June 10, 1996
FOR RELEASE:Immediately
Statement by Albert Shanker,
President of the American Federation of Teachers
on IDEA Reauthorization
The changes the House made today in the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA) will begin to untie teachers hands.  This legislation
promises teachers the help they need to deal with disabled students who are
chronically disruptive, violent, or who bring drugs or weapons to school.
It also includes an important provision that would permit general education
teachers to participate in each childs IEP, or individualized education plan.
Teacher input is crucial when deciding the most appropriate placement and
services  for disabled students.
The AFT is pleased that the bill also eliminates some of the current
incentives to litigate disputes unnecessarily.
Teachers, parents and the American public want high standards for achievement
and discipline.  The reauthorization of  IDEA will help that goal become a
reality by making it a more flexible and fairer law for all children in
public schools.
         (The Senate has yet to vote on the reauthorization.)
                               #  #  #
The American Federation of Teachers represents 900,000 teachers,
paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel, higher education
faculty, state and local government employees, and nurses and other health
professionals.
Chuck Beams
Fidonet - 1:2608/70
cbeams@future.dreamscape.com
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* UniQWK #5290* Do people rap on your head and say "Hello? Anybody home?"
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