learning disabilities for parents, teachers, and other professionals.
NCSER is a recently established U.S. Department of Education program that supports a comprehensive research program to promote the highest quality and rigor in research on special education. Research programs address a variety of special education topics including: assessment, early intervention, behavior programs, and language development.
NCSET Provides resources and publications related to secondary education and transition for youth with disabilities.
NCIP provides resources for promoting technology that enhances educational outcomes for students with sensory, cognitive, physical, and social/emotional disabilities.
NCPSE provides resources for recruiting, preparing, and retaining qualified educators and related service personnel for children with disabilities.
NICHCY is a central source of information on effective educational practices pertaining to children with disabilities.
OSERS, part of the U.S. Department of Education, is dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities of all ages. This Web site provides updated news and legislation on special education issues.
The PACER Center provides resources for parents of children and youth with disabilities to communicate with other parents facing similar challenges.
A component of www.usacharterschools.org, The Primers provide background information and resources to facilitate the successful inclusion of students with disabilities in charter schools.
The six Regional Resource Centers (RRCs) are specifically funded to assist state education agencies in the systemic improvement of education programs, practices, and policies that affect children and youth with disabilities.
Developed out of the need to enhance the dialogue between general and special educators, RISER conducts research studies that seek to expand the current knowledge base related to practices and polices that enhance learning, achievement, and related post-school outcomes for students with disabilities.
The Schwab Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides free information, resources, and publications to support parents of children with learning disabilities.
WAPD specializes in the development of distance learning courses designed for children and youth with disabilities.