History, Organizations, Professions Flashcards
What is the purpose of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA)?
To ensure students with disabilities receive the services needed to benefit from education; it applies to schools receiving federal funding.
Under IDEA, what is the age range for eligibility?
From birth through age 21.
What is the role of school counselors under IDEA?
Counselors serve as advocates for students with special education needs and are part of the child study team that helps determine eligibility.
What disabilities qualify a student for services under IDEA?
Intellectual disability, hearing or visual impairment, speech/language impairment, emotional disturbance, orthopedic impairment, autism, TBI, other health impairments, or specific learning disabilities.
What does FAPE mean under IDEA?
Free Appropriate Public Education—education tailored to meet individual needs and prepare students for higher education or employment.
What is an IEP according to IDEA?
Individualized Education Plan—a legal document outlining services, frequency, and learning goals for eligible students; reviewed and updated yearly.
What is the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) under IDEA?
A setting that allows students with disabilities to be educated with peers without disabilities as much as possible, with necessary supports.
What is the purpose of Section 504 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973?
To protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination and ensure equal access to services and opportunities in any federally funded program.
Who qualifies for protections under Section 504?
Individuals with a physical or psychological impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
What are examples of major life activities listed under Section 504?
Walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working, learning, performing manual tasks, and caring for oneself.
What is a 504 plan?
A document that outlines accommodations or supports a student with a disability will receive in school.
What are examples of accommodations provided under a 504 plan?
Ramps or elevators, extended time on tests, and the use of laptops for note-taking.
What is FERPA and when was it enacted?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, also known as the Buckley Amendment, was enacted in 1974 to protect the privacy of student education records.
Who must comply with FERPA?
Any educational institution receiving funding from the U.S. Department of Education. Private schools that do not receive such funding are not required to comply.
What rights does FERPA give to parents and eligible students?
The right to access and review educational records, request corrections, and control the disclosure of information.
What is considered an ‘educational record’ under FERPA?
Any document maintained by the school that relates to a student, such as attendance, grades, behavior, activities, and assessments.
When do FERPA rights transfer from the parent to the student?
When the student turns 18 or begins college, whichever comes first.
When can a school release student information without consent?
When disclosing directory information, such as name, address, date of birth, awards, and attendance dates—unless parents/students opt out.
What must schools do before releasing directory information?
Provide an annual notice informing students and parents of their right to withhold the release of directory information.
What are the consequences for schools that fail to comply with FERPA?
They may face punitive actions, including the potential loss of federal funding.
Are school counselors’ personal notes considered educational records under FERPA?
No. Personal notes kept separate and secure are confidential and not accessible to students or parents.
Can counseling case notes be part of an educational record?
Yes, depending on the state, general case notes may be considered part of the educational record and thus subject to FERPA.
What does HIPAA stand for and when was it passed?
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; passed in 1996 to protect the privacy of medical and mental health records.
When did health organizations need to be HIPAA-compliant?
By 2003.