As Congress begins work on updating the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) this spring, expect funding, vouchers, and discipline issues to emerge as major sticking points, according to a neat summary of the special ed debate appearing at Stateline.org. IDEA is said to be a top priority for Congress, and House and Senate staffers are aiming to complete legislation by the Easter recess, but observers say the timeframe is probably too optimistic. The White House has voiced its support for IDEA reform but is not expected to expend much political capital on getting this program revamped.
"Funding, vouchers to dominate special education debate," by Pamela Prah, Stateline.org, February 14, 2003