President Signs Reauthorized IDEA

On December 3, 2004, the President signed the reauthorized IDEA into law. The signing ceremony was attended by members of Congress and officials from the Department of Education.

Most provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 will take effect on July 1, 2005.

Excerpts from the President's remarks at the signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act:

“America's schools educate over 6 million children with disabilities. In the past, those students were too often just shuffled through the system with little expectation that they could make significant progress or succeed like their fellow classmates. Children with disabilities deserve high hopes, high expectations, and extra help."

“In this bill, we're raising expectations for students. We're giving schools and parents the tools they need. We're applying the reforms of the No Child Left Behind Act to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act so schools are accountable for teaching every child."

"All students deserve excellent teachers. This law ensures that students with disabilities will have special education teachers with the skills and training to teach special education and their subject area."

“Some students with disabilities need intensive, individualized help. This law, for the first time, will support tutoring programs to help children in schools that need improvement."

“The people who care most about the students are the teachers and the parents who know their needs and know their names. So we're giving more flexibility and control over the students' education to parents and teachers and principals."

“All students in America can learn. That's what all of us believe. We have an obligation to make sure no child is left behind. I'm honored to sign the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004." Full text of President’s remarks.

Learn more about IDEA 2004.

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