Angie Craig: “I introduce The Choice IDEA Act, which would reform the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA. The federal…”

“I introduce The Choice IDEA Act, which would reform the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA. The federal government began dealing with special education in the 1970's, and on the whole what has come to be known as IDEA had proven to be a remarkable success. Before federal legislation, many times a child with a disability received little or no education. And if the child did receive an education, it was often sub-standard. IDEA has undoubtedly been a success, and you will find no stronger champion of educating the disabled than I. However, the success of IDEA should not blind us to the problems it, in its current form, causes. These problems come up every time I meet with educators and education administrators from my state. When we sit down and discuss what we in the federal government can do for them, the discussion invariably turns to IDEA. These educators and school personnel want two things: full funding of the federal government's share of IDEA, like we promised back in the 1970's, and a reduction in paperwork. I have also talked to numerous parents about their experiences with IDEA. While many are happy with the current system, there are also many who are dissatisfied and who want more control and more choice over how their children are educated. Some of the stories I hear are truly incredible and illustrate the serious need for IDEA reform.”