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Special Education State and Federal Laws and Requirements

This section is dedicated to laws and requirement at the national and state levels that apply to working with, educating and supporting students with disabilities. Additionally, we have a section dedicated to dispute resolution. The links below offer information on dispute resolution options available to parents and school districts regarding disputes that may arise during the Special Education process. In addition to information on Mediation, Due Process Hearing requests, Administrative State Complaint Investigation requests, the links include information about Special Education laws and regulations.


The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) seeks to improve outcomes for children with disabilities and their families. OSEP ensures access to fair, equitable and high-quality education services. 

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes available a free and appropriate public education to eligible students with disabilities and ensures services to those students. 


Act 173 of 2018 is an act relating to enhancing the effectiveness, availability and equity of services provided to students who require additional support.

BEST/Act 230 - Designated implementation of evidence-based and promising practices that support positive school climate, student proficiency, and personalization within a tiered system of academic and behavioral supports to assist all students in working toward attainment of the standards as the priority area for use of FY18 Act 230 funds.

Policies and Procedures: Significant Disproportionality in Special Education - This memorandum provides policy and a description of methodology concerning the requirements in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) with respect to significant disproportionality.

Vermont State Board Rules The powers and duties of the Vermont State Board of Education include making regulations governing: attendance and records of attendance of all pupils, standards for student performance, adult basic education programs, approval of independent schools, disbursement of funds, and equal access for all Vermont students to a quality education.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) - WIOA is designed to strengthen and improve the nation’s public workforce development system by helping Americans with barriers to employment, including individuals with disabilities, achieve high quality careers and helping employers hire and retain skilled workers. Title IV of WIOA amended title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

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